News

Ablatom Deploys First Biomedical LIBS Microscope in Hospital Setting

• By John K. Waters
• 11/18/2024

French startup Ablatom, a specialist in laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technology, has announced the deployment of the world's first biomedical LIBS microscope, ELM-XS-MED, at the Grenoble Alpes University Hospital (CHUGA). This technology, designed to analyze patient biopsies, promises to revolutionize diagnostics and enhance research into diseases such as cancer.

The LIBS microscope, a fully optical and contactless device, was designed to enable rapid chemical analysis of human tissues, paving the way for faster and more accurate identification of toxic agents and molecular abnormalities. This innovation represents a major leap in biomedical research and patient care.

Ablatom, founded in 2017 by Dr. Vincent Motto-Ros and Dr. Florian Trichard, specializes in LIBS technology, which uses laser pulses to create plasma from material samples. By analyzing the emitted light, the system maps the chemical composition of the sample in milliseconds. While LIBS has seen applications across industries such as energy, metallurgy, and recycling, Ablatom’s biomedical adaptation positions it as a leader in medical diagnostics.

The Grenoble deployment builds on Ablatom’s earlier success with the ELM-XS-I microscope, which has been used in industrial research to analyze materials like batteries and catalysts. The introduction of ELM-XS-MED to a clinical setting reflects the company's commitment to addressing societal challenges through disruptive technology.

"This deployment aligns with our mission to provide innovative analytical solutions to major health issues," said Florian Trichard, President of Ablatom, in a statement. "By adapting LIBS for healthcare, we aim to transform diagnostics and enable groundbreaking research in areas like oncology, pulmonology, and dermatology."

The LIBS microscope at CHUGA was acquired by Université Grenoble Alpes and is now operational in several research projects. These include studying the effects of environmental toxins, advancing nanoparticle-based medical treatments, and exploring the elemental composition of tissues affected by chronic diseases.

Professor Benoit Busser of Université Grenoble Alpes and CHUGA, who led the project alongside CNRS researcher Dr. Lucie Sancey and Ablatom co-founder Dr. Motto-Ros, hailed the technology as a transformative tool for medical research.

"The ability to perform detailed elemental analysis directly on biological tissues in a hospital setting is unprecedented," Busser said in a statement. "This collaboration between Ablatom and our academic institutions underscores the power of combining research and innovation to address real-world health challenges."

LIBS technology stands out for its speed and versatility. A laser pulse samples material, creating a plasma whose emissions are analyzed to identify and quantify chemical elements. Key advantages include:

• Rapid, contactless analysis
• Detection of light and trace elements
• Large-scale chemical mapping at cellular resolution

These capabilities enable LIBS to detect both natural and foreign elements in tissues, offering new insights into disease mechanisms and improving diagnostics for environmental exposures.

The installation at CHUGA strengthens France’s position as a global leader in medical technology. With over 11,500 healthcare professionals, CHUGA is one of the country’s largest and most advanced hospitals, known for its focus on oncology, rare diseases, and cutting-edge research.
The deployment also highlights the successful synergy between academic research and industrial innovation. Ablatom’s collaboration with Université Grenoble Alpes and CHUGA exemplifies the potential of partnerships to drive impactful advancements in healthcare.

With the ELM-XS-MED now operational, Ablatom plans to expand LIBS technology further, addressing challenges in healthcare, energy, and critical resource management. The company’s focus on disruptive analytical tools reflects its vision of advancing diagnostics and research to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world.

As LIBS technology gains traction in clinical settings, its applications in diagnosing diseases, developing therapies, and improving patient care are expected to grow, ushering in a new era of precision medicine.