Photoluminescent Hydrogel Platform for Bioimaging and Therapeutic Applications (Photoluminescent Hydrogel, Tech ID: 17‑010)
Technology Overview: This NJIT technology is a photoluminescent hydrogel that combines soft, biocompatible polymer networks with intrinsic light‑emitting properties. The hydrogel can be engineered to emit fluorescence under specific excitation wavelengths while maintaining favorable mechanical and biological characteristics. Its formulation supports tunable optical intensity, degradability, and mechanical strength, enabling integration into biomedical devices, biosensors, or tissue‑engineering systems. Unlike conventional fluorescent probes, the luminescent functionality is embedded directly within the hydrogel matrix, reducing the need for additional dyes or labels.
Industry Pain Point: Existing fluorescent materials often lack biocompatibility or mechanical suitability for soft biological environments.
NJIT Solution: This hydrogel delivers built‑in photoluminescence within a biocompatible, mechanically tunable matrix.
Key Features & Advantages
- Intrinsic photoluminescent properties
- Biocompatible and mechanically tunable
- Eliminates need for added fluorescent labels
- Suitable for imaging and therapeutic platforms
Development Stage: TRL 4–5 – Laboratory validation completed.
Target Markets
- Biomedical imaging
- Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
- Biosensors and diagnostics
Market Opportunity
- Global hydrogel market (2026): ~$18B
- CAGR: ~7–8%
- Projected market size (2035): ~$32–35B
Commercial & IP Details
Inventors: Yunghao Tsou, Xiaoyang Xu