Optical & Photonic Biosensing

From Light-Based Measurement to Certified Medical Products

At 2M Engineering, we design and develop optical and photonic biosensing systems that translate light–matter interactions into reliable, clinically and industrially relevant data.

Our strength lies not in isolated optical components, but in end-to-end photonic sensing solutions: from optical principles and sensor design to embedded electronics, algorithms, certification and scalable production.

Platelet Counter Point of Care Device optical biosensors

Why Photonics in Biosensing

Optical and photonic sensing technologies enable non-contact, highly sensitive and selective measurements that are difficult or impossible to achieve with conventional electrical sensors.

They are particularly powerful for:

  • biomarker detection and cell analysis
  • tissue characterization
  • spectroscopy-based diagnostics
  • miniaturized point-of-care devices
  • integration into wearable and portable systems

2M Engineering bridges the gap between advanced photonics research and robust, manufacturable products.

Core Photonic & Optical Technologies

We work across a broad range of photonic sensing principles, including:

  • lasers (single- and multi-wavelength)
  • LEDs and structured illumination
  • photodiodes and camera-based detection
  • optical fibers and fiber-based sensing
  • fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy
  • Raman spectroscopy and advanced variants
  • optical imaging and scanning systems

These technologies are combined with:

  • precision mechatronics
  • custom electronics and readout chains
  • embedded processing and image analysis algorithms
Fluorescence imaging techniques for detection of oral cancer

Optical Biosensing for Point-of-Care & Wearables

Photonics plays a key role in the shift towards decentralized healthcare.

2M Engineering develops optical biosensing solutions for:

  • point-of-care diagnostic devices
  • compact laboratory-grade instruments
  • wearable and portable medical devices

Our systems are designed for:

  • high signal quality in real-world use
  • minimal user interaction
  • fast and reliable measurements
  • compliance with medical device regulations

Biomarker & Cell Analysis Using Photonics

A core application area is optical biomarker detection in blood and bodily fluids.

Using fluorescence labeling, optical scanning and smart feature extraction, we enable:

  • selective detection of specific cell populations
  • quantitative analysis with small sample volumes
  • fast turnaround times suitable for PoC use

This approach is exemplified by platforms such as the PC100 Platelet Counter, and forms the basis for next-generation biomarker devices currently under development.

Beyond Healthcare: Industrial & Environmental Photonics

Our optical sensing expertise also extends beyond medical applications.

Industrial & Environmental Monitoring

Photonics enables:

  • non-contact measurements in harsh environments
  • long-distance and distributed sensing
  • detection of gases, fluids and contaminants

We develop optical and fiber-based sensors for:

  • condition monitoring
  • leakage detection
  • infrastructure and utility networks

Dual-Use Technologies

Many photonic sensing principles developed for medical diagnostics are equally relevant for:

  • industrial inspection
  • safety and monitoring
  • defence and security applications

Application-Driven System Design

At 2M Engineering, the application leads the technology.

Rather than starting from a photonic technique, we begin by understanding:

  • the measurement problem
  • the user and usage context
  • accuracy and robustness requirements
  • regulatory and certification constraints

From there, we design a complete optical sensing system that works outside the lab.

From Research to Market-Ready Products

Our optical biosensing projects typically follow a structured path:

Research & Feasibility

evaluation of sensing principles

proof-of-concept demonstrators

feasibility studies and risk analysis

System Design & Prototyping

optical, mechanical and electronic design

algorithm and image processing development

rapid prototyping and iteration

Testing, Validation & Certification

performance validation

EMC, safety and biocompatibility testing

medical (CE-IVD, MDR) or industrial certification

Industrialisation & Production

design for manufacturing

small to medium series production

transfer to larger-scale manufacturing if required

Why 2M Engineering

Clients work with 2M because we offer:

  • deep expertise in both photonics and product engineering
  • ability to integrate optics into compact, reliable devices
  • experience with medical and industrial certification
  • in-house ISO 13485 production capabilities
  • a track record of turning research into real products

Selected Optical & Photonic Biosensing Projects

Our portfolio includes:

  • point-of-care cell and biomarker counters
  • fluorescence-based cancer detection systems
  • photonic diagnostic platforms for cardiovascular research
  • fiber-optic sensors for industrial infrastructure
  • hybrid systems combining photonics with fluidics and mechanics

→ View optical & photonic biosensing projects

Let’s Explore Your Optical Sensing Challenge

If you are developing an optical or photonic biosensing application — medical, industrial or dual-use — we are happy to explore how to translate your idea into a robust, certified product.

→ Contact 2M Engineering

Optical & Photonic Biosensing Projects

Point of Care Platelet/Thrombocyte Counter

PC100 – Platelet Counter The PC100 Platelet Counter is a highly portable point-of-care device that accurately counts cells (platelets /…

Point of Care Biomarkers

Improving regenerative cardiovascular care with innovative point-of-care measuring instrument The measurement of activated platelets using photonics About 25% of annual…

Fluorescence imaging

Light-Based Imaging Platforms for Early Cancer Detection Fluorescence imaging is a powerful, non-invasive technique for detecting subtle biochemical and structural…

Laser-Based Diagnostics & Bio-Photonic Imaging

Advanced Photonic Systems for Real-Time Cancer Assessment At 2M Engineering, we design and develop laser-based diagnostic systems that enable real-time, in-vivo assessment…

Fiber Optic Sensing Platform

Continuous leakage detection & condition monitoring for gas, water and hydrogen infrastructures 2M Engineering develops OEM-ready fiber optic sensing platforms for continuous…

Sample Preparation & Microfluidics

Automated Blood Processing Systems for Regenerative & Diagnostic Applications At 2M Engineering, we develop automated sample preparation and microfluidic systems that transform…