Fraunhofer FEP researches cell-compatible OLEDs for use with patients

 

Cytocompatibility studies of OLEDs have been carried out on cell cultures for the first time at the Fraunhofer FEP (Dresden, Germany) to test how well OLEDs are tolerated by cells. The results offer promising prospects for the use of OLEDs in the medical field, such as in light therapy. The findings will be published in a white paper entitled "Preliminary cytocompatibility studies for encapsulated OLEDs" and likewise be presented at the 4th Industry Partners Day of the Fraunhofer FEP in Dresden on 28 September 2016.

Light therapy is an important means of promoting the healing of wounds. Difficult and protracted healing processes of the skin due to chronic and infected wounds present a challenge for treating physicians and can be positively affected by exposure to light. The Fraunhofer FEP in Dresden has years of experience researching processes, technologies, and applications for flexible OLEDs. In order to be able to employ these area light sources for potential medical applications though, any potential toxic effects caused by the constituent materials must be precluded.

Now for the first time, the cytocompatibility of flexible OLED systems has been evaluated in a pilot study. Dr Schönfelder, head of the Medical Applications Research Group at Fraunhofer FEP, recounts enthusiastically: “Even after electrical operation and exposure to mechanical loading by bending, no toxic substances are able to alter cells diffused from the OLEDs.” As a follow-on, studies on the influence of OLED light were conducted using in vitro cell cultures from the skin and the immune system suffering from specified damage. Initial results indicate effects of accelerated auto-recovery that could be the foundation for future therapeutic applications.

Division Director Dr Christian May in looking ahead remarks: “We need long-term studies yet to be able to guaranty cytocompatibility during exposure to OLED light. Safe electrical connections, power supplies, control circuitry, and component perimeter seals are important aspects that we are dedicating ourselves to – before direct application to the patient is allowed.”