Research Interests:
Biophotonics, Biosensing, Implantable medical device, Remote monitoring
With over two decades of medical practice and biomedical engineering research, Dr. Shadgan has developed specific knowledge in clinical biophotonics and wearable and implantable electro-optical biosensing techniques. Dr. Shadgan’s research domains follow a unique integrated transitional bedside-to-bench and bench-to-bedside approach. His current research focuses on designing and developing transcutaneous and implantable biosensors, and interventions for continuous monitoring of skeletal muscles, the spinal cord, free tissue flaps, transplants, internal organ hemodynamics, metabolism, and function targeted treatment delivery.
Among photonics techniques, Dr. Shadgan, has the expertise and a particular interest in the development and application of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in clinical settings. NIRS works by transmitting light energy (photons) in the near-infrared spectrum (wavelengths ~ 650-1000 nm) into living tissue, then monitoring the absorption of photons by the molecules in the tissue that gives it colour. NIRS can track changes in oxygen supply, consumption and demand in tissues, and it is non-invasive, which means that it doesn’t damage or distract the tissue. NIRS can be used to measure changes in the amount of oxygen and blood entering tissues in real-time. When using different wavelengths of light and varying distances from the tissue, NIRS can also measure the ratio of oxygenated blood to total blood in the tissue, known as tissue oxygenation index (TOI%). This index is important in clinical settings because it does not need to be compared to other measures to provide rapid, real-time information on the oxygen level in tissues. Analysis of NIRS signals can also provide useful information about other properties of tissues. This is especially important in the acute phase of injuries or post-surgery recovery time. A good example is when a lack of blood flow and oxygen in the spinal cord following an acute spinal cord injury (SCI) can cause further damage. Improving blood flow and oxygenation of the spinal cord in the acute stage of spinal cord injury can prevent a significant degree of neural damage, thus mitigating the health conditions that the SCI causes.
Dr. Shadgan is determined to use his research program, funded by an MSFHR Scholar Award in 2018, to make discoveries that improve the quality of life for people with SCI.
