Laser Research Centre

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Introduction to the Laser Research Centre (LRC)

The Laser Research Centre (LRC), housed within the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Johannesburg, is a pioneering research entity dedicated to advancing laser-based technologies in health and biomedicine. The centre focuses on basic experimental science, driving foundational knowledge in light-tissue interactions and applying this to address real-world healthcare challenges.

Our research portfolio is anchored in Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), including phyto-based PDT, and extends to wound healing, stem cell therapy, and photobiomodulation (PBM). A significant emphasis is placed on understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underpinning these therapies, using both traditional two-dimensional and advanced three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models.

The LRC’s expanding scope includes investigations into cancer stem cells, adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), organoid development, and personalised medicine strategies. These projects are underpinned by a strong commitment to rigorous experimentation, innovation, and translational potential.

We are home to a multidisciplinary team of scientists, postgraduate students, and postdoctoral fellows working collaboratively on high-impact research aligned with national health priorities and global Sustainable Development Goals. In addition to our academic outputs, the LRC is deeply engaged in science communication, community upliftment, and international collaboration, contributing meaningfully to both scientific advancement and societal well-being.

Research Focus

The Laser Research Centre (LRC) conducts basic experimental research in biomedical photonics, with a primary focus on irradiation-based therapies using laser and light technologies. Our investigations are supported by both two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cultures and advanced three-dimensional (3D) cell culture systems, allowing us to model biological processes with increasing physiological relevance. A core objective across all research areas is to elucidate underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms, particularly those involving key cell signalling pathways.

Our four main niche areas are:

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

We investigate the use of light-activated photosensitisers (PS) for the selective destruction of diseased or malignant cells, focusing on cancer diagnosis and treatment. Research includes optimisation of PS dosage, targeted delivery systems, and exploration of mechanistic pathways such as oxidative stress, apoptosis, and immunogenic cell death. Both 2D cancer monolayers and 3D tumour models are utilised to evaluate therapeutic responses and translational potential.

Phyto-based Photodynamic Therapy (Phyto-PDT)

This niche focuses on the identification and evaluation of plant-derived bioactive compounds as natural photosensitisers. Studies assess their photodynamic efficacy, cytotoxicity, and synergistic potential when combined with laser irradiation. The effects of these agents are explored in 2D and 3D models of breast, lung, cervical, colorectal, and melanoma cancer cells, with particular emphasis on molecular signalling cascades involved in cell death and oxidative stress responses.

Wound Healing

Research in this area explores the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) on wound repair mechanisms, especially within diabetic models. PBM is applied using specific laser or LED parameters to investigate outcomes such as fibroblast migration, angiogenesis, and collagen synthesis. Experiments are conducted in both 2D monolayer cultures and 3D skin equivalents, with an emphasis on understanding signal transduction pathways such as TGF-β, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt involved in tissue regeneration.

Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine

This niche investigates the influence of PBM and growth factors on adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs). Research aims to optimise conditions for enhancing viability, proliferation, and differentiation into functionally relevant cell types, including neurons, smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, and insulin-producing β-cells. Both 2D cultures and 3D hydrogel/organoid systems are used to examine how cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions, together with signalling networks, drive lineage specification and regenerative potential.

Centre Composition and International Engagement

The Laser Research Centre (LRC) comprises a dynamic and multidisciplinary team of five academic staff members, all of whom are NRF-rated researchers, supported by one administrative assistant. The team is further enriched by the contributions of several visiting professors, research collaborators, and a strong cohort of postdoctoral fellows, doctoral candidates, and master’s students.

Over the past decade, the LRC has produced a robust body of peer-reviewed research, particularly in the fields of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for cancer, wound healing using photobiomodulation (PBM), and stem cell differentiation enhanced by light-based technologies. These outputs have significantly advanced the field of laser-based biomedical research, both locally and internationally.

A key institutional milestone includes the awarding of the South African Research Chair in Laser Applications in Health to Prof. Heidi Abrahamse in 2016. The Chair, part of the prestigious South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) established by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and administered by the National Research Foundation (NRF), was officially conferred by Minister Naledi Pandor and upgraded to Tier 1 status (2021–2025) in recognition of sustained research leadership and excellence.

International Conferences, Workshops, and Public Engagements

The LRC has a strong legacy of hosting high-impact events that promote scientific collaboration, public education, and innovation in laser applications for health:

  • 2008 – Hosted the first World Association of Laser Therapy (WALT) conference on the African continent, attended by 190 delegates from 28 countries.
  • 2012 – Co-hosted a PDT Conference with the African Laser Centre (ALC) and DST as part of the Germany/South Africa Year of Science.
  • 2015 – Facilitated an international workshop on Mechanisms, Applications and Clinical Training in Photobiomodulation, attended by students, clinicians, and industry leaders.
  • 2016 – Presented a public lecture by Prof. Michael Hamblin (Harvard Medical School) titled “Can all diseases be treated with light?”, along with a PBM training course by Mr. James Carroll (CEO, Thor Photomedicine).
  • 2017 – Hosted a faculty lecture titled “Bioprospecting of Medicinal Plants for Human Welfare”, presented by Prof. Parimelazhagan Thangaraj (Bharathiar University, India).
  • 2019 – Organised the International Symposium on Biophotonics in Cancer, in partnership with the ALC, attracting over 150 participants. Additional 2019 engagements included:
    • A public lecture by Prof. Luis Arnaut (University of Coimbra, Portugal; President of the International Photodynamic Association) on “Photodynamic Therapy: A Contribution to Sustainable, High-Quality Healthcare Systems.”
    • A faculty seminar by Dr. Rajan (Madurai Kamaraj University, India) on “Multi-functional Biocompatible Scaffold Materials for Tissue Engineering Applications.”
  • 2021 – Delivered a virtual public lecture titled “Microbial Disinfection with Pulsed Blue Light”, presented by Prof. Chukuka S. Enwemeka (San Diego State University, USA), with participation from over 50 academic and public attendees.

Upcoming 2025 Symposium

Continuing its legacy of thought leadership, the LRC will host a 2-day international symposium titled:

“ADVANCES IN BIOPHOTONICS AND DRUG DEVELOPMENT: From Basic Mechanisms to Clinical Applications”
Date: 19–20 August 2025

This high-level event will bring together global experts to explore cutting-edge developments in biophotonics and therapeutic innovation. It is proudly supported by our Principal Sponsor, the CSIR Photonics Centre / DSTI ALC Training Grant, through the ALC Training Programme.

This symposium reaffirms the LRC’s commitment to advancing translational science, fostering global collaboration, and training future leaders in health-focused photonics.

Contact Details:

Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg

Postal Address: P.O. Box 17011, Doornfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa, 2028

Tel: 27 11 559-6550/6926