Developing fluorescent coatings to reveal surgical instruments through tissue
Minimally invasive surgery limits surgeons' sense of touch and direct view of the operating site. They rely on video imaging to guide instruments through small incisions, making visibility and precise instrument location important challenges during surgery.
AstraNICE develops a near-infrared fluorescent coating for surgical equipment manufacturers. Applied to instruments such as clips and catheters, it makes them visible through tissue using fluorescence imaging to help surgeons locate them during procedures.
What stands out about AstraNICE
NICE-coated medical devices were validated for image-guided surgery in porcine and human cadaver models in published research.
AstraNICE reports a 2025 capital opening to surgical experts and the FORCE Foundation.
SATT reports Bpifrance support through pre-creation financing and a French Tech grant for the AstraNICE venture.
Co-founder Michele Diana is a surgeon scientist at Geneva University Hospitals, working on new surgical technologies.
Co-founder Andrey Klymchenko is a CNRS research director whose work includes fluorescent molecules and bioimaging materials.
AstraNICE co-founder John Volke also co-founded BrightSens Diagnostics.
AstraNICE was incubated at Quest for Health in Strasbourg, as confirmed by SATT's launch announcement and the incubator listing.
AstraNICE emerged from CNRS–University of Strasbourg bioimaging research, with SATT Conectus supporting its creation.
Co-founder Andrey Klymchenko also co-founded BrightSens Diagnostics, developing fluorescent diagnostic technologies.
Co-founder Andrey Klymchenko received the CNRS Silver Medal in 2026 for his research on fluorescent probes and materials.
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