Bionirs: revolutionizing breast cancer diagnosis with infrared light
El dispositivo MamoRef elimina la compresión mamaria y utiliza luz roja e infrarroja para obtener imágenes metabólicas seguras y precisas.
The Argentine company Bionirs, created within CONICET, is leading an innovative solution for the early diagnosis of breast cancer. Its technology, based on infrared light, promises greater accuracy and safety compared to traditional methods.
Bionirs, founded from research led by Nicolás Carbone, a CONICET researcher, is developing a mammograph called MamoRef, which uses red and infrared light instead of ionizing radiation. This advancement eliminates the need for breast compression, making the procedure less invasive and more comfortable.
Bionirs’ proposal addresses the limitations of current methods, such as X-ray mammography, which does not always determine whether a lesion is malignant, leading to uncertain diagnoses and unnecessary biopsies. Studies show that between 60% and 80% of biopsies performed after mammograms are negative, resulting in significant emotional and financial strain. With MamoRef, the goal is to provide detailed images of tissue metabolism, reducing false positives and negatives and improving patients’ experience.
The design of this device reflects an interdisciplinary approach, integrating physics, medicine, and biotechnology. Thanks to its ability to evaluate tumor metabolic activity, it could also optimize treatment monitoring, allowing doctors to adjust therapeutic strategies in real time.
Development and impact of Bionirs in biomedical technology
Bionirs was born as an idea within the Biomedical Optics group at the Research Center in Physics and Engineering of the Center of the Province of Buenos Aires (CIFICEN). In 2019, after receiving support from the Center for Technological, Business and Social Innovation (CITES), the company consolidated its business model. Despite the challenges imposed by the pandemic in 2020, Bionirs advanced in the development of prototypes and initial clinical validations.
MamoRef represents not only a scientific breakthrough, but also an accessible tool. Its low cost could democratize access to quality diagnostics, particularly in regions with limited resources. This is crucial in the context of breast cancer, which affects one in eight women during their lifetime.
In tests conducted at the Private Hospital of the Community in Mar del Plata and other medical centers, the results have been promising, reinforcing hope that this technology may soon be approved and commercialized.
Innovation with global impact
Bionirs’ vision transcends borders, proposing a replicable model for other scientific startups in Argentina and around the world. According to Nicolás Tognalli from CITES, the key to success lies in leveraging local scientific capabilities and adapting them to a business ecosystem.
The technology developed by Bionirs stands out in a sector where early diagnosis is essential to increase survival rates. By prioritizing safety, accessibility, and accuracy, the company not only promises to transform breast cancer detection but also to inspire new applications of infrared light in medicine.
In a context where traditional methods face criticism for their invasiveness and limitations, initiatives like MamoRef are essential to redefine health standards. Backed by its interdisciplinary team and a patient-centered approach, Bionirs positions itself as a benchmark in global biomedical innovation.
