James R. Hands, Ph.D.

James leverages his diverse background in analytical chemistry, biomedical spectroscopy, microfluidics, and medical devices to assist clients in drafting and prosecuting patent applications.

James’ doctoral research focused on biomedical spectroscopy, aiming to improve human disease outcomes through early detection using vibrational spectroscopic techniques, primarily attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. His research explored light-matter interactions between blood serum and infrared spectroscopy to develop a rapid point-of-care test for brain tumors and other malignancies, specifically glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and metastatic tumors. During graduate school, he collaborated closely with neurosurgeons and healthcare teams, bridging the gap between applied chemistry and clinical practice.

Following his Ph.D., James conducted postdoctoral research at Harvard Medical School and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). His work included:

• Designing and assembling microfluidic chips with integrated photonic structures for continuous flow measurements in the nanoliter-per-minute range
• Integrating organoids and organ-on-a-chip devices to chemically analyze metabolized targets
• Fabricating nanostructures using cleanroom photolithography techniques to non-destructively manipulate nanobioparticles and exosomes for photonic analyses
• Supporting the development of surgical medical devices to optically detect esophageal and pancreatic diseases in vivo

Beyond research, he has contributed to generating in vivo and ex vivo preclinical data supporting FDA 510(k) submissions for novel medical devices, particularly in wound care, continence, and diabetic infusion care. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor in the College of Science at Northeastern University.

James has authored and co-authored peer-reviewed articles in journals, such as Analytical Chemistry, Analyst, Journal of Biophotonics, Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, Journal of Neuro-Oncology, Continence, and Forensic Science International.