A neuromodulation device based on photoelectric effect

Abstract

The application provides a nerve regulation device based on photoelectric effect, comprising a transparent embedding plate, a photoelectric conversion material layer arranged on the inner surface of the transparent embedding plate, and a focused laser system, the transparent embedding plate adopts a profiled structure of at least a part of a skull, the focused laser system provides a regulation light signal to the transparent embedding plate, and the photoelectric conversion material layer is used for converting the regulation light signal into an electric signal. The nerve regulation device of the application generates a photoelectric current after absorbing laser by the photoelectric conversion material, and the photoelectric conversion material layer only contacts the surface of the cerebral cortex, without being implanted into the brain, thereby combining the advantages of electric stimulation and light regulation, and through semi-invasive light-to-electricity stimulation, the range of nerve regulation is significantly improved by improving the signal penetration depth, and the problem of significant brain tissue damage caused by the traditional method is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of neuromodulation technology, and more particularly to a neuromodulation device based on the photoelectric effect. Specifically, this invention relates to the fields of neuroscience, materials science, and biomedical engineering, aiming to achieve precise regulation of neuronal activity through advanced photoelectric conversion technology, and to provide a technical solution with broad application prospects in neurological research and clinical treatment. Background Technology

[0002] Existing neuromodulation techniques mainly include two methods: electrical stimulation and photomodulation. Electrical stimulation achieves modulation by directly applying electrical signals to the nervous system, and its advantage lies in its ability to quickly and precisely control neural activity. However, electrical stimulation usually requires the implantation of electrodes, which can cause significant damage to brain tissue. Furthermore, it places strict requirements on the biocompatibility and long-term in vivo stability of the electrodes, leading to complex surgery and low patient acceptance. In addition, the stimulation range is limited to the vicinity of the electrode implantation area, resulting in a limited modulatory range.

[0003] In contrast, photomodulation technology uses light of specific wavelengths to activate or inhibit neuronal activity, offering advantages such as non-invasiveness, minimal trauma, and high spatial resolution. However, the main drawback of photomodulation technology is the poor penetration of short-wavelength light signals, requiring the implantation of optical fibers into specific brain regions to minimize light loss. Furthermore, fiber implantation can cause brain tissue damage similar to that caused by electrodes in electrical stimulation, and the range of photomodulation is limited.

[0004] In the field of neuromodulation, existing technologies suffer from the following main problems:

[0005] 1. Risks of Invasive Procedures: Electrical stimulation methods require the implantation of electrodes to directly apply electrical signals to the nervous system for modulation. This method not only places high demands on the quality and durability of the electrodes, but also, due to the invasive nature of surgical implantation, inevitably causes damage to brain tissue, increasing the risk of infection and other complications. Patient acceptance is low, and the surgery is complex with a long recovery period.

[0006] 2. Penetration Limitations of Optical Modulation Methods: Optical modulation techniques utilize light of specific wavelengths to activate or inhibit neuronal activity, offering advantages such as non-invasiveness and high spatial resolution. However, short-wavelength light has poor penetration, typically requiring the implantation of optical fibers to minimize incident light loss. The implantation of optical fibers can also damage brain tissue, leading to problems similar to those encountered with electrical stimulation methods, hindering its widespread clinical application.

[0007] 3. Limitations of existing materials and technologies: Although photoelectric materials have been applied in the field of photoelectric conversion, effectively forming a stable neuromodulation device based on these materials remains a challenge. Furthermore, ensuring the stability and safety of photoelectric conversion materials in vivo, and precisely controlling the transmission of light and electrical signals, are also urgent problems to be solved.

[0008] 4. System Integration and Operational Complexity: Existing photoelectric conversion systems often suffer from deficiencies in the integration of materials and equipment, failing to form a highly efficient, stable, and easy-to-operate overall system. This not only affects the effectiveness of neuromodulation but also increases operational complexity and experimental uncertainty. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide a neuromodulation device based on the photoelectric effect, which significantly improves the range of neuromodulation while reducing the problem of significant brain tissue damage caused by traditional methods.

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a neuromodulation device based on the photoelectric effect, comprising a transparent embedded plate, a photoelectric conversion material layer disposed on the inner surface of the transparent embedded plate, and a focused laser system. The transparent embedded plate adopts a shape-mimicking structure of at least a portion of the skull, the focused laser system is configured to provide a modulation light signal to the transparent embedded plate, and the photoelectric conversion material layer is used to convert the modulation light signal into an electrical signal.

[0011] The photoelectric conversion material layer is grown directly on the inner surface of the transparent embedded plate; the material of the photoelectric conversion material layer includes photoelectric conversion materials that can be hydrothermally synthesized, or metal oxides that can be oxidized at high temperatures.

[0012] The photoelectric conversion material layer is made of one or more semiconductor materials that have a photovoltaic effect in the near-infrared band; and / or the photoelectric conversion material layer is based on a metal oxide semiconductor and modified with materials to improve conductivity.

[0013] The transparent insert plate is embedded in the skull of the organism during use.

[0014] The transparent embedded plate is made of conductive glass, ordinary quartz glass, or acrylic; and / or a growth substrate is provided between the transparent embedded plate and the photoelectric conversion material layer, wherein the growth substrate is polyimide, PDMS, or PET.

[0015] The focused laser system has a light outlet for emitting a modulated light signal. The light outlet is fixedly mounted on the outer surface of the transparent embedded plate, or spaced apart from the transparent embedded plate and facing each other.

[0016] The focused laser system includes laser sources and optical fibers connected to each other.

[0017] The focused laser system further includes a spot focusing device connected to an optical fiber, wherein the number of optical fibers is one or more, and each optical fiber can only correspond to one spot focusing device; and / or the focused laser system further includes an optical path fine-tuning device.

[0018] The laser source is connected to a control planning module, which includes: a laser source planning module, configured to: pre-plan and determine the output parameters of the control light signal of the laser source according to the control target before using the non-invasive neuromodulation device; the output parameters of the control light signal include, for example, at least one of laser illuminance, laser power, frequency, irradiation time, and laser pulse width; and a laser source control module, configured to: drive the laser source to work according to the output parameters of the control light signal provided by the laser source planning module when the non-invasive neuromodulation device is working.

[0019] The focused laser system further includes an optical path fine-tuning device, and the control planning module further includes: an optical path fine-tuning device planning module, which is configured to: pre-plan and determine the position parameters of the focused light point according to the control target before using the non-invasive neuromodulation device; and an optical path fine-tuning device control module, which is configured to: drive the optical path fine-tuning device to work according to the position parameters of the focused light point provided by the optical path fine-tuning device planning module when the non-invasive neuromodulation device is working.

[0020] The photoelectric effect-based neuromodulation device of the present invention generates photocurrent by absorbing laser light through photoelectric conversion material. The photoelectric conversion material layer only contacts the surface of the cerebral cortex and does not need to be implanted inside the brain. It combines the advantages of electrical stimulation and photomodulation. Through semi-invasive photo-to-electric stimulation, it significantly improves the range of neuromodulation by increasing the signal penetration depth, while reducing the problem of significant brain tissue damage caused by traditional methods. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is an overall structural diagram of a photoelectric effect-based neural modulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 For example Figure 1 The diagram shows the positions of a transparent embedded plate and a photoelectric conversion material layer in a neuromodulation device based on the photoelectric effect. Detailed Implementation

[0023] like Figure 1 and Figure 2The diagram illustrates a photoelectric effect-based neuromodulation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It includes a transparent embedded plate 10, a photoelectric conversion material layer 20 disposed on the inner surface of the transparent embedded plate 10, and a focused laser system. The transparent embedded plate 10 employs a contoured structure of at least a portion of the skull to replace at least a portion of the removed skull covering the outer surface of neural tissue, such as the cerebral cortex. The focused laser system is configured to provide a modulation light signal to the transparent embedded plate 10, and the photoelectric conversion material layer 20 is used to convert the modulation light signal into an electrical signal.

[0024] (a) Photoelectric conversion material layer 20:

[0025] like Figure 2 As shown, in this invention, the photoelectric conversion material layer 20 is grown directly on the inner surface of the transparent embedded plate 10. Since the photoelectric conversion material layer 20 is grown on the transparent embedded plate 10, and the transparent embedded plate 10 covers the surface of the cerebral cortex...

[0026] The photoelectric conversion material layer 20 is made of photoelectric conversion materials that can be synthesized hydrothermally, or metal oxides that can be oxidized at high temperatures, such as metal oxides of copper, titanium, and zinc. Considering that the transparent embedded plate 10 is suitable for growing materials using a hydrothermal method, the photoelectric conversion material layer 20 can be grown in situ and directionally on the transparent embedded plate 10 using a hydrothermal method.

[0027] The photoelectric conversion material layer 20 possesses high photoelectric conversion efficiency, effectively converting controlled light into electrical signals. Preferably, the photoelectric conversion material layer 20 is made of one or more semiconductor materials exhibiting photovoltaic effects in the near-infrared band, ensuring flexibility and applicability in various application scenarios. The maximum wavelength of the input light to the photoelectric conversion material layer 20 is between 780nm and 2526nm. Thus, after the photoelectric conversion material absorbs near-infrared light, under the photoelectric effect, the semiconductor material absorbs photon energy to generate electron-hole pairs, thereby achieving photoelectric conversion.

[0028] Preferably, the photoelectric conversion material layer 20 is based on a metal oxide semiconductor substrate, and on this substrate, materials for improving conductivity, such as gold nanoparticles, upconversion nanoparticles, etc., can be modified. Thus, the photoelectric conversion material layer 20 can be modified with other materials by doping, surface gold plating, etc., to improve its conductivity, increase its photoelectric conversion efficiency, form current, and stimulate the skin layer.

[0029] The current intensity generated by the photoelectric material needs to be in the range of one nanoampere to hundreds of milliamperes to ensure effective depolarization of neurons and generation of action potentials.

[0030] (II) Transparent Embedded Panel 10:

[0031] The transparent embedded plate 10 adopts a shape-mimicking structure of at least a portion of the skull, which is configured to be embedded in the skull of an organism during use, in order to replace at least a portion of the skull covering the outer side of neural tissue such as the cerebral cortex.

[0032] In this embodiment, the transparent embedded plate 10 is made of conductive glass; in other embodiments, the transparent embedded plate 10 may also be made of ordinary quartz glass, acrylic or other transparent and light-transmitting materials, in addition to conductive glass.

[0033] In addition, a growth substrate can be provided between the transparent embedded plate 10 and the photoelectric conversion material layer 20. The growth substrate can be polyimide, PDMS or PET, so that the photoelectric conversion material layer 20 is grown directly on the surface of the growth substrate, rather than on the surface of the non-conductive glass, in order to reduce defects.

[0034] (III) Focused Laser System:

[0035] Please see again Figure 1 The focused laser system is configured to provide a control light signal to the transparent embedded plate 10.

[0036] The focused laser system has a light outlet for emitting a control light signal. The light outlet is fixedly mounted on the outer surface of the transparent embedded plate 10, or spaced apart from and directly opposite the transparent embedded plate 10. Thus, the photoelectric conversion material layer 20 can acquire the control light from the focused laser system and transmitted through the transparent embedded plate 10.

[0037] In this embodiment, the focused laser system includes a laser source 31, an optical fiber 32, and a beam focusing device 33 connected in sequence, so that the emitting surface of the beam focusing device 33 serves as the light outlet of the focused laser system.

[0038] The function of optical fiber 32 is to transmit the laser generated by laser source 31 to spot focusing device 33. There can be one or more optical fibers, and each optical fiber 32 can only correspond to one spot focusing device 33, thus forming only one focused spot.

[0039] The light spot focusing device 33 can be, for example, a collimator, a focuser, etc. The light spot focusing device 33 is configured to focus the laser beam to produce a focused light spot that shines directly onto a designated position on the transparent embedded plate 10, thereby precisely illuminating a specific brain region to achieve whole-brain illumination and neuromodulation.

[0040] The focused laser system may also include optical path fine-tuning devices such as MEMS microarrays to change the position of the focused spot, thereby achieving spot position control. The optical path fine-tuning device can be located inside the spot focusing device 33, or between the optical outlet of the focused laser system and the spot focusing device 33. Optical path fine-tuning devices such as MEMS microarrays are mature commercial products.

[0041] In other embodiments, the light spot focusing device 33 may be omitted, so that the end of the optical fiber 32 is directly used as the light outlet of the focused laser system.

[0042] The laser source 31 employs a light source with maximum power near the absorption peak of the photoelectric conversion material layer 20. Furthermore, the laser source 31 can provide modulated optical signals covering a wide wavelength range, such as light from the blue light band to the infrared band.

[0043] The laser source 31 is connected to a modulation planning module (not shown) to obtain a neuromodulation planning scheme based on the modulation target before the photoelectric effect-based neuromodulation device of the present invention is used. Therefore, the non-invasive neuromodulation device of the present invention can directly drive the laser source 31 to work according to the neuromodulation planning scheme during use, achieving precise control of the output parameters of the modulation optical signal. In some embodiments, the non-invasive neuromodulation device can also directly drive the optical path fine-tuning device to work according to the neuromodulation planning scheme during use, thereby achieving precise control of the position parameters of the focused light point.

[0044] The regulation target includes at least one neural tissue region that needs to be regulated, and the neural regulation planning scheme includes at least one of the following: (1) the output parameters of the regulation light signal of the laser source 31, such as laser illuminance, frequency and irradiation time; (2) the position parameters of the focused light point adjusted by the optical path fine-tuning device, wherein the position parameters of the focused light point correspond to different brain regions.

[0045] The regulation and planning module includes:

[0046] The laser source planning module is configured to: pre-plan and determine the output parameters of the control light signal of the laser source 31 according to the control target before using the non-invasive neuromodulation device; the output parameters of the control light signal include, for example, at least one of laser illuminance, laser power, frequency, irradiation time, and laser pulse width; and

[0047] The laser source control module is configured to: drive the laser source 31 to operate according to the output parameters of the control light signal provided by the laser source planning module when the non-invasive neuromodulation device is working; and / or

[0048] The optical path fine-tuning device planning module is configured to: pre-plan and determine the position parameters of the focused light point according to the modulation target before using the non-invasive neuromodulation device; and

[0049] The optical path fine-tuning device control module is configured to drive the optical path fine-tuning device to work according to the position parameters of the focused light point provided by the optical path fine-tuning device planning module when the non-invasive neuromodulation device is working.

[0050] The laser source planning module is usually installed on a computer, while the laser source control module is usually installed on a controller that connects the laser source and the computer.

[0051] Since current research indicates that laser power around 1W, frequencies between 0.5Hz and 20Hz, and pulse widths between 10ms and 500ms can effectively activate neurons to generate action potentials while mitigating the effects of heat, the laser source planning module provides the following laser output parameters: laser irradiation power around 1W, frequency between 0.5Hz and 20Hz, and pulse width between 10ms and 500ms. Therefore, the laser source control module controls the laser to emit laser light of a specific frequency and pulse width to irradiate the irradiated area, achieving precise control over the output parameters of the modulated optical signal, such as laser irradiation intensity, frequency, and duration, thereby achieving optimal neuromodulation effects.

[0052] The photoelectric effect-based neuromodulation device of the present invention generates photocurrent by absorbing laser light through photoelectric conversion material on photoelectrode glass. Since the photoelectric conversion material directly contacts the nerve tissue to form a conductive pathway, the photocurrent generated by the photoelectric conversion material layer can directly stimulate neurons in the cerebral cortex. Moreover, the photoelectric conversion material layer only contacts the surface of the cerebral cortex and does not need to be implanted inside the brain. It combines the advantages of electrical stimulation and photomodulation, realizing semi-invasive photoelectric stimulation. This significantly improves the range of neuromodulation by increasing the signal penetration depth, while reducing the problem of significant brain tissue damage caused by traditional methods. It has the advantages of low invasiveness and wide modulation range.

[0053] Furthermore, the laser source of the photoelectric effect-based neuromodulation device of the present invention is connected to a modulation planning module, which enables precise modulation of neurons, thereby forming an efficient, stable, and easy-to-operate neuromodulation device. This overcomes the limitations of the prior art and achieves low-damage, wide-range, and programmable neuromodulation.

[0054] Specifically, the neuromodulation device of the present invention has the following advantages:

[0055] 1) Low invasiveness: This invention reduces the degree of invasiveness by embedding the photoelectrode glass into the skull, with the material contacting the surface of the cortex without being implanted inside the brain. This reduces the serious brain tissue damage caused by traditional stimulation electrodes and light implantation.

[0056] 2) Wide range of control: By using specially shaped conductive glass, the animal's skull can be completely replaced, allowing the entire cerebral cortex to come into contact with the photoelectric material. Combined with a focused laser spot, the photoelectric material on a specific brain region can be precisely irradiated, causing the irradiated material to generate electrons and form an electric current, thereby achieving neuronal stimulation with high spatial resolution across the entire brain.

[0057] 3) System Uniqueness: The system device of this invention organically combines photoelectric conversion materials, photoelectrode glass, and a focused laser system to form a unique neuromodulation device. This system fully utilizes the characteristics of each component to achieve efficient and stable neuromodulation effects.

[0058] 4) Programmable control: The laser source device achieves precise control of laser intensity, frequency and irradiation time through a program control module, which can be adjusted according to different experimental needs, and has high flexibility and applicability.

[0059] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Various variations can be made to the above embodiments of the present invention. All simple and equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the claims and description of this application fall within the protection scope of the claims of this patent. All aspects not described in detail in this invention are conventional technical content.

Claims

1. A neural modulation device based on the photoelectric effect, characterized in that, The device includes a transparent embedded plate, a photoelectric conversion material layer disposed on the inner surface of the transparent embedded plate, and a focused laser system. The transparent embedded plate adopts a shape-mimicking structure of at least a part of the skull. The focused laser system is configured to provide a modulation light signal to the transparent embedded plate. The photoelectric conversion material layer is used to convert the modulation light signal into an electrical signal. The focused laser system includes a laser source and optical fibers connected to each other, and a spot focusing device connected to the optical fibers. There are multiple optical fibers, and each optical fiber can only correspond to one spot focusing device. The laser beam focusing device is configured to focus the laser beam to produce a focused spot that shines directly onto a designated position on the transparent embedded plate. The light spot focusing device is a collimator or a focuser; The focused laser system also includes an optical path fine-tuning device to change the position of the focused spot.

2. The photoelectric effect-based neural modulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The photoelectric conversion material layer is grown directly on the inner surface of the transparent embedded plate; the material of the photoelectric conversion material layer includes photoelectric conversion materials that can be hydrothermally synthesized, or metal oxides that can be oxidized at high temperatures.

3. The photoelectric effect-based neural modulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The photoelectric conversion material layer is made of one or more semiconductor materials that exhibit photovoltaic effects in the near-infrared band; and / or The photoelectric conversion material layer is based on a metal oxide semiconductor and is modified with materials to improve conductivity.

4. The photoelectric effect-based neural modulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transparent insert plate is embedded in the skull of the organism during use.

5. The photoelectric effect-based neural modulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transparent embedded plate is made of conductive glass, ordinary quartz glass, or acrylic; and / or A growth substrate is also provided between the transparent embedded plate and the photoelectric conversion material layer, and the growth substrate is polyimide, PDMS or PET.

6. The photoelectric effect-based neural modulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The focused laser system has a light outlet for emitting a modulated light signal. The light outlet is fixedly mounted on the outer surface of the transparent embedded plate, or spaced apart from the transparent embedded plate and facing each other.

7. The photoelectric effect-based neural modulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The laser source is connected to a control and planning module, which includes: A laser source planning module is configured to: pre-plan and determine the output parameters of the control optical signal of the laser source according to the control target before using the neural modulation device; the output parameters of the control optical signal include at least one of laser illuminance, laser power, frequency, irradiation time, and laser pulse width; and The laser source control module is configured to drive the laser source to operate according to the output parameters of the control light signal provided by the laser source planning module when the neural modulation device is working.

8. The photoelectric effect-based neural modulation device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The focused laser system also includes an optical path fine-tuning device, and the control planning module further includes: The optical path fine-tuning device planning module is configured to: pre-plan and determine the position parameters of the focused light point according to the modulation target before using the neural modulation device; and The optical path fine-tuning device control module is configured to drive the optical path fine-tuning device to work according to the position parameters of the focused light point provided by the optical path fine-tuning device planning module when the neural modulation device is working.

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