Bioelectric Stimulator for Sonic Hedgehog Expression Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for bioelectrical stimulation of tissues are inadequate in precisely regulating the expression and release of Sonic hedgehog, a key protein for anti-aging and regeneration, limiting their effectiveness in treating various tissue-related conditions such as muscle regeneration, wound healing, and erectile dysfunction.
Innovation Solution
A bioelectric stimulator that delivers specific bioelectric signals, including biphasic pulses at frequencies between 50 Hz to 100 Hz and pulse widths of 1 ms, to upregulate or downregulate the expression and release of Sonic hedgehog, along with other proteins like SDF-1, IGF-1, and PDGF, to stimulate tissue regeneration and repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional bioelectrical stimulation methods are used, then general tissue stimulation is achieved, but precise regulation of Sonic hedgehog expression is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the bioelectrical stimulation parameters adjustable and adaptable. The device allows modification of frequency, pulse width, and amplitude parameters to precisely regulate Sonic hedgehog expression at different stages of tissue regeneration, transforming static stimulation into a dynamic, responsive treatment protocol that adapts to tissue needs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by systematically varying key electrical parameters (frequency from 1-100 Hz, pulse width from 10-500 μs, amplitude) to optimize Sonic hedgehog expression. Different parameter combinations are used for different tissue types and regeneration stages, enabling precise control over protein expression levels through electrical parameter modulation
2Productivity
If high frequency biphasic pulses are applied to upregulate Sonic hedgehog, then tissue regeneration is enhanced, but treatment protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using biphasic pulse trains with specific frequencies (1-100 Hz) and duty cycles. The alternating polarities and rhythmic delivery patterns create periodic electrical stimulation that mimics natural physiological signals, enhancing Sonic hedgehog expression through cyclic activation of cellular mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by applying subthreshold or moderate-intensity electrical stimulation that selectively activates Sonic hedgehog pathways without causing excessive cellular stress or damage. The controlled parameter ranges ensure sufficient stimulation for protein upregulation while avoiding harmful over-stimulation
3Productivity
If multiple protein expressions are targeted simultaneously, then regenerative effect is amplified, but control precision becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single bioelectrical stimulation protocol that simultaneously targets multiple regenerative pathways. The electrical parameters are optimized to co-activate Sonic hedgehog, SDF-1, IGF-1, and PDGF expressions through shared cellular signaling mechanisms, enabling one device to perform multiple regenerative functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements merging by combining multiple protein expression targets into a unified electrical stimulation approach. Rather than applying separate treatments for each protein, the protocol integrates stimulation parameters that collectively activate multiple regenerative pathways, simplifying the overall treatment while amplifying the regenerative effect
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a low voltage, pulsed electrical stimulation device for controlling expression of sonic hedgehog (“Shh”), a useful protein, by tissues. Also described are methods of enhancing expression of sonic hedgehog in cells, particularly a method of stimulating the expression and/or release of Shh in a cell having a gene encoding Shh, wherein the method includes applying a bioelectric signal of less than 50 Hz (e.g., 5 Hz, 10 Hz, or 20 Hz) at a pulse width duration of, e.g., 1 ms, to the cell (e.g., directly, indirectly, or wirelessly), and wherein the amount of Shh expression enhanced by this bioelectric signal is greater than that seen with a prior art bioelectric muscle stimulation or bioelectric muscle contraction alone as may be determined by, e.g., by an analysis of the upregulation of mRNA level/GAPDH fold gene expression in the cell.