Caged Compound Delivery via Near-Infrared Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlled delivery of biomolecules to specific biological environments, such as cells or tissues, face challenges in achieving controlled release and targeted activation, especially in medical and biological applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of caged compounds linked with long wavelength absorbers, where the compound is administered as a caged form and then uncaged using light irradiation at specific wavelengths (900-1100 nm) to trigger release, allowing for controlled and targeted delivery in biological environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If caged compounds are used for controlled delivery, then the precision of targeted release is improved, but the complexity of the delivery system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a caging group as an intermediary protective layer that temporarily masks the bioactive compound. This caging group acts as a mediator between the compound and the biological environment, enabling controlled release through light-triggered decaging while simplifying the overall delivery system design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes light wavelength as a controllable parameter to trigger compound release. By changing the light parameter (wavelength, intensity, duration), the system achieves precise control over when and where the compound is released, thereby improving targeted delivery precision without requiring complex mechanical control systems.
2Length of stationary object
If long wavelength absorbers are used for deep tissue penetration, then the depth of compound delivery is improved, but the energy required for excitation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the excitation light to the near-infrared range (700-1100 nm), which optimizes tissue penetration depth. This parameter adjustment allows deeper compound delivery while managing energy requirements by selecting wavelengths that balance penetration capability with available light energy.
3Loss of time
If light irradiation is used to uncage compounds, then the control over release timing is improved, but the potential for photodamage to tissues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter to the near-infrared range (700-1100 nm), which reduces photodamage risk compared to shorter wavelengths. This parameter adjustment maintains temporal control over compound release while minimizing harmful effects on biological tissues through the use of longer, less energetic photons.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise and controlled delivery of compounds, facilitating targeted biological or chemical reactions, enhancing the effectiveness of medical treatments and biological studies by ensuring the compound is activated only where needed.
Implementation Method 1
irradiating the biological environment to excite the long wavelength absorber with light at a wavelength in a range from about 900 to about 1100 nm
Data Source
AI summary
Methods are described and related devices, compositions, and systems, in which a caged compound is administered to a biological environment, the caged compound being caged with a long wavelength absorber, the long wavelength being a wavelength greater than or equal to 750 nm; and irradiating the biological environment to excite the long wavelength absorber with light at a wavelength in a range from 900-1100 nm, thus decaging the compound.