Fluorescent Nanoparticles for Biocompatible Tissue Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical labels used in medical imaging are toxic, prone to photobleaching, sensitive to environmental changes, and inefficient, with narrow excitation spectra and broad emission spectra leading to overlapping signals and the need for multiple filters.
Innovation Solution
The use of biocompatible fluorescent nanoparticles with a fluorophore core and silica shell, capable of emitting light in the near-infrared range for deep tissue penetration, and visible range for surface imaging, along with adaptive devices and methods for delivering and viewing these nanoparticles within the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional optical labels (fluorescent dyes) are used for tissue imaging, then the imaging function is achieved, but the labels are toxic to living cells and tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite fluorescent nanoparticles consisting of a fluorophore core encapsulated within a biocompatible silica shell. This composite structure maintains the fluorescent imaging function while the silica shell provides biocompatibility and reduces toxicity to living cells and tissues.
2Reliability
If conventional fluorescent dyes are used, then imaging is achieved, but the dyes undergo photobleaching after minutes of exposure resulting in short-lived fluorescence
Solution Approach 1:
The biocompatible silica shell encapsulating the fluorophore core protects the fluorescent material from photobleaching and environmental degradation, enabling stable fluorescence emission over extended monitoring periods rather than just minutes.
3Reliability
If conventional optical labels are used, then imaging is achieved, but the excitation spectra are narrow while emission spectra are broad causing overlapping signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes fluorescent nanoparticles with tuned optical parameters, specifically selecting fluorophores with appropriate absorption and emission wavelengths that minimize spectral overlap. The silica shell also modifies the optical properties by reducing environmental sensitivity, thereby maintaining distinct emission spectra for multiplexed imaging.
4Reliability
If conventional fluorescent dyes are used, then imaging is achieved, but the conversion efficiency from excitation light to emission wavelength is low resulting in weak signals
Solution Approach 1:
The fluorescent nanoparticle composite structure with optimized fluorophore core and silica shell enhances the quantum yield and conversion efficiency from excitation to emission wavelength, producing stronger fluorescent signals compared to conventional dyes.
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, non-toxic, and efficient marking, illumination, and imaging of tissues with reduced photobleaching and environmental sensitivity, allowing for extended monitoring and improved diagnostic capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
fluorescent nanoparticles... capable of emitting light in the near-infrared range for deep tissue penetration, and visible range for surface imaging
Implementation Method 2
a filter adapted to transmit light in the fluorescent waveband
Implementation Method 3
near infrared light (600-1300 nm) tends to coincide with minima in the spectral absorption curve of tissue, and thus allows the deepest penetration and transmission of light
Data Source
AI summary
Various compositions, methods, and devices are provided that use fluorescent nanoparticles to function as markers, indicators, and light sources. In one embodiment, an endoscopic adaptor is provided for viewing fluorescent nanoparticles. The adaptor can be configured to removably mate to a portion of an endoscope, such as an eyepiece, and it can be adapted to contain a filter for filtering light received through the viewing lumen of the eyepiece. In an exemplary embodiment, the filter is configured to transmit fluorescent light while blocking visible light, to thereby enable a structure containing one or more fluorescent nanoparticles to be viewed through the endoscope.