Glass Microsphere with Diffusion Region for Radioactive Leaching Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current site-directed internal radiation therapy methods using radioactive microspheres face challenges such as excessive radiation damage to normal tissues due to radioactive leaching and insufficient radiation dose, as well as the inability to track and image the distribution of microspheres post-treatment, limiting the effectiveness of tumor ablation and requiring single lifetime treatments.
Innovation Solution
A glass microsphere with a diffusion region containing a second nuclide, activated by neutrons to produce β-rays or γ-rays, which allows for high radiation doses, real-time imaging, and combination with chemotherapy drugs for enhanced treatment efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If high-density yttrium oxide powder is used to provide high radiation dose, then radiation therapy effectiveness is improved, but particle suspension stability deteriorates and peripheral tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses glass as a composite material matrix to encapsulate yttrium oxide particles. The glass provides a stable suspension medium that prevents particle aggregation while maintaining the high radiation dose capability of yttrium oxide. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by combining the radiological benefits of yttrium oxide with the suspension stability of glass.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs spheroidized glass particles with smooth surfaces to replace irregular-shaped yttrium oxide particles. The spherical shape and smooth surface reduce peripheral tissue stimulation while maintaining particle suspension stability. This geometric modification resolves the contradiction between achieving high radiation dose and maintaining reliability in particle suspension.
2Use of energy by moving object
If 90Y is used for radionuclide therapy to achieve therapeutic activity, then radiation treatment capability is improved, but neutron activation time increases and imaging capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses glass materials that can incorporate multiple radionuclides including 90Y, 188Re, and 166Ho. These glass microspheres provide both therapeutic β-ray emission and diagnostic γ-ray emission capabilities. The glass matrix allows for multi-functional application, enabling both high therapeutic activity and imaging capability, while the preparation method optimizes neutron activation time.
3Ease of operation
If polymer materials are used as carrier for radioactive particles, then distribution in human body is improved, but radioactive leaching occurs causing non-specific damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs glass materials with specific chemical compositions that provide inherent stability against radioactive leaching. The glass matrix chemically binds radionuclides, preventing their release into surrounding tissues. This approach eliminates the radioactive leaching problem associated with polymer materials while maintaining appropriate distribution characteristics in the human body.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If polymeric ion exchange microspheres are used to prevent yttrium permeation, then radioactive leaching is reduced, but yttrium content decreases resulting in insufficient radiation dose
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses glass composite materials that can simultaneously achieve high radionuclide loading and prevent radioactive leaching. The glass matrix provides a stable chemical environment that binds radionuclides strongly, allowing high yttrium oxide content (up to 100 wt%) without leaching concerns. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by providing both low radioactive leaching and high radiation dose capability.
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
The glass microsphere provides a high radiation dose, enables in vivo imaging and tracking, and can be combined with chemotherapy drugs to significantly improve the effectiveness of site-directed internal radiation therapy by reducing normal tissue damage and allowing for multiple treatments.
Implementation Method 1
heating glass powder comprising a first nuclide to spheroidize and form a glass sphere core
Implementation Method 2
reacting the glass sphere core with a cooling source
Implementation Method 3
the second nuclide is distributed in the diffusion region extending inwardly from an outer surface of the glass sphere core
Implementation Method 4
the first nuclide and the second nuclide become radioactive after being activated by neutrons to produce radiations comprising β-rays or γ-rays
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a microsphere including a glass sphere core. The glass sphere core includes a first nuclide, a second nuclide and a diffusion region extending inwardly from an outer surface of the glass sphere core, with the second nuclide distributed in the diffusion region. The first nuclide and the second nuclide become radioactive after being activated by neutrons to produce radiations including β-rays or γ-rays, or simultaneously β-rays and γ-rays. A preparation method of a microsphere is also provided.