Lanthanide Nanoparticle Upconversion for Deep Brain Optogenetics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optogenetic methods require invasive procedures to deliver light to neurons, as visible light struggles to penetrate deep into brain tissue, necessitating the insertion of light sources that can cause tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
The use of lanthanide-doped nanoparticles that upconvert infrared or near-infrared electromagnetic radiation into visible light, allowing for non-invasive activation of light-responsive opsin proteins on neural cells, eliminating the need for direct light source placement and minimizing tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visible light is used to activate opsins in deep brain regions, then neural control precision is improved, but light penetration capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of light from visible spectrum to infrared spectrum. Infrared light has better penetration capability through biological tissue while the upconversion nanoparticles convert it back to visible light for opsin activation, thus resolving the contradiction between penetration capability and control precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces upconversion nanoparticles as an intermediary substance. These nanoparticles absorb infrared light and convert it to visible light through upconversion, serving as a mediator that enables deep tissue penetration while maintaining the ability to activate opsins with precise spatial control
2Productivity
If fiber optic light sources are inserted into the brain to deliver light, then light delivery effectiveness is improved, but tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses upconversion nanoparticles as an intermediary that can be delivered systemically or locally without requiring invasive fiber optic insertion. The nanoparticles convert infrared light to visible light in situ, eliminating the need for physical light source implantation and associated tissue damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical fiber optic light delivery system with a nanoparticle-based optical conversion system. Instead of physically inserting light sources into the brain, the system uses administrable nanoparticles that perform optical conversion chemically/physically, thereby eliminating mechanical tissue disruption
3Illumination intensity
If infrared light is used for deep tissue penetration, then light penetration capability is improved, but direct opsin activation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces upconversion nanoparticles as an intermediary that absorbs infrared light (which penetrates deep tissue) and converts it to visible light (which activates opsins). This two-step process maintains both deep penetration capability and reliable opsin activation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter transformation by changing the wavelength of light from infrared to visible spectrum through the upconversion process. This parameter change enables the system to benefit from both the deep penetration of infrared light and the high opsin activation efficiency of visible light
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 the non-invasive and efficient delivery of light to neurons deep within the brain, reducing tissue damage and allowing for precise control of neural membrane polarization without the need for invasive light source implantation.
Implementation Method 1
nanoparticles capable of upshifting electromagnetic radiation from wavelengths associated with the infrared (IR) or near infrared (NIR) spectrum into wavelengths associated with visible light
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are compositions comprising lanthanide-doped nanoparticles which upconvert electromagnetic radiation from infrared or near infrared wavelengths into the visible light spectrum. Also provided herein are methods activating light-responsive opsin proteins expressed on plasma membranes of neurons and selectively altering the membrane polarization state of the neurons using the light delivered by the lanthanide-doped nanoparticles.