Light-Controllable Self-Assembled Complex for Macrophage Regulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for non-invasive technologies that can control molecular systems within the living body using light, particularly for applications such as collecting biological samples and regulating macrophage adhesion and polarization, without causing harm to the body.

Innovation Solution

A light-controllable self-assembled complex comprising a polymer complex with a negatively charged ligand and a positively charged photoswitchable isomer that undergoes reversible cis-trans isomerization in response to light, allowing the complex to swell or deswell, and a nanosystem incorporating upconversion nanoparticles to convert infrared light into ultraviolet or visible light for controlled isomerization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If light is used to control molecular systems within the living body, then non-invasive control is achieved, but harmful effects may occur to the body

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenon-invasive controlVSAvoidharmful effects to the body

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs upconversion nanoparticles as intermediaries to convert infrared light (which penetrates tissue deeply) into ultraviolet light (which activates azobenzene). This intermediary conversion enables non-invasive control while using safer infrared light as the external stimulus, resolving the contradiction between achieving non-invasive control and avoiding harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the wavelength parameter of light from ultraviolet (harmful) to infrared (safe and penetrative) by using upconversion nanoparticles. This parameter transformation allows the system to maintain non-invasive control capability while eliminating the harmful effects of ultraviolet light exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If azobenzene is used for photoswitching, then reversible isomerization is achieved, but the system requires precise light control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereversible isomerizationVSAvoidlight control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Upconversion nanoparticles serve as intermediaries that simplify light control by converting a single infrared light source into the required ultraviolet activation for azobenzene. This eliminates the need for complex ultraviolet light delivery systems while maintaining precise control over the photoswitching process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Quantity of substance

If the self-assembled complex swells to absorb biological samples, then sample collection is enabled, but the complex volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiological sample absorptionVSAvoidcomplex volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the dynamic swelling and deswelling properties of the self-assembled complex driven by azobenzene isomerization. The complex can reversibly increase its volume to absorb biological samples and then decrease its volume for release or storage, enabling controllable sample collection without permanent volume increase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If upconversion nanoparticles are used to convert infrared to ultraviolet light, then non-invasive control is achieved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenon-invasive controlVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the upconversion nanoparticle material directly into the self-assembled complex structure, combining the light conversion function with the sample collection function in a single integrated system. This merging reduces overall system complexity by eliminating separate components for light conversion and sample absorption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 controlled absorption and release of biological samples and regulation of macrophage adhesion and polarization by reversible swelling and deswelling of the self-assembled complex in response to light, facilitating non-invasive and harmless manipulation within the body.

Implementation Method 1

The basis of the functional behavior of azobenzene is the reversible trans (E) → cis (Z) isomerization of the N=N bond upon photoexcitation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotochromism: Photochromism

Implementation Method 2

a nanosystem incorporating upconversion nanoparticles to convert infrared light into ultraviolet or visible light for controlled isomerization

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUpconversion:

Data Source

PatentEP4223281A1Light-controllable self-assembled complex and nanosystem including the same

Publication Date: 2023.08.09 KOREA UNIV RES & BUSINESS FOUND

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AI summary

Discloses is a technology of collecting a biological sample, delivering a substance into a living body, and regulating macrophage adhesion and polarization, by controlling a self-assembled complex and a nanosystem including the same by irradiation with light.