Lipid Nanoparticle ICGJ Aggregates for Photoacoustic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current photoacoustic imaging and photothermal therapy face challenges due to the short circulation time and photodegradation of indocyanine green (ICG) and the spectral overlap that complicates blood oxygenation saturation measurement, as well as the inefficiencies in encapsulating ICG-J aggregates within nanoparticles for enhanced performance.
Innovation Solution
Development of lipid nanoparticles with high transition temperature lipids that encapsulate indocyanine green J-aggregates (ICGJ), allowing irradiation at wavelengths of 850 nm or higher, providing improved photostability and reduced interference with hemoglobin absorption, thus enhancing imaging and therapeutic efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If indocyanine green (ICG) is used as a photoacoustic contrast agent, then imaging capability is achieved, but circulation time is short and photodegradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The ICG molecules are encapsulated within lipid nanoparticles, nesting the dye inside a protective carrier structure. This nesting approach protects ICG from photodegradation while extending circulation time, as the lipid nanoparticle shield prevents direct interaction with degrading environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite system combining ICG dye with lipid nanoparticle carriers. This composite structure integrates the imaging capability of ICG with the protective and circulation-enhancing properties of the lipid nanoparticle matrix, resolving the contradiction between photostability and circulation duration.
2Reliability
If ICG is used for photoacoustic imaging, then imaging function is achieved, but spectral overlap with hemoglobin complicates blood oxygenation saturation measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The lipid nanoparticle encapsulation modifies the optical parameters of ICG, shifting its absorption spectrum and reducing spectral overlap with hemoglobin absorption bands. This parameter change enables more precise blood oxygenation saturation measurements while maintaining imaging function.
3Power
If conventional nanoparticles are used for photothermal therapy, then localized heating is achieved, but biodegradability is poor and photostability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material composition parameters by using biodegradable lipid nanoparticles instead of conventional non-biodegradable nanoparticles. This parameter change maintains the localized heating capability through ICG's photothermal conversion while improving biodegradability and photostability.
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 lipid nanoparticles with encapsulated ICGJ aggregates offer improved photostability, prolonged circulation time, and reduced interference with hemoglobin signals, enabling more effective photoacoustic imaging and photothermal therapy by maintaining signal intensity and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
When pulsed lasers are replaced with continuous laser sources, highly localized heating can be achieved in biological tissues. Researchers have utilized nanoparticles that accumulate in solid tumors and efficiently absorb NIR wavelengths to facilitate PTT of solid tumors
Implementation Method 2
By leveraging the photoacoustic (PA) effect, PAI instruments detect the acoustic waves generated following the absorption of electromagnetic energy
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides lipid nanoparticles that are amenable to an irradiation at a wavelength at or above 850 nm, have an absorption peak from about 850 to 1100 nm wavelength, and comprise a high transition temperature lipid and a dye (e.g., a J-aggregate of a dye). In some embodiments, the dye (e.g., J-aggregate of the dye) is encapsulated in the lipid nanoparticle. In various embodiments, the present invention also relates to compositions comprising said lipid nanoparticles and methods of generating said lipid nanoparticles and compositions thereof. The present invention further relates to methods relating to the said lipid nanoparticles for imaging, detection, and treatment of diseases or disorders (e.g., phototherapy) in a subject.