Injectable Microlaser Resonators for Non-Invasive Brain Activity Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring and stimulating brain activity lack high spatial and temporal resolution, are invasive, and require surgical procedures, making them unsuitable for non-laboratory environments and healthy individuals.
Innovation Solution
Development of injectable neurotransducers containing optical neuron stimulation and recording molecules mixed with metal nanoparticles in a whispering gallery mode dielectric cavity amplifier, which can penetrate tissue and bone, allowing for non-invasive monitoring and stimulation of neuronal activity using light-activated Akita molecules and voltage-sensitive fluorescent dyes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If surgical electrodes are implanted to monitor brain activity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/electrical electrodes with optical microlaser sensors that use light to detect and stimulate neuronal activity. The microlasers convert neuronal voltage changes into optical signals, eliminating the need for invasive electrical contacts while maintaining high measurement precision through optical detection methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter from electrical voltage (requiring electrodes) to optical properties (fluorescence emission, refractive index changes). By monitoring optical parameters such as fluorescence intensity and spectral shifts, the system achieves high spatial resolution without invasive electrical implantation.
2Ease of operation
If EEG sensors are applied to the scalp to monitor brain activity, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs microlaser sensors with extremely small dimensions (micrometer scale) that can be distributed throughout the brain tissue. Each microlaser provides localized high-resolution measurement, and collectively they create a comprehensive high-resolution map of neuronal activity while remaining minimally invasive when injected.
Solution Approach 2:
The microlaser sensors are constructed as composite structures combining fluorescent dyes, dielectric materials, and metallic nanoparticles. This composite design enables both optical sensing functionality and biocompatibility, allowing the sensors to be injected into brain tissue without significant invasiveness while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If fMRI or MEG machines are used to monitor brain activity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the brain into multiple local measurement zones, each monitored by individual microlaser sensors. This segmentation allows distributed parallel measurement of neuronal activity across different brain regions, achieving comprehensive high-precision monitoring without requiring a single large complex machine like fMRI or MEG.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses multiple identical microlaser sensor units that can be mass-produced and injected into the brain. Each sensor is a simplified copy of the basic microlaser design, eliminating the need for complex expensive equipment while maintaining detection accuracy through the collective action of many simple sensors.
4Measurement precision
If voltage sensitive dyes are used to detect neuronal activity, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage-sensing fluorescent dye with a microlaser resonator structure. The dye is incorporated into the microlaser's dielectric cavity, where it serves dual functions: maintaining laser resonance and detecting voltage changes through fluorescence or refractive index changes. This merging allows trace amounts of dye to be highly effective, eliminating the need for large quantities.
Solution Approach 2:
The microlaser sensor structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it amplifies optical signals, provides mechanical stability, enables voltage sensing through optical properties, and allows for stimulation functionality. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components including large amounts of sensing dye, reducing substance loss while maintaining detection precision.
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 high-speed, high-fidelity recording and stimulation of neuronal activity with improved spatial and temporal resolution without surgical intervention, suitable for use in healthy individuals and non-laboratory settings.
Implementation Method 1
metal nanoparticle in a whispering gallery mode (WGM) dielectric cavity amplifier
Implementation Method 2
voltage-sensitive fluorescent dyes
Implementation Method 3
metal nanoparticle in a whispering gallery mode (WGM) dielectric cavity amplifier
Implementation Method 4
light-activated and light-emitting Akita molecules to record from and stimulate neurons
Data Source
AI summary
Microlaser based dye doped polymeric resonators are provided as well as pharmaceutical formulations containing the microlaser based dye doped polymeric resonators, methods of making thereof, and methods of use thereof for monitoring and/or stimulating electrical activity in a brain of a subject in need thereof. The microlaser based dye doped polymeric resonators can include a particle having a spherical core containing one or more fluorescent dyes dispersed within a polymer matrix, wherein the polymer matrix has an index of refraction of about 1.2 or greater; an outer surface surrounding the spherical core; and a gold nanoparticle, wherein the gold nanoparticle is on the outer surface, is dispersed within the spherical core, or both. The fluorescent dyes can include a voltage sensitive fluorescent dye.