Nanoparticles Normalize Neuronal Oscillations Without External Fields

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for neurological disorders, such as Parkinson's disease and epilepsy, often rely on invasive methods like deep brain stimulation, which come with risks and limited spatial resolution, and non-invasive methods have poor penetration depth, failing to effectively address abnormal neuronal synchronization without causing adverse side effects.

Innovation Solution

Development of nanoparticles or aggregates made from specific conductor, semiconductor, and insulator materials with controlled sizes and biocompatible coatings that normalize neuronal oscillations within and between brain regions without requiring external activation sources like electric fields, light, or magnetic fields.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If deep brain stimulation is used to treat neurological disorders, then abnormal neuronal synchronization can be addressed, but invasive procedures and limited spatial resolution are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidinvasive procedures
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses nanoparticles as intermediary carriers that can cross the blood-brain barrier and deliver therapeutic agents directly to target brain regions. These nanoparticles serve as mediators between the external treatment environment and the protected neural tissue, enabling effective treatment without direct invasive intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical/electrical deep brain stimulation system with a chemical/biological nanoparticle-based system. Instead of using external electric fields and invasive electrodes, the treatment utilizes engineered nanoparticles that can be administered systemically and accumulate at target sites through passive or active mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If non-invasive methods are used to treat neurological disorders, then invasive procedures are avoided, but penetration depth is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinvasive proceduresVSAvoidpenetration depth
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of drug delivery by transitioning from macroscopic administration routes to nanoscale carriers. The nanoparticles have optimized size, surface charge, and coating properties that enable them to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and reach deep brain structures, overcoming the penetration depth limitation of conventional non-invasive methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs composite nanoparticle structures with multiple functional components including magnetic cores for targeting, biocompatible coatings for stability and stealth, and drug loading compartments. These composite materials combine properties that enable both non-invasive administration and deep brain penetration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If traditional treatments are used for neurological disorders, then symptoms can be addressed, but adverse side effects occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesymptom treatmentVSAvoidadverse side effects
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by designing nanoparticles with site-specific targeting capabilities. The particles can be functionalized with ligands that recognize and bind to receptors on cells in specific brain regions affected by neurological disorders. This localized delivery ensures that therapeutic agents are released only at the target site, minimizing exposure of healthy tissues and reducing adverse side effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the previously harmful effect of systemic drug distribution (which causes off-target side effects) into a benefit by using the nanoparticles' ability to selectively accumulate in diseased tissue. The enhanced permeability and retention effect in inflamed or damaged brain regions, once a source of uncontrolled drug distribution, is now exploited for targeted therapeutic delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentEP3727349B1Nanoparticles for use for treating a neuronal disorder
Publication Date: 2024.08.07 NANOBIOTIX SA
  • EP3727349B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3727349B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3727349B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to the medical field, in particular to the treatment of neurological disorders. More specifically the present invention relates to a nanoparticle or nanoparticles' aggregate for use in prevention or treatment of a neurological disease or at least one symptom thereof in a subject without exposure of the nanoparticle or nanoparticles' aggregate to an electric field, and preferably without exposure thereof to any other external activation source, wherein the nanoparticle's or nanoparticles' aggregate's material is selected from a conductor material, a semiconductor material, an insulator material with a dielectric constant εijk equal to or above 200, and an insulator material with a dielectric constant εijk equal to or below 100. It further relates to compositions and kits comprising such nanoparticles and/or nanoparticles' aggregates as well as to uses thereof without exposure thereof to an electric field, and preferably without exposure thereof to any other external activation source.