NIR-II Contrast Agent Production Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing NIR-II contrast agents require fresh preparation in a bacteria-free environment, increasing lead time and complexity, while existing NIR-I agents are limited by tissue autofluorescence and photon scattering, which affect image quality and depth of tissue penetration.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a container for fluorescent substances and a mixing vessel for serum albumin, with flow and pressure adjusting valves, allows for efficient production of NIR-II contrast agents in a closed system, eliminating contamination risks and enhancing fluorescence emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If NIR-II contrast agents are freshly prepared in a bacteria-free room, then imaging efficacy is improved, but lead time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-packaging the fluorescent substance in a sterile state within a sealed container before use. This allows the contrast agent components to be prepared in advance under controlled conditions, eliminating the need for fresh preparation in a bacteria-free room immediately before imaging, thus reducing lead time while maintaining imaging efficacy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sterile connector as an intermediary component that maintains sterility during the connection process. This intermediary element allows the pre-packaged fluorescent substance to be safely connected to the mixing system without compromising the bacteria-free environment, enabling advance preparation while preserving imaging quality
2Reliability
If NIR-II contrast agents are freshly prepared in a bacteria-free room, then imaging efficacy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the contrast agent system into separate modular components: a pre-packaged sterile fluorescent substance container, a mixing vessel, and connection elements. This segmentation allows each component to be independently prepared and sterilized, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining the ability to produce high-quality NIR-II contrast agents without complex preparation procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-packaged container is designed to be self-contained and sterile-ready, eliminating the need for complex external sterilization equipment or procedures. The container itself provides the sterile environment needed, reducing device complexity while ensuring imaging efficacy is maintained
3Device complexity
If NIR-I contrast agents are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but image quality and tissue penetration depth deteriorate due to autofluorescence and photon scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the key parameter of fluorescence emission wavelength from the NIR-I range (700-900 nm) to the NIR-II range (900-2000 nm). This parameter change shifts the operating wavelength to a region with reduced tissue autofluorescence and photon scattering, improving image quality and tissue penetration depth while maintaining relatively simple device operation through automated mixing
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 device simplifies the production of NIR-II contrast agents, ensuring purity and quality while achieving deep tissue penetration and high signal-to-background ratios, overcoming the limitations of NIR-I agents.
Implementation Method 1
the thus-produced NIR-II contrast agent, when irradiated with a light having an excitation wavelength of 500-830 nm emits an enhanced NIR-II fluorescence at a wavelength ranging from 900 to 2,000 nm
Implementation Method 2
the first container is disposed vertically above the mixing vessel thereby allowing the fluorescent substance in the first container to flow therefrom, through the first tube and into the mixing vessel
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a device for producing NIR-II contrast agents from fluorescent substances and serum albumin. The device comprises a first container, a mixing vessel, a first tube, and a first flow adjusting valve. According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the first container and the mixing vessel are connected through the first tube, and the first flow adjusting valve is coupled to the first tube. Also disclosed herein are methods for producing the NIR-II contrast agents by using the present device.