Optical Guide Light Emitter for Deep Tissue Photodynamic Therapy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Photodynamic therapy is limited by the short penetration distance of light into tissue due to absorption and scattering, leading to reduced treatment efficacy and potential harm to healthy tissue, especially when high intensity or prolonged exposure is used.

Innovation Solution

A light-emitting device comprising an optical guide element with a transparent light source, reflective layer, and optical components that emit light from two surfaces and reflect it through non-planar surfaces to optimize light distribution within the tissue, using microneedles or waveguides for deeper penetration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high light intensity or prolonged exposure is used to activate photosensitive molecules at deep tissue depths, then treatment efficacy at depth is improved, but damage to microcirculation of healthy tissue and surface layers occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment efficacy at depthVSAvoiddamage to microcirculation of healthy tissue

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The light delivery system is segmented into multiple microneedles inserted at different depths, with each microneedle acting as an independent light guide. This allows selective illumination of target depths without exposing entire surface areas to high intensity light, thereby treating deep tissue effectively while protecting superficial healthy tissue from damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Microneedles serve as intermediary light guides that transmit optical energy from surface light sources to deep tissue targets. These intermediaries channel light precisely to desired depths, enabling deep tissue treatment without requiring high surface illumination that would harm healthy superficial tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Length of stationary object

If light is directed through microneedles for deep tissue irradiation, then deep layer penetration is improved, but surface illumination efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight penetration depthVSAvoidsurface irradiation dose

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments light delivery into multiple pathways: some light is directed through microneedles for deep tissue treatment, while other light sources provide surface illumination. This segmentation allows simultaneous optimization of both deep penetration and surface irradiation without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The light-emitting device is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating both deep tissue illumination via microneedles and surface illumination capabilities. This universal design enables the device to perform both deep penetration treatment and surface treatment effectively, addressing multiple therapeutic needs simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If conventional light sources are used for photodynamic therapy, then device simplicity is maintained, but light scattering and absorption limit penetration depth

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structure simplicityVSAvoidlight penetration distance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Microneedles act as intermediary light guides that overcome the limitations of conventional light sources by providing a structured pathway for light transmission. These intermediaries reduce scattering and absorption effects, enabling deeper penetration while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through the integration of standard optical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 achieves homogeneous light emission at the skin surface and deeper tissue layers, enhancing treatment efficacy while minimizing surface irradiation and reducing harm to healthy tissue.

Implementation Method 1

a reflective layer on the side of the second surface of the light source; an optical component arranged between the reflective layer and the optical guide element... wherein the reflective layer forms at least one reflective surface conformal to a non-planar surface of the optical component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

an optical guide element... at least partially transparent to the light intended to be emitted by the light source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20260006983A1Light emitting device comprising optical guide element

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES

AI summary

A light-emitting device including at least: an optical guide element; a light source at least partially transparent to at least one type of light intended to be emitted by the light source, and configured to emit the light at least on the side of a first surface arranged in front of the optical guide element and on the side of a second surface opposite to the first surface; a reflective layer arranged on the side of the second surface of the light source; an optical component arranged between the reflective layer and the optical guide element and at least partially transparent to the light intended to be emitted by the light source; and wherein the reflective layer forms at least one reflective surface conformal to a non-planar surface of the optical component having the reflective layer arranged thereon.