Photosensitive Cardiac Rhythm Modulation via Genetically Engineered Tissue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable pacemakers and defibrillators are invasive, prone to mechanical failure, cause patient discomfort, and have limited battery life, with biological alternatives like gene therapy and cell transplantation showing promise but needing more effective and less invasive methods for cardiac rhythm regulation.
Innovation Solution
Development of biologically engineered tissues with genetically engineered cardiac cells expressing light-sensitive membrane transport mechanisms, such as light-gated ion channels, allowing for photostimulation to control heart rhythms, reducing the need for external power and invasive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If implantable electrical pacemakers and defibrillators are used to regulate heart beating, then cardiac rhythm can be controlled, but the devices are invasive, prone to mechanical failure, and cause patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical stimulation system with a biological system. Specifically, it uses photosensitive proteins (such as channelrhodopsin) genetically engineered into cardiac cells to replace traditional electrical pacemakers and defibrillators. Light stimulation activates these proteins to control cardiac rhythm, eliminating the need for implanted electrical devices and their associated invasiveness, mechanical failure risks, and patient discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs the patient's own genetically modified cardiac cells to perform the pacemaker/defibrillator function. The photosensitive proteins are introduced into the patient's cardiac tissue, allowing the tissue itself to respond to light stimulation and regulate its own beating, rather than relying on external implanted devices.
2Reliability
If implantable defibrillators deliver electric shocks to correct arrhythmia, then normal heart beating can be restored, but patients experience extreme pain from the shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the painful electrical shock mechanism with optical stimulation. Instead of delivering high-voltage electrical impulses that cause extreme pain, the system uses light to activate photosensitive proteins in cardiac cells, achieving arrhythmia correction without the harmful painful effects of electrical defibrillation.
3Ease of operation
If traditional electrical pacemakers are implanted surgically, then heart beating can be regulated, but the procedures are invasive and carry infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces surgical implantation of foreign electrical devices with genetic engineering of the patient's own cardiac cells. The photosensitive proteins are delivered via viral vectors or other gene delivery methods directly to the cardiac tissue, eliminating the need for surgical implants and reducing infection and inflammatory risks.
4Adaptability or versatility
If implantable cardiac devices are used, then cardiac function can be monitored and regulated, but the devices have limited battery life and require replacement every 5-10 years
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces battery-powered electrical devices with a light-based system. The photosensitive proteins in genetically modified cardiac cells can be stimulated repeatedly by light without depleting a battery, potentially providing long-term or even permanent cardiac rhythm control without the limitations of battery life and device replacement.
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 genetically engineered cardiac cells can be selectively depolarized or hyperpolarized through photostimulation, providing a minimally invasive and responsive means to regulate heart rhythms, potentially replacing traditional devices with improved safety and efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
The photosensitive membrane transport mechanism may advantageously be responsive to photostimulation, e.g., responsive to light of a particular wavelength(s). Thus, photostimulation of the membrane transport mechanism may advantageously affect membrane potential of the pacing cells, e.g., cardiac cells
Data Source
AI summary
Photosensitive cardiac rhythm modulation structures and systems are described. A genetically-engineered tissue comprising a population of pacing cells expressing a photosensitive membrane transport mechanism that is responsive to light of a particular wavelength(s) combined with one or more of a light source, a power generator, and a sensor provides pacemaker and/or defibrillator function to a subject. The systems further provide in vitro model systems for electrophysiological studies.