Photovoltaic Compounds for Light-Induced Retinal Cell Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current therapies for degenerative diseases affecting vision, such as retinal degeneration, often fail to restore function once neuronal activity is lost, leading to irreversible damage and blindness, as they require expression of foreign proteins or UV illumination, which pose immune risks and limitations in clinical applications.
Innovation Solution
Development of photovoltaic compounds, specifically transition metal complexes and donor-bridge-acceptor molecules, that convert light energy into electrical energy to modulate cell activity by altering transmembrane potential and ion channel opening, allowing for light-induced activation of retinal neurons without foreign protein expression or UV illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If foreign proteins are used for cell therapy to restore vision, then cell function can be supplemented or replaced, but immune risks and rejection occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces biological protein-based therapies with a chemical/photochemical system. Small molecule compounds with photovoltaic properties are used instead of foreign proteins, converting light energy directly to electrical energy to stimulate retinal ganglion cells. This substitution eliminates immune recognition issues while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
2Use of energy by moving object
If UV illumination is used for phototherapy, then light energy can activate therapeutic compounds, but tissue damage and safety issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of activating light from UV to visible light range (400-700 nm). The photovoltaic compounds are designed to absorb visible light and convert it to electrical energy, avoiding the harmful effects of UV radiation while maintaining effective photoactivation for therapeutic purposes.
3Reliability
If photovoltaic compounds are used to convert light to electrical energy, then vision can be restored without foreign proteins or UV damage, but compound delivery and targeting precision must be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs photovoltaic compounds with dual functionality: (1) photovoltaic activity to convert light to electrical energy for cell stimulation, and (2) intrinsic cell membrane targeting capability through amphiphilic molecular structure. This eliminates the need for separate delivery systems while ensuring precise localization to retinal ganglion cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The photovoltaic compounds self-target to cell membranes through their amphiphilic properties, with hydrophobic portions embedding in the lipid bilayer and hydrophilic portions interacting with aqueous environments. This self-targeting mechanism eliminates complex external delivery systems and ensures precise subcellular localization without additional complexity.
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
These compounds effectively restore or augment vision by generating action potentials in retinal ganglion cells, even in the absence of functioning photoreceptors, providing a viable therapeutic option for treating blindness and retinal degeneration.
Implementation Method 1
the exposure induces an energy (e.g., a receipt of light energy, conversion to electrical energy, and passage of that electrical energy) from the photovoltaic compound to the cell
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and compositions modulate the activity of electrically excitable cells. Photovoltaic compounds which, upon exposure to light energy, increase or decrease the electrical activity of cells. These supplement and/or replace of vision based on the conversion of light energy to electrical energy within certain cells of the visual system. A “patch” or bridge to circumvent one or more defective, damaged, or diseased cells in the visual system. Additionally, in several embodiments, subjects with normal vision can benefit from the methods, compositions, systems, and/or devices disclosed herein as normal visual acuity can be heightened. The exposure induces an energy (e.g., a receipt of light energy, conversion to electrical energy, and passage of that electrical energy) from the photovoltaic compound to the cell, thereby altering the transmembrane potential of the cell and/or the opening of one or more ion channels, thereby modulating the activity of the electrically excitable cell.