PEGylated Hollow Silica Nanoparticles for Stable Ultrasound Neuromodulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasound neuromodulation methods face challenges with short-lived microbubbles and nanobubbles that rapidly clear from injection sites, limiting their application for long-term precise neuromodulation.
Innovation Solution
Modified hollow silica nanoparticles (HSN) surface-modified with Polyethylene glycol (PEG) to form PEGylated hollow silica nanomaterial (pHSN), which are designed to disperse well in solutions, oscillate under ultrasound, and induce stable cavitation for enhanced neuromodulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If microbubbles or nanobubbles are used as ultrasound actuators for neuromodulation, then localized ultrasound enhancement is achieved, but the actuators are rapidly cleared from injection sites resulting in short in vivo lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the ultrasound actuator by using hollow silica nanoparticles instead of gas-filled microbubbles or nanobubbles. This material substitution fundamentally alters the physical and chemical properties, including size, density, surface chemistry, and mechanical strength, enabling the actuator to resist clearance mechanisms and maintain stability at the injection site for extended periods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hollow silica nanoparticles as a composite structure with a silica shell and hollow interior. This composite design provides both the structural stability needed for long-term persistence and the acoustic properties required for ultrasound contrast and neuromodulation, resolving the contradiction between durability and functionality
2Stability of the object's composition
If hollow silica nanoparticles are used for ultrasound neuromodulation, then long-term stability is achieved, but poor dispersion in solution limits practical application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality modification by functionalizing only the surface of the hollow silica nanoparticles with PEG chains. The core silica structure maintains its stability and acoustic properties, while the surface is modified to provide steric stabilization and improved dispersibility in aqueous media, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The PEG coating acts as an intermediary layer between the hydrophobic silica surface and the aqueous injection medium. This intermediary provides steric repulsion that prevents aggregation and improves dispersibility without compromising the underlying silica structure's stability and acoustic functionality
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 pHSN material enables long-term precise ultrasound neuromodulation by maintaining stability and biocompatibility, facilitating chronic stimulation of targeted brain regions without causing tissue damage or toxicity.
Implementation Method 1
oscillate under ultrasound, and induce stable cavitation
Implementation Method 2
oscillate under ultrasound field
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an ultrasound neuromodulation actuator including a stable hollow silica nanoparticle (HSN) structure, in particular, a PEGylated HSN (pHSN) particle, and a method for preparing the same. The present invention also provides methods for enhancing ultrasound stimulation and treating neurological disorders of a subject including applying the pHSN particles to a brain region of the subject followed by ultrasound stimulation.