Plasmon-Resonant Nanoparticles for OCT Contrast
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical coherence tomography (OCT) techniques face challenges in enhancing optical contrast, particularly in differentiating normal from pathological tissues, especially in early-stage tumors or tissues that are optically similar, due to limited availability of effective contrast agents and the use of near-infrared wavelengths outside the range of most optically active materials.
Innovation Solution
The use of plasmon-resonant nanoparticles, such as gold, silver, or copper nanoparticles with anisotropic shapes like nanorods, nanospheres, and triangles, which are functionalized with biomolecular ligands for targeted delivery and can absorb incident radiation to enhance contrast and induce hyperthermia for tissue destruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If near-infrared wavelengths are used for OCT imaging, then imaging depth in nontransparent tissues is improved, but optical contrast is reduced because these wavelengths are outside the range of most optically active materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces plasmon-resonant nanoparticles as intermediary contrast agents that absorb near-infrared light and convert it to heat, producing optical contrast without requiring the tissue itself to be optically active at these wavelengths. The nanoparticles mediate between the infrared radiation and the tissue, enabling both deep imaging and contrast generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the tissue by introducing nanoparticles with specific plasmon resonance properties. These nanoparticles have absorption coefficients that vary with wavelength and can be tuned to resonate at near-infrared frequencies, fundamentally altering the optical interaction between the imaging light and the tissue.
2Measurement precision
If conventional contrast agents are used, then some optical contrast enhancement is achieved, but the ability to differentiate early-stage tumors or optically similar tissues remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by functionalizing nanoparticles with specific biomolecular ligands that target particular cell types or pathological conditions. This allows different regions or cell populations within the tissue to be differentiated based on their specific molecular markers, enabling precise identification of early-stage tumors or optically similar tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite nanoparticle structures combining metallic cores (gold, silver, or copper) with biomolecular ligand shells. This composite structure provides both the plasmon-resonant optical properties for contrast enhancement and the specific binding capability for targeted tissue differentiation.
3Measurement precision
If plasmon-resonant nanoparticles are used to enhance contrast, then optical contrast and tissue differentiation are improved, but the complexity of the imaging system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-service by utilizing the inherent plasmon resonance properties of metallic nanoparticles that naturally absorb near-infrared light and generate optical contrast without requiring external activation or complex processing. The nanoparticles themselves provide the contrast mechanism, eliminating the need for additional contrast generation equipment.
4Measurement precision
If high absorption coefficients are used to enhance contrast, then optical contrast is improved, but thermal damage to surrounding tissue may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the high absorption coefficient effect specifically at the nanoparticle locations where contrast enhancement is needed. The biomolecular ligands ensure nanoparticles accumulate preferentially in target tissues, localizing the thermal effect to the region of interest and minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
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 nanoparticles significantly enhance the contrast in OCT images by absorbing incident radiation and can be used for both imaging and therapeutic hyperthermia, providing improved detection and treatment of targeted cells while minimizing collateral damage.
Implementation Method 1
plasmon-resonant nanoparticles, such as gold, silver, or copper nanoparticles with anisotropic shapes like nanorods, nanospheres, and triangles, which are functionalized with biomolecular ligands for targeted delivery and can absorb incident radiation to enhance contrast
Implementation Method 2
can absorb incident radiation to enhance contrast and inducehyperthermia for tissue destruction
Data Source
AI summary
A method of forming an image of a sample, comprising: forming an image of a mixture, by exposing the mixture to electromagnetic radiation; wherein the mixture comprises the sample and plasmon-resonant nanoparticles, and wherein the electromagnetic radiation is in the frequency range of infra-red to ultraviolet light.