In Situ Polymerizable Conductive Ink for Minimal Invasive Body Marking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for providing structures in vivo require incision and implantation, which is invasive and inefficient, whereas the proposed method allows for in situ in vivo fabrication of structures using an injectable composition that polymerizes upon exposure to electromagnetic radiation, enabling a visual marking on the body surface with potential for minimal invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
An injectable composition comprising a polymerisable precursor and a photo-initiator is implanted near the body surface, whereupon exposure to electromagnetic radiation between 400 to 1600 nm, the photo-initiator excites and initiates polymerization, forming a conductive polymer visible on the body surface, such as poly(fluorene)s or poly(p-phenylene vinylene), with electrical conductivity suitable for tattoos or other markings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If incision and implantation are used to provide structures in vivo, then the structure can be implanted, but the procedure becomes invasive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical implantation methods (incision and surgical implantation) with a chemical/optical system. The composition is injected in liquid form and then polymerized in situ using electromagnetic radiation (400-1600 nm), transforming the structure from a mechanically implanted solid to a chemically formed polymer within the body tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the material state - the composition is injected as a liquid precursor mixture that can flow easily through injection, then undergoes polymerization to become a solid polymer structure in place. This state change (liquid to solid) enables minimal invasive delivery followed by structure formation.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple implantation steps are used to create structures, then the structure can be formed, but the procedure requires multiple injections and increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single injectable composition: the polymerisable precursor, the photo-initiator, and any additional functional components are all mixed together in one syringe. This single composition delivers all necessary elements for structure formation, eliminating the need for multiple separate implantation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary mixing and preparation of all composition components outside the body. The polymerisable precursor and photo-initiator are pre-combined in the correct ratios and conditions, so that when injected, the composition is ready to polymerize immediately upon exposure to electromagnetic radiation without requiring additional steps.
3Volume of moving object
If the composition is injected deep in the body, then the structure can be formed internally, but the polymerization becomes difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality through spatially selective polymerization. By controlling the application or exposure of electromagnetic radiation (400-1600 nm) to specific regions, the polymerization occurs only where needed within the injected composition. This allows precise control of structure formation at different depths and locations within the body 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
This method allows for the creation of visible, conductive polymer markings on the body surface with controlled polymerization, reducing the need for invasive procedures and enabling the formation of tattoos or other designs with potential for alteration or removal.
Implementation Method 1
absorption of two or more photons of electromagnetic radiation excites the photo-initiator causing initiation of polymerisation
Implementation Method 2
photo-initiator causes the polymerisable precursor to polymerise where the photo-initiator is in its excited state
Implementation Method 3
the resultant polymer has an electrical conductivity of at least 10^-10 S m^-1
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention provides a method of producing a visual marking on the exterior of a human or animal body. There is also provided a method of forming a polymer within a human or animal body. The resultant polymer generally has an electrical conductivity of 10-10 S/cm or more.