Riboflavin UV Photodynamic Therapy Applicator for Internal Infections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for internal pathogenic infections, such as sinusitis and otitis media, face challenges due to poor penetration of systemic antibiotics, biofilm formation, and increased antibiotic resistance, particularly in hard-to-reach anatomical regions like the paranasal sinuses and middle ear.
Innovation Solution
A system delivering riboflavin via a UV light-emitting device and applicator combination, allowing targeted activation of riboflavin within internal anatomical regions, using optical fibers and flexible delivery components to access difficult areas, integrated with surgical instruments for effective antimicrobial treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If systemic antibiotics are used to treat internal pathogenic infections, then the treatment can reach internal anatomical regions, but the antibiotics have poor penetration into difficult-to-reach areas such as paranasal sinuses and middle ear, and cause increased antibiotic resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses riboflavin as an intermediary substance that is applied topically to mucosal surfaces. Riboflavin acts as a photosensitizer that, when activated by UV light, generates reactive oxygen species to kill pathogens. This intermediary approach allows treatment of internal infections without using systemic antibiotics, thereby avoiding antibiotic resistance while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/systemic delivery method of antibiotics with a photodynamic therapy system. Instead of relying on systemic circulation to deliver antibiotics to hard-to-reach areas, the system uses UV light activation of topically applied riboflavin to create a localized antimicrobial effect, substituting chemical systemic delivery with optical activation.
2Ease of operation
If surgical instruments are used to access internal anatomical regions, then direct treatment delivery is possible, but the complexity of the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single handheld applicator device. The applicator combines riboflavin delivery, UV light emission, and treatment application in one unified tool that can be used across different anatomical sites (sinuses, ear, joints, etc.), eliminating the need for multiple specialized surgical instruments and reducing procedural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses wavelength-specific UV light (365 nm peak) to activate riboflavin, changing the physical parameter of light activation to trigger therapeutic effects. This parameter-based activation allows precise control of the treatment mechanism without requiring complex surgical instrumentation, as the chemical activation occurs through controlled light exposure rather than mechanical intervention.
3Ease of operation
If topical treatments are applied to external surfaces, then the treatment is easy to administer, but the treatment cannot reach internal anatomical regions that are difficult to access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the application of topical treatment from external surfaces to internal mucosal surfaces by using flexible applicators that can navigate anatomical passages. The treatment transitions from two-dimensional external application to three-dimensional internal coverage, maintaining ease of administration through topical application while expanding the treatment area to include sinuses, middle ear, and other internal regions accessible via mucosal surfaces.
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 approach reduces infectious pathogens effectively without systemic delivery complications, offering a localized and safe treatment for internal infections, enhancing accessibility and reducing antibiotic resistance.
Implementation Method 1
exposing the target regions to UV light (of a specific wavelength, peak wavelength, or wavelength band) in order to activate the riboflavin and produce an antimicrobial effect
Implementation Method 2
The activated riboflavin chemically alters functional groups of nucleic acids (i.e., DNA and RNA) of the pathogens, thereby interfering with the pathogens' ability to replicate
Implementation Method 3
The emission output and the fluid outlet may be configured for accessing an internal anatomical target and delivering a fluid and UV light thereto. In one implementation, the system includes one or more optical fibers for conducting light from the UV light-emitting device to the emission output
Data Source
AI summary
An internal anatomic target that is infected by pathogenic microorganisms is treated using an applicator configured for delivering a therapeutic solution thereto and an UV light-emitting device transmits UV light thereon.