Scintillator Nanoparticles for Deep Tissue Light Activation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for delivering light stimuli to deep tissues in higher vertebrates are invasive due to the optical non-transparency of tissues, limiting the effectiveness of light-sensitive bioactive molecules and optogenetic tools in human diagnostics and therapies.

Innovation Solution

The use of scintillator-based nanoparticles that absorb X-rays and emit visible light, allowing for non-invasive activation of light-sensitive bioactive molecules or recombinant proteins by targeting specific sites within the body, utilizing X-ray irradiation to induce therapeutic effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If invasive procedures (implants or fiber optic light guides) are used to deliver light to deep tissues, then light delivery effectiveness is improved, but patient comfort and procedural invasiveness worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight delivery effectivenessVSAvoidprocedural invasiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses scintillator nanoparticles as an intermediary substance that converts X-rays into visible light within the target tissue. These nanoparticles are administered systemically or locally and accumulate at the treatment site, where they serve as a bridge between the penetrable X-ray radiation and the light-sensitive bioactive molecules, enabling non-invasive light delivery to deep tissues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical invasive system (implants or fiber optic guides) with a chemical/biological system using scintillator nanoparticles. Instead of physically inserting light-delivery devices, the system uses nanoparticle-mediated conversion of X-rays to visible light, substituting mechanical intervention with a molecular-level solution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If invasive procedures are used to deliver light stimuli, then activation of light-sensitive molecules deep in tissues is achieved, but versatility and repeatability of treatment worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactivation of light-sensitive moleculesVSAvoidversatility of treatment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic flexibility by allowing repeated systemic or local administration of scintillator nanoparticles and light-sensitive molecules. The treatment can be dynamically adjusted to different anatomical sites and clinical scenarios without being constrained by permanent implants, enabling versatile and repeatable therapy sessions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If optical methods are used for deep tissue treatment, then precision control of biological processes is improved, but tissue penetration capability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision control of biological processesVSAvoidtissue penetration depth

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the energy parameter of the incoming radiation from visible light (which has limited tissue penetration) to X-rays (which have high penetration depth). The scintillator nanoparticles then convert the high-energy X-rays back to visible light at the target site, effectively decoupling the penetration requirement from the activation wavelength requirement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables targeted, non-invasive, and repeatable activation of light-sensitive molecules or proteins deep within tissues, overcoming the limitations of invasive light delivery methods and enhancing therapeutic efficacy by maximizing quantum efficiency and emission spectra matching.

Implementation Method 1

Nanoparticle core is made from scintillator material that absorbs quanta of highly penetrable X-ray and in response emits quanta of visible light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScintillation: Scintillation

Data Source

PatentUS10183081B2Use of scintillator-based nanoparticles for in vivo control of light-sensitive bioactive molecules

Publication Date: 2019.01.22 SHUBA YAROSLAV M

AI summary

The method for remote, non-invasive in vivo control of the activation of light-sensitive bioactive molecules for the purpose of research or therapy is based on delivering to the required site of the body of nanoparticles along with said light-sensitive bioactive molecules. Nanoparticles' core is made from scintillator material that absorbs X-ray and in response emits visible light; they have biocompatible protective coating and surface targeting agents enabling accumulation at the required site(s) within the body. Irradiation of the site with the highly penetrable X-rays causes nanoparticles to emit visible light which will activate light-sensitive bioactive molecule(s) within this site inducing sought therapeutic effect.