Transdermal Optogenetic Nerve Stimulation via Viral Vector Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Peripheral nerves located beneath tissue types such as skin, blood vessels, adipose tissue, and muscle are challenging to target with transdermal optogenetic stimulation due to significant attenuation of visible light, preventing effective activation and inhibition of neural populations.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device employing a high concentration of viral particles to achieve a higher density of ChR2 channels in motor neurons, allowing for transdermal optogenetic control of nerves using selective transdermal light stimulation, which can penetrate deep tissues and activate nerves without the need for invasive implants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If transdermal optogenetic stimulation is applied to peripheral nerves, then non-invasive nerve activation is achieved, but light attenuation by tissue prevents effective stimulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of light from visible spectrum to near-infrared spectrum, which has better penetration depth through tissues. This parameter change allows light to reach deeper peripheral nerves without significant attenuation, resolving the contradiction between non-invasive access and effective light delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance - optogenetic viral vectors (AAV) - that deliver light-sensitive opsin proteins to peripheral nerves. This intermediary enables the nerves to respond to light stimulation, bridging the gap between non-invasive light delivery and effective neural activation.
2Measurement precision
If higher concentration of viral particles is used to increase ChR2 channel density, then optical sensitivity of nerves is improved, but risk of tissue damage and mechanical failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameter of viral particles to achieve the minimum effective density of ChR2 channels for optical stimulation. By carefully controlling this parameter, the patent achieves sufficient optical sensitivity while avoiding excessive viral load that could cause tissue damage or mechanical failure.
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 effective motor control and sensation restoration in mammals by increasing the optical sensitivity of nerves, allowing for the treatment of conditions like chronic pain, paralysis, and mood disorders with reduced risk of mechanical failure and tissue heating associated with implantable devices.
Implementation Method 1
The retrograde transfection of AAV6-hSyn-ChR2-YFP, injected intramuscularly, has been shown to result in a repeatable muscle activation in response to direct optical stimulation of the peroneal and tibial nerves
Implementation Method 2
The retrograde transfection of AAV6-hSyn-ChR2-YFP, injected intramuscularly, has been shown to result in a repeatable muscle activation
Data Source
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AI summary
A nerve in a mammal is optogenetically transduced, wherein the nerve is susceptible to stimulus by selective application of transdermal light, and a light source is applied to dermis of the mammal at or proximate to the optogenetically transduced nerve, to thereby stimulate the nerve. A wearable device for optogenetic motor control and sensation restoration of a mammal includes a wearable support, a power source at the wearable support, a controller at the wearable support and in electrical communication with a power source, and a transdermal light source coupled to the controller.