Ultraweak Photon Emission Imaging for Oxidative Stress Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging technologies lack effective methods for early detection and monitoring of pathological conditions, particularly those associated with oxidative stress, and fail to provide timely interventions or guide treatment efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The use of ultraweak photon emission (UPE) imaging, enhanced by low-level light illumination (LLLI), to measure oxidative stress and analyze imaging data for detection, diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of pathological conditions, supporting medical treatment and assessing treatment efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional medical imaging technologies are used, then imaging can be performed, but early detection and monitoring of pathological conditions associated with oxidative stress cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (contrast agent or photosensitizer) that accumulates in distressed tissues and enhances UPE signal. This intermediary enables the imaging system to detect pathological conditions that would otherwise be invisible or indistinguishable from healthy tissue using conventional imaging methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from conventional anatomical imaging to ultraweak photon emission measurement. By detecting the faint light emitted by oxidative processes in distressed tissues, the system achieves early detection capability that conventional imaging technologies lack.
2Measurement precision
If UPE imaging is performed without enhancement, then imaging can be conducted, but signal contrast between healthy and distressed tissues is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by illuminating the target area with low-level light before UPE imaging to stimulate oxidative processes and enhance the UPE signal from distressed tissues. This pre-treatment increases the contrast between healthy and distressed areas, making pathological conditions more detectable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary substance (contrast agent or photosensitizer) that selectively accumulates in distressed tissues and enhances UPE emission when exposed to light. This intermediary amplifies the signal from pathological areas without requiring complex device modifications.
3Measurement precision
If low level light illumination is applied to enhance UPE signal, then early detection capability is improved, but treatment time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using low-level light illumination for a limited duration (1-60 minutes) rather than continuous treatment. This partial application is sufficient to stimulate oxidative processes and enhance UPE signal without requiring excessive treatment time or energy consumption.
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 early detection of pathological conditions, guiding timely interventions and assessing treatment efficacy by enhancing UPE signal contrast between healthy and distressed tissues, facilitating personalized treatment plans.
Implementation Method 1
enhancing formation of the reactive oxygen species and/or the reactive nitrogen species comprises applying low level light illumination to the target area from 1 second to 60 minutes
Implementation Method 2
acquiring an ultraweak photon emission image of a target area of a patient for detection of a pathological condition
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to ultraweak photon emission imaging systems and methods. In some embodiments, a method comprises acquiring an ultraweak photon emission image of a target area of a patient for detection of a pathological condition; wherein the target area comprises an area of interest and a portion surrounding the area of interest, wherein acquiring the image comprises: enhancing formation of reactive oxygen species and/or reactive nitrogen species in the target area, wherein enhancing formation of the reactive oxygen species and/or the reactive nitrogen species comprises applying low level light illumination to the target area from 1 second to 60 minutes so as to achieve a total power output from 1 mW to 10,000 W using an average power density from 0.1 W/cm2 to 1 W/cm2; and imaging the target area, wherein imaging the target area comprises a total exposure time from 1 second to 60 minutes.