222 nm UV Light Pathogen Eradication via Optical Fiber Delivery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for pathogen eradication using UV light face limitations such as restricted application time, power constraints, lack of effective feedback, skill requirements, and minimal depth of penetration.
Innovation Solution
The use of high-powered UV lasers and LEDs coupled with transmission media like optical fibers and collimating lenses to enhance UV light output, increase penetration depth, and provide feedback mechanisms for effective pathogen eradication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If UV light power is increased to improve pathogen eradication effectiveness, then pathogen eradication effectiveness is improved, but tissue trauma risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of UV light to specifically 222 nm, which has different tissue penetration and absorption characteristics compared to traditional UV-C wavelengths. This parameter change allows effective pathogen eradication while reducing damage to mammalian cells and tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms including fluorescence detection to monitor pathogen presence and UV light dosage monitoring to ensure adequate exposure while preventing tissue damage. This closed-loop control allows dynamic adjustment of treatment parameters.
2Length of stationary object
If UV light penetration depth is increased to treat deeper pathogens, then treatment coverage is improved, but selectivity between pathogen and healthy tissue decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the specific optical properties of 222 nm UV light, which has limited penetration depth in biological tissues. This naturally provides selective treatment of surface and shallow pathogens while sparing deeper healthy tissues, turning the limitation into an advantage for selective therapy.
3Reliability
If application time is extended to improve pathogen eradication completeness, then eradication completeness is improved, but treatment efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength to 222 nm UV light, which has higher germicidal effectiveness per unit time compared to traditional wavelengths. This allows achieving complete pathogen eradication in shorter exposure times, thereby improving treatment efficiency while maintaining eradication completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs real-time feedback through fluorescence detection and UV dosage monitoring to determine when adequate pathogen eradication has been achieved. This allows termination of treatment at the optimal point, avoiding unnecessary extended exposure and improving overall treatment efficiency.
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 enables more efficient and effective pathogen eradication with increased power output, improved penetration depth, and real-time feedback, reducing the need for surgical intervention and minimizing trauma to healthy tissues.
Implementation Method 1
The specific pathway of the eradication was by means of a disruption of DNA/RNA of the pathogens (or cancer cells) on a molecular level
Implementation Method 2
high-powered UV lasers and LEDs coupled with transmission media like optical fibers and collimating lenses to enhance UV light output
Implementation Method 3
transmission with collimating lenses, laser UV sources
Data Source
AI summary
Manual, automated and mass methods and devices, for enhancing the effect of UV light disinfection (at UV wavelength of 200 nm to 340 nm) of transmitted UV light on or in humans and devices by at least one of the steps of: a) increasing controllable output power of a UV emitting device, including using high power UV lasers or direct placement of UV light sources, b) increasing the efficiency of UV disinfection effect with the placement of the UV emitting device including by use of side emitting fibers with uniform output and distant placement directed at surgical sites, otoscope type handheld devices directing UV light into infected orifices, biofilm disruption, fluorescent marking of pathogens and c) providing protocols for various enhanced pathogen eradication applications including tissue clearing to increase depth of penetration, use of aspiration needles for access to pathogens, site disinfection to increase cancer remission and implant in situ disinfection.