X-Ray Downconverting Phosphor Nanopowder for Deep-Tissue NIR-II Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic nanoparticle-based imaging techniques suffer from imperfect localization and imaging due to scattering and absorption of shorter wavelengths of light, while near-infrared (NIR) imaging offers deep tissue penetration but lacks effective X-ray excitable phosphors for bioimaging.
Innovation Solution
Development of a phosphor excitable by X-ray and blue-light that emits in the NIR-II range, coated with silica and conjugated with PEG and tissue-selective compounds, allowing for targeted X-ray induced NIR-II imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic nanoparticles are used for tissue localization imaging, then tissue localization capability is achieved, but imaging precision and localization accuracy deteriorate due to scattering and absorption of shorter wavelengths of light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of light from shorter wavelengths (blue visible light) to near-infrared wavelengths (NIR-II, 1000-1700 nm). This parameter change enables deep tissue penetration with reduced scattering and absorption, directly resolving the contradiction between achieving tissue localization and maintaining imaging precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a phosphor nanoparticle as an intermediary substance that absorbs X-ray radiation and converts it to NIR-II light emission. This intermediary enables indirect imaging through a wavelength range that penetrates tissue more effectively, overcoming the limitations of direct shorter wavelength light imaging.
2Length of stationary object
If near-infrared light is used for deep tissue penetration imaging, then tissue penetration depth is improved, but effective X-ray excitable phosphors for bioimaging are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite phosphor nanoparticle system combining magnetic nanoparticles with phosphor materials that exhibit both X-ray absorption and NIR-II emission properties. This composite material approach simultaneously achieves deep tissue penetration capability and X-ray excitability, resolving the contradiction between penetration depth and phosphor availability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tagged nanoparticles are administered to locate specific tissues, then tissue targeting capability is achieved, but imaging resolution deteriorates due to imperfect localization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates multi-functional nanoparticles that simultaneously provide magnetic targeting guidance, X-ray absorption for excitation, and NIR-II emission for high-resolution imaging. This multi-functionality ensures that tissue targeting and imaging resolution work together synergistically rather than in conflict.
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
Provides deep tissue penetration, high temporal and spatial resolution, and minimal autofluorescence, enabling precise diagnosis and surgery through seamless integration of X-ray and NIR fluorescence imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a phosphor excitable by X-ray and blue-light electromagnetic radiation that, when excited, emits light in the near-infrared (NIR-II, 1000-1700 nanometer (nm)) range
Implementation Method 2
Near-infrared (NIR) light penetrates living mammalian tissue much more readily with less scattering and absorption than do shorter wavelengths of light
Data Source
AI summary
A phosphor excitable by X-ray and blue-light emits light in the near-infrared (NIR-II, 1000-1700 nanometers) forms nanoparticles less than 200 nanometers diameter. The nanoparticles are tagged by coating with silica, then conjugating with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and tissue-selective compounds such as antibodies, nucleic acid chains, and other ligands. In embodiments, we administer the tagged nanoparticles to a subject, then localize the nanoparticles, and thus antigen-bearing tissues, by irradiating the subject with X-ray or other radiation beams while imaging near infrared light emitted from the subject. The nanoparticles are made by mixing 1-50 micron calcium oxide and germanium oxide powders with dilute nitric acid, adding chromium (III) nitrate at a ratio to germanium between 0.001 and 0.1, adding tartaric acid solution with molar ratio to metal ions between 1˜10, and adjusting pH to 0.1-4 with nitric acid, then later heating to form a sol, oven drying, and calcinating the sol.