Biocompatible Optics

描述（由申请人提供）：本项目的长期目标是开发一种新型生物相容性光学器械，用于光基治疗、手术和诊断。各种光学技术，如光化学组织粘合和光动力疗法，需要有效地将光输送到组织深处，但光在组织中的有限穿透构成了临床使用的严重限制。光纤装置或导管在使光源接近体内的目标组织方面是有用的。然而，将光进一步输送到组织中仍然是一个挑战。在这个项目中，提出了一种基于生物可吸收和植入式光传输装置的新方法。这与由玻璃或塑料制成的传统光纤形成对比，传统光纤不具有生物相容性，因此必须在使用后不久从体内取出。使用生物相容性聚合物，我们将开发薄的柔性波导，并将其用于光化学组织粘合（PTB）应用。制造的生物可降解装置可以插入待结合的组织的界面之间，并在光不能穿透的区域中诱导光化学结合。器械最终将被吸收，因此无需取出，因为取出最有可能损坏组织粘合。将在皮肤伤口闭合的离体模型和生物相容性的体内动物研究中评价该方法的安全性和有效性。虽然该项目的最初重点是PTB的光传输设备，但设想了各种其他生物可吸收和植入式光学功能设备，这些设备可以在基于光的治疗，手术和诊断中产生深远的影响。因此，该项目预计将产生很大的影响，并可能预示着一个新的范例，在光医学。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The long-term goal of this project is to develop a new class of biocompatible optical devices for light- based therapy, surgery and diagnosis. A variety of optical techniques, such as photochemical tissue bonding and photodynamic therapy, require efficient delivery of light deep into tissues, but the limited penetration of light in tissue constitutes a serious constraint in clinical use. Fiber-optic devices or catheters have been useful in bringing a light source close to the target tissue in the body. However, delivering the light further into the tissue has remained a challenge. In this project, a new approach based on bio-absorbable and implantable light-delivery devices is proposed. This contrasts with conventional optical fibers made of glass or plastic that are not biocompatible and, thus, must be removed from the body soon after use. Using biocompatible polymers, we will develop thin flexible waveguides and use them in a photochemical tissue bonding (PTB) application. The fabricated biodegradable devices can be inserted between the interfaces of tissue to be bonded and induce photochemical bonding in regions into which light can otherwise not penetrate. The devices will be eventually resorbed thus eliminating the need for removal that would most likely damage the tissue bond. The safety and efficacy of this approach will be evaluated in ex-vivo models of skin wound closure and in-vivo animal studies of biocompatibility. While the initial focus of the project is on light delivering devices for PTB, a variety of other bioabsorbable and implantable optical functional devices are envisioned and can make a far-reaching impact in light-based therapy, surgery, and diagnosis. The project is therefore expected to have high impact and might well herald a new paradigm in photomedicine.