ATARI: A Terahertz tricorder for lAseR-assIsted wound healing

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Wound healing remains a very complex process and reducing healing time while minimizing tissue scarring are important medical goals. Laser-assisted wound healing is emerging as an appealing concept in surgical medicine, holding the promise of suture-less surgeries. Recently, nanoparticle-assisted low-dose photothermal therapies have garnered attention as they can facilitate wound healing while requiring lower laser power. However, these therapies are still in their infancy and have not been employed in the clinical setting since rapid elevation in temperature due to laser absorption and concomitant heat generation can cause significant photothermal tissue damage. Therefore, cutting-edge diagnostic tools are indispensable to monitor the temperature and minimize damage. The goal of this interdisciplinary project is to develop an innovative technique combining nanoheating, which locally delivers therapeutics to accelerate wound healing, with a non-invasive/non-ionizing diagnostic tool driven by terahertz radiation. Together with three industrial partners, Swift Medical, Nanobrand, and TeTechS, we will (i) study nanoparticle functionalization and design to improve targeting of heat deposition and clustering/diffusion of nanoparticles and the creation of hotspots within tissues; (ii) investigate how to circumvent competing processes such as excessive blood coagulation by functionalizing drugs on the nanoparticle surface using thermosensitive linkages; (iii) develop a smart real-time terahertz 3-D imaging and temperature sensing system for monitoring temperature evolution and photothermal damage during wound healing. Such a platform will offer an unprecedented method for wound healing of delicate tissues such as the cornea, nerves and blood vessels. Our discoveries will push forward fundamental research in laser-assisted regenerative nanomedicine to gain a stronger foothold within clinical settings and have the potential to revolutionize the topical surgical practices related to the treatment of wounds and skin cancers. The commercialization of the resulting technology will ultimately lead to breakthroughs for the Canadian society in nature/technology/health sectors and improve the health of millions of Canadians.