Biocompatible Optics

描述（由申请人提供）：该项目的长期目标是开发一种新型的生物相容性光学器件，用于基于光的治疗，手术和诊断。各种光学技术，如光化学组织键合和光动力疗法，需要有效地将光传递到组织深处，但光在组织中的有限穿透构成了临床应用的严重限制。光纤装置或导管在使光源接近体内目标组织方面非常有用。然而，将光进一步传输到组织中仍然是一个挑战。在本项目中，提出了一种基于生物可吸收和可植入的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鲜明对比，这些光纤不具有生物相容性，因此必须在使用后立即从体内取出。使用生物相容性聚合物，我们将开发薄柔性波导，并将其用于光化学组织键合（PTB）应用。所制备的可生物降解装置可以插入待粘合组织的界面之间，并在光无法穿透的区域诱导光化学键合。这些装置最终会被吸收，从而消除了移除的需要，因为移除很可能会破坏组织结合。该方法的安全性和有效性将在皮肤伤口愈合的离体模型和生物相容性的体内动物研究中进行评估。虽然该项目最初的重点是PTB的光传输设备，但设想了各种其他生物可吸收和可植入的光学功能设备，并可以在基于光的治疗，手术和诊断方面产生深远的影响。因此，预计该项目将产生重大影响，并很可能预示着光医学的新范式。

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.