Sunghoon developed an innovative wireless LED-based device designed to enhance phototherapy and photodiagnosis for deep-tissue disease sites. The use of visible light in these applications has been limited due to its inability to penetrate biological tissues effectively. However, the newly fabricated device, with a volume of just 23 mm³, addresses this limitation by bringing the light source closer to the disease site.
Key features of the device include:
- Power Source: The device is powered wirelessly via RF energy, ensuring it can operate effectively even when embedded in tissue.
- Light Emission: It emits light at a wavelength of 573 nm, suitable for exciting the green-absorbing dye Rose Bengal, a known photosensitizer.
- Performance: Tests demonstrated that the device remains operational when buried in chicken breast tissue and located 6 cm away from the transmitting antenna.
Application and Results
Sunghoon found the combination of the wireless LED device and Rose Bengal effectively induced cell death in cultured HT-29 human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells. The following observations were made:
- Cell Death Mechanism: The photoactivation of cells led to the generation of protruding bubbles, indicative of light-induced pyroptosis.
- Supportive Evidence: Cell staining with fluorescence probes (Annexin-V FITC and Propidium Iodide) confirmed the occurrence of cell death.
Future Implications
This research paves the way for the development of wireless implanted LED-based devices capable of triggering photodynamic immunogenic cell death in deep-seated cancerous tissues. His findings highlight the potential for this technology to enhance the effectiveness of phototherapy and photodiagnosis in clinical settings.
For more details on this exciting development, please refer to the latest publication below or contact our lab.
Miniature wireless LED-device for photodynamic-induced cell pyroptosis - ScienceDirect