NIR-Induced Payload Release from Polymeric Carriers and Applications Thereof

Background

Light-triggered release from polymeric carriers enables precise spatial and temporal control; carriers responsive to near-infrared (NIR) light are particularly relevant for biomedical applications, as tissue absorption and scattering of light are considerably lower in the NIR window. Existing mechanisms for NIR-triggered release are limited in their application, requiring custom synthesis of designer polymers, high powered lasers to drive inefficient two-photon processes and/or co-encapsulation of bulky inorganic particles.

Technology Description

University researchers have developed a technique based on a simple mechanism that provides a highly universal strategy enabling instantaneous and controlled release of material from non-light-sensitive polymer carriers using low-power pulsed or continuous-wave NIR. Applications include light-activated self-healing capsules, extracellular scaffolds (nano-fibers, hydrogels) capable of providing on-demand delivery of cues for cell proliferation, differentiation, or migration, activatable fluorescent particles based on thermo-chromic dyes, and light-triggered drug delivery systems.

Patent Status

Additional Patent Pending