Light Activation Wand for Photodynamic Nucleic Acid Therapeutic Delivery

Overview

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer, characterized by abnormal, accelerated growth of squamous cells. Dr. Daniel Hayes’ research group at Penn State is studying light-inducible gold-silver-gold, core-shell-shell (CSS) nanoparticles with Furan-based Diels-Alder linkers for squamous skin carcinoma treatment. A near infrared light is used to release specific microRNA mimics into the cytosol, inducing apoptosis in the cancer cells. Our team has been tasked with creating an improved light activation method for this nanoparticle treatment by creating an automated light delivery system.

Objectives

-Indicates direction or region that the light is applied
-Demonstrates a great degree of flexibility
-Provides a threshold amount of light to all of the tumor
-Automatically or manually terminates light delivery at a certain point, defined by user

Approach

-Meet with sponsor on a regular basis for progress reports and feedback to improve design process
-Generate concept ideas individually and synthesize preliminary ideas as a group
-Form committees to focus on designing each component of the complete alpha prototype
-Keep track of budget with the knowledge that two necessary components will use a large percentage of the $1,000 allotted
-Begin designing alpha prototype and put all components together
-Arm: find an adjustable piece of material that is strong enough to hold the LED light and able to attach to the base of the structure and fixture for LED light and sensor
-Base: model box with shelves for electrical components on SolidWorks and print
-Sensor Arm: model components to house the LED light, indicator light, and sensor, obtain a laser within the visible light range to use as indicator light
-Sensor: research to find a light sensor capable of detecting light waves in the IR range
-Circuitry/live measurements: start programming Arduino to be able to power LED light and indicator light and to read user power input
-Improve aspects of the design for final prototype
-Arm: change to a more lightweight gooseneck arm for improved flexibility
-Base: switch to a plexiglass material to fix issues with 3D printing and space availability, add cut outs for a keypad and screen for user power input
-Sensor arm: reprint with minor adjustments from high-quality resin, cut out segments for breathability for the LED light that becomes hot to the touch with extended use
-Sensor: change sensor being used to solve oversaturation problem with previous model
-Circuitry/live measurements: write more code for the Arduino that receives user input from the keypad and outputs that amount of energy by turning on the LED and indicator light for a specific amount of time (shown on screen)
-Test final prototype
-Confirm that the IR LED is omitting a meaningful amount of energy (~50-100mW) when turned on by observing sensor output
-Test run time by inputting different power requirements; confirm that LED light will run for longer periods of time for higher energy inputs

Outcomes

-A functional light activation wand was produced which can be used in Dr. Hayes’ research group
-Treatment area will now be much more accurate with use of the indicator light, decreasing the number of healthy cells terminated
-Energy/light delivery is much more adjustable and observable; users can input the amount of power they want and be able to visualize live energy readings
-Further improvements and changes: more thorough calibration of sensor readings