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Acoustically Triggered Nano/Microscale Propulsion Devices

Technology Application

Applications of the invention include in vivo drug delivery, artery cleaning, biomolecular/cellular delivery, tissue sampling, crossing the blood/brain barrier, tissue penetration for triggering immune responses and/or targeted gene regulation schemes.

Detailed Technology Description

University researchers have developed new nano/microscale propulsion devices (NMSPD) that utilize ultrasound to externally trigger on-board fuel (i.e., perfluorocarbon emulsions), bound within the device interior, for ultrafast NMSPD propulsion. The invention includes methods of fabricating the NMSPD devices. The NMSPDs are biocompatible and accelerate quickly, reaching high average velocities (> 6 m/s) that are more than 100 times faster than conventional micromachines. The high thrust of the devices enables piercing, puncturing, deep penetration, deformation, and tearing apart of tissue (e.g. when fired into lamb kidney sections). Firing can also be oriented magnetically and multiple NMSPDs can be fired simultaneously. The core technology is scalable and flexible in terms of shape, design, materials used, fabrication process and external triggering source.

Supplementary Information

Inventor: WANG, Joseph | ESENER, Sadik C. | KAGAN, Daniel | BENCHIMOL, Michael | CLAUSSEN, Jonathan
Priority Number: WO2013123524A1
IPC Current: B82B000100 | B81B000300 | F03G000700
Assignee Applicant: The Regents of the University of California
Title: ACOUSTICALLY TRIGGERED NANO/MICRO-SCALE PROPULSION DEVICES | DISPOSITIFS DE PROPULSION À L'ÉCHELLE NANO/MICROSCOPIQUE DÉCLENCHÉS DE MANIÈRE ACOUSTIQUE
Usefulness: ACOUSTICALLY TRIGGERED NANO/MICRO-SCALE PROPULSION DEVICES | DISPOSITIFS DE PROPULSION À L'ÉCHELLE NANO/MICROSCOPIQUE DÉCLENCHÉS DE MANIÈRE ACOUSTIQUE
Summary: The ultrasound responsive propulsion device is useful for implementing acoustically triggered propulsion of nano and micro scale structures.
Novelty: Ultrasound responsive propulsion device used for implementing acoustically triggered propulsion of nano structures, has tube with inner layer having electrostatic surface coupled with ultrasound-responsive substance to form bubbles

Industry

Biomedical

Sub Category

Medical Imaging

Application No.

9726114

Others

Intellectual Property Info

This invention has a patent pending and is available for licensing and/or sponsored research.

Related Materials

“Acoustic Droplet Vaporization and Propulsion of Perfluorocarbon-Loaded Microbullets for Targeted Tissue Penetration and Deformation”, Angew. Chemie Int. Ed., 51 (2012) 7637.
“Healing Bullets Fly Through Tissue”, Chemistry Views, June 2012

Tech ID/UC Case

22680/2012-202-0

Related Cases

2012-202-0

*Abstract

Micro/nanoscale motor designs typically require conversion of external chemical energy in the vicinity of the rockets to promote autonomous propulsion. Several mechanisms have been developed to realize such rocket thrust in connection with hydrogen-peroxide fuel, including self-electrophoresis and bubble propulsion. Fuel-free microrocket propulsion mechanisms that are more biocompatible have also been explored, including the utilization of electrical power (i.e., diode nanowires) and magnetic oscillation. While these microscale propulsion mechanisms have inherent advantages, they lack the thrust needed for penetrating tissue barriers and cellular membranes.

*IP Issue Date

Aug 8, 2017

*Principal Investigator

Name: Michael Benchimol

Department:

Name: Jonathan Claussen

Department:

Name: Sadik Esener

Department:

Name: Daniel Kagan

Department:

Name: Joseph Wang

Department:

Country/Region

USA