Implantable wireless powered light emitting diode (LED) for near-infrared photoimmunotherapy: device development and experimental assessment and .

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to develop and assess a novel implantable, wireless-powered, light-emitting diode (LED) for near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT). NIR-PIT is a recently developed cancer therapy that uses NIR light and antibody-photosensitizer conjugates and is able to induce cancer-specific cell death. Due to limited light penetration depth it is currently unable to treat tumors in deep tissues. Use of implanted LED might potentially overcome this limitation.

RESULTS

The wireless LED system was able to emit NIR light up to a distance of 20 cm from the transmitter coil by using low magnetic fields as compliant with limits for use in humans. Results indicated that the LED system was able to kill tumor cells and to suppress tumor growth in implanted tumor-bearing mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicated that the proposed implantable wireless LED system was able to suppress tumor growth . These results are encouraging as wireless LED systems such as the one here developed might be a possible solution to treat tumors in deep regions in humans. Further research in this area would be important.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An implantable LED system was developed. It consisted of a LED capsule including two LED sources and a receiver coil coupled with an external coil and power source. Wireless power transmission was guaranteed by using electromagnetic induction. The system was tested by using EGFR-expressing cells and HER2-expressing cells. The system was also tested in tumor-bearing mice.