SONOPTICS: EXPLOITING ULTRASOUND AND LASER SCIENCES FOR GENERIC NON-INVASIVE THERAPIES
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Dundee
Department Name: Electronic Engineering and Physics
Abstract
The objective of this Basic Technology proposal is to revolutionise the delivery of genes, drugs and therapeutic molecules to single cells and tissue samples. We will use a unique marriage of concepts extracted from ultrasonics and photonics that are intrinsically generic in applicability. This new field will deliver unprecedented accuracy and control for delivery, together with improved efficacy and selectivity, and a much reduced risk of infection. This research will lead to a quantum leap for biologists who are studying the cell's chemical pathways or signals (cellular signal transduction) through to histological/clinical approaches. For example within a population of cells it will be possible to target each cell individually, introducing foreign biological material into any cell. This is central for studies in numerous human diseases. By the use of fibre optic delivery and endoscopes, we envisage that the realisation of this basic technology may allow us to develop a non-invasive surgical technique.
Organisations
Publications
Arita Y
(2011)
Spatially optimized gene transfection by laser-induced breakdown of optically trapped nanoparticles
in Applied Physics Letters
Campbell P
(2007)
Future directions for therapeutic ultrasound.
in Ultrasound in medicine & biology
Hassan MA
(2010)
The role of Ca(2+) in ultrasound-elicited bioeffects: progress, perspectives and prospects.
in Drug discovery today
Hassan MA
(2010)
The role of Ca(2+) in ultrasound-elicited bioeffects: progress, perspectives and prospects.
in Drug discovery today
Stevenson DJ
(2010)
Single cell optical transfection.
in Journal of the Royal Society, Interface
Tachibana K
(2008)
Sonodynamic therapy.
in Ultrasonics
| Description | This project aimed to push the limits of microbubbles excitation for medical application, principally for molecular delivery, but also to create a means of ablative therapy, and also to test the concept of light production from violently cavitating bubbles. We proved that light from microscopic bubbles that were excited using ultrasound energy could be harnessed for real practical use, even at high (body) temperature. We also demonstrated that light could be used to trap and control microscopic bubble ensembles. We also developed a new and enhanced means of imaging in the sub microsecond framing regime. |
| Exploitation Route | patents arising have been generated and may be licensed to Cordin. Discussions to that end have already occurred with CTO Cordin. A new grant was also successful to the Wellcome Trust fro some £5.9m. |
| Sectors | Healthcare |
| URL | http://www.cicass.net |
| Description | In generating IP, and opening dialogue with the global leader in rotating mirror camera production, Cordin in Salt Lake City Utah, we have moved into the possibility of licensing our patented technology arising from this grant |
| First Year Of Impact | 2011 |
| Sector | Aerospace, Defence and Marine,Education |
| Impact Types | Cultural |
| Description | EPSRC |
| Amount | £964,449 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/H045368/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2010 |
| End | 09/2014 |
| Description | EPSRC |
| Amount | £51,648 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/F013655/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2007 |
| End | 06/2008 |
| Description | EPSRC |
| Amount | £964,449 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/H045368/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2010 |
| End | 09/2014 |
| Description | EPSRC |
| Amount | £51,648 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | EP/F013655/1 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 10/2007 |
| End | 06/2008 |
| Description | Medical Research Council |
| Amount | £624,960 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | G0801742 |
| Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2009 |
| End | 08/2012 |
| Description | Medical Research Council |
| Amount | £89,112 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | G0802645 |
| Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 09/2009 |
| End | 08/2010 |