An implantable ionic therapeutic platform for photodynamic therapy with wireless capacitive power transfer

In this work, we describe the development of an implantable ionic device that can deliver a spatially targeted light source to tumor tissues in a controllable manner. The motivation behind our approach is to overcome certain limitations of conventional approaches where light is delivered from the outside of the body and only achieves low penetration depths. Also, to avoid the issues that come from the periodic need to replace the device's battery, we utilize a wireless power transfer system synchronized with light operation in an implantable structure. In our testing of this implanted, soft ionic, gel-based device that receives power wirelessly, we were able to clearly observe its capability to effectively deliver light in a harmonious and stable configuration to adjacent tissues. This approach reduces the mechanical inconsistencies seen in conventional systems that are induced by mismatches between the mechanical strength of conventional metallic components and that of biological tissues. The light delivering performance of our device was studied in depth under the various conditions set by adjusting the area of the gel receivers, the ion concentration and the ion types used in the gel components. The enhanced antitumor effects of our device were observed through in vitro cell tests, in comparison with treatments using the conventional approach of using direct light from outside the body. Full encapsulation using biocompatible elastomers enables our device to provide good functional stability, while implantation for about 3 weeks in the in vivo model showed the effective targeted photodynamic treatments made possible by our approach. Our advanced approach of designing the implantable platform based on ionic gel components allows us to iteratively irradiate a target with light whenever required, making the technology particularly suited to long-term treatment of residual tumors while facilitating further practical and clinical development.