Electricity energy harvesting with liquid crystal-magnetic particle composite particles
Inventors
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-11633615-B2
Publication Date
2023-04-25
Expiration Date
Abstract
A method and apparatus generate electrical currents and/or voltage in tissue using particles composed of liquid crystals and magnetic particles.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a method for stimulating neural tissue by positioning at least one device within a living tissue. The device is no more than 100 microns in any single dimension and contains at least one magnetic particle in a liquid crystal solution. An external instrument applies one or more magnetic fields to the device to produce electrical energy in a vicinity of the neural tissue.
The electrical energy is produced in response to a change in configuration of liquid crystals in the liquid crystal solution. In this way, magnetic-field-induced configuration change in the liquid crystal solution containing magnetic particles causes a change in electrical properties, producing electrical energy intended for interaction with neurons and/or nerves within the neural tissue.
The invention also includes monitoring an electrical state of neural tissue by remotely sensing a status of the device after applying the one or more magnetic fields. The device is configured to enable remote sensing, including sensing based on a magnetic state of the at least one device, and the device may be implemented in an untethered form factor with biocompatible and/or transport-enhancing coatings.
Claims Coverage
The partial set includes two independent claims, one directed to stimulating neural tissue and one directed to altering and monitoring an electrical state of neural tissue. Across the independent claims, there are two core groups of inventive features: (i) a very small device containing magnetic particles in a liquid crystal solution and (ii) applying magnetic fields to produce electrical energy based on liquid crystal configuration change, with the second independent claim adding remote sensing of device status.
Magnetic-particle liquid crystal device positioned in neural tissue
Positioning at least one device within a living tissue or within neural tissue, where the at least one device is no more than 100 microns in any single dimension and contains at least one magnetic particle in a liquid crystal solution.
Magnetic-field-induced electrical energy from liquid crystal configuration change
Applying one or more magnetic fields to the at least one device to produce electrical energy to the neural tissue or in a vicinity of the neural tissue, wherein the electrical energy is produced in response to a change in configuration of liquid crystals in the liquid crystal solution.
Remote sensing of device status to monitor electrical state
Remotely sensing a status of the at least one device, wherein the method is for altering and monitoring an electrical state of neural tissue, and the sensed status is a magnetic state of the at least one device.
Claim coverage centers on a very small magnetic-particle liquid crystal solution device placed in neural tissue, where applying magnetic fields causes electrical energy generation based on liquid crystal configuration changes; the second independent claim further requires remotely sensing the device status (including a magnetic state) for monitoring.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
Interested in licensing this patent?