SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTOGENETIC THERAPY
Configurations are described for utilizing light-activated proteins within cell membranes and subcellular regions to assist with medical treatment paradigms, such as hypertension treatment via anatomically specific and temporally precise modulation of renal plexus activity. The invention provides for proteins, nucleic acids, vectors and methods for genetically targeted expression of light-sensitive proteins to specific cells or defined cell populations. In particular the invention provides systems, devices, and methods for millisecond-timescale temporal control of certain cell activities using moderate light intensities, such as the generation or inhibition of electrical spikes in nerve cells and other excitable cells.
1 . An implantable device for distributing light to a targeted tissue structure that has been genetically modified to encode a light sensitive protein, comprising:
a slab-like structure configured to receive light from a light source, the slab-like structure comprising a channel member and an output coupler, the channel member configured to define an optical channel through which photons may be directed, wherein the output coupler is operatively coupled to the channel member and configured to direct photons received from the channel member toward the targeted tissue structure.
2 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the slab-like structure has an inner surface and an outer surface, such that the inner surface configured to be positioned directly adjacent the targeted tissue structure, and the outer surface is configured to be positioned opposite the targeted tissue structure from the slab-like structure.
3 . The device of claim 2 , wherein the outer surface contains a reflective element configured to reflect at least a portion of photons that would normally pass away from the slab-like structure back toward the targeted tissue structure.
4 . The device of claim 3 , wherein the reflective element comprises a coating.
5 . The device of claim 4 , wherein the coating is a material from the group consisting of: silver, gold, aluminum, rhodium, and barium sulfate.
6 . The device of claim 2 , wherein the inner surface is configured to contact the targeted tissue structure.
7 . The device of claim 6 , wherein the inner surface is configured to contact the targeted tissue structure with a substantially smooth surface.
8 . The device of claim 1 , channel member comprises an optical waveguide configured to propagate substantially all incoming photons under total internal reflection.
9 . The device of claim 8 , wherein the waveguide comprises a material selected from the group consisting of: water, air, oil, a polymer, a glass, and combinations thereof.
10 . The device of claim 9 , wherein the waveguide comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of: olydimethylsiloxane, poly methyl methacrylate, silicone, and a high-refractive-index polymer composite.
11 . The device of claim 10 , wherein the waveguide comprises a high-refractive-index polymer composite comprising an organic polymer matrix with inorganic nanoparticles.
12 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the output coupler is a facet.
13 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the output coupler is an inclusion.
14 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the output coupler is a surface texture.
15 . The device of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of output couplers.
16 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the slab-like member is configured rolled axially to form a nonplanar contact surface for interfacing with the targeted tissue structure.
17 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the slab-like member is configured rolled longitudinally to form a nonplanar contact surface for interfacing with the targeted tissue structure.
18 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the slab-like structure is configured to receive photons from two or more light sources.
19 . The device of claim 18 , wherein the two or more light sources have different output spectra.
20 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the slab-like structure comprises a material selected from the group consisting of: polydimethylsiloxane, poly methyl methacrylate, polyethylene, polypropylene, hyrodgel, and silicone.