US 11,883,344 B2
Neural stimulation in vitro and in vivo by photoacoustic nanotransducers
Chen Yang, Newton, MA (US); and Ji-Xin Cheng, Newton, MA (US)
Assigned to Trustees of Boston University, Boston, MA (US)
Filed by Trustees of Boston University, Boston, MA (US)
Filed on Jan. 30, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/103,093.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/305,863, filed on Feb. 2, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2023/0240935 A1, Aug. 3, 2023
Int. Cl. A61H 23/00 (2006.01); A61N 5/06 (2006.01)
CPC A61H 23/00 (2013.01) [A61N 5/0603 (2013.01); A61H 2201/10 (2013.01); A61N 2005/063 (2013.01); A61N 2005/0659 (2013.01); A61N 2005/0663 (2013.01)] 30 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A photoacoustic system for neurostimulation comprising:
a light producing device for producing light of a specific wavelength; and
at least one nanotransducer adapted to be binded on a surface of a neuron, the at least one nanotransducer converting the light with the specific wavelength into at least one acoustic wave at or near the neuron.
 
12. A method for neurostimulation, the method comprising:
producing light of specific wavelength;
positioning at least one nanotransducer binded on a surface of a neuron; and
converting, using the at least one nanotransducer, the light with the specific wavelength into at least one acoustic wave at or near the neuron.
 
23. A system for neurostimulation comprising:
a light producing device producing light of specific wavelength; and
at least one nanotransducer adapted to be binded on a surface of a neuronal membrane and targeting at least one mechanosensitive ion channel, the at least one nanotransducer converting the light with the specific wavelength into at least one acoustic wave perturbing the at least one mechanosensitive ion channel directly.