Systems and methods for interior energy-activation from an exterior source

• US 8,658,086 B2
• Filed: 12/13/2012
• Issued: 02/25/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 03/11/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Immunolight, LLC
• Original Assignee: Immunolight, LLC
• Inventors: Bourke, Frederic A. Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): MCCLENDON, SANZA L
• Application Number:
  US13/713,974
• Publication Number:
  US 20130102054A1
• Time in Patent Office: 439 Days
• Field of Search: 522/33, 522/42, 522/44, 522/46, 522/51, 522/60, 522/61, 522/62, 522/63, 522/66, 522/67, 522/70, 522/71, 522/81, 522/83, 523/137, 623/66.1, 250/458.1, 250/459.1, 250/461.1, 250/492.1
• US Class Current: 422/22
• CPC Class Codes: A23L 2/50 by irradiation or electric treatment without heating
• CPC Class Codes: A23L 3/26 by irradiation without heating
• CPC Class Codes: A23L 3/263 with corpuscular or ionising radiation, i.e. X, alpha, beta or omega radiation laser plasma radiation A23L3/26
• CPC Class Codes: A23L 3/28 with ultraviolet light
• CPC Class Codes: A23L 5/32 using phonon wave energy, e.g. sound or ultrasonic waves
• CPC Class Codes: A23V 2002/00 Food compositions, function of food ingredients or processes for food or foodstuffs
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 41/0057 Photodynamic therapy with a photosensitizer, i.e. agent able to produce reactive oxygen species upon exposure to light or radiation, e.g. UV or visible light; photocleavage of nucleic acids with an agent
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 41/0066 Psoralene-activated UV-A photochemotherapy (PUVA-therapy), e.g. for treatment of psoriasis or eczema, extracorporeal photopheresis with psoralens or fucocoumarins
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/0011 using physical methods
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/0047 Ultraviolet radiation
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/0076 using a photocatalyst or photosensitiser
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/082 X-rays
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/088 using a photocatalyst or photosensitiser
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/10 Ultraviolet radiation
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2/16 using chemical substances
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2202/21 Pharmaceuticals, e.g. medicaments, artificial body parts
• CPC Class Codes: A61L 2202/22 Blood or products thereof
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/3683 using photoactive agents
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2005/0661 ultraviolet
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2005/0662 Visible light
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2005/1087 : Ions; Protons
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2005/1089 : Electrons
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2005/1098 : Enhancing the effect of the particle by an injected agent or implanted device
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 5/062 : Photodynamic therapy, i.e. excitation of an agent
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 5/0624 : for eliminating microbes, germs, bacteria on or in the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 5/10 : X-ray therapy; Gamma-ray therapy; Particle-irradiation therapy A61N5/01 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 31/04 : Antibacterial agents
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 31/18 : for HIV
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 35/00 : Antineoplastic agents
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 7/08 : Plasma substitutes; Perfusion solutions; Dialytics or haemodialytics; Drugs for electrolytic or acid-base disorders, e.g. hypovolemic shock artificial tears A61P27/04
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 19/082 : Gamma-radiation only
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 19/085 : Electron beams only
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 19/12 : employing electromagnetic waves
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 19/123 : Ultraviolet light
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 19/125 : X-rays
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 19/127 : Sunlight; Visible light
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 19/128 : Infrared light
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/0877 : Liquid
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/0879 : Solid
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/0892 : involving catalytically active material
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/1203 : Incoherent waves
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2231/005 : General concepts, e.g. reviews, relating to methods of using catalyst systems, the concept being defined by a common method or theory, e.g. microwave heating or multiple stereoselectivity
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 23/50 : Silver
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 23/52 : Gold
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2531/005 : Catalytic metals
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2531/008 : Methods or theories
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 31/0275 : also containing elements or functional groups covered by B01J31/0201 - B01J31/0269
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 31/2295 : Cyclic compounds, e.g. cyclopentadienyls
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 35/19 : Catalysts containing parts with different compositions
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 35/23 : in a colloidal state
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 35/39 : Photocatalytic properties
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 37/0072 : Preparation of particles, e.g. dispersion of droplets in an oil bath
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 37/0221 : of particles
• CPC Class Codes: B82Y 20/00 : Nanooptics, e.g. quantum optics or photonic crystals
• CPC Class Codes: B82Y 30/00 : Nanotechnology for materials or surface science, e.g. nanocomposites
• CPC Class Codes: B82Y 40/00 : Manufacture or treatment of nanostructures
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/30 : by irradiation
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/302 : with microwaves
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/305 : with electrons
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/307 : with X-rays or gamma radiation
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/32 : with ultraviolet light
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/725 : by catalytic oxidation
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2305/10 : Photocatalysts
• CPC Class Codes: C08J 2300/00 : Characterised by the use of unspecified polymers
• CPC Class Codes: C08J 3/24 : Crosslinking, e.g. vulcanising, of macromolecules mechanical aspects B29C35/00; crosslinking agents C08K
• CPC Class Codes: C08J 3/28 : Treatment by wave energy or particle radiation
• CPC Class Codes: C08J 7/18 : using wave energy or particle radiation
• CPC Class Codes: C09D 201/00 : Coating compositions based on unspecified macromolecular compounds
• CPC Class Codes: C09J 201/00 : Adhesives based on unspecified macromolecular compounds
• CPC Class Codes: C09J 2301/416 : use of irradiation
• CPC Class Codes: C09J 5/00 : Adhesive processes in general; Adhesive processes not provided for elsewhere, e.g. relating to primers
• CPC Class Codes: C12H 1/06 : Precipitation by physical means, e.g. by irradiation, vibrations
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 5/008 : Surface plasmon devices diffractive gratings with a pitch less than or comparable to the wavelength G02B5/1809; surface plasmons in integrated optics G02B6/1226; optical analysis of materials by means of surface plasmons G01N21/553
• CPC Class Codes: G21K 5/00 : Irradiation devices discharge tubes for irradiating H01J37/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y02W 10/37 : using solar energy
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 977/774 : Exhibiting three-dimensional carrier confinement, e.g. quantum dots
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 977/777 : Metallic powder or flake
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 977/896 : Chemical synthesis, e.g. chemical bonding or breaking
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 977/915 : Therapeutic or pharmaceutical composition
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 156/10 : Methods of surface bonding and/or assembly therefor

Abstract

A method and a system for producing a change in a medium. The method places in a vicinity of the medium at least one energy modulation agent. The method applies an initiation energy to the medium. The initiation energy interacts with the energy modulation agent to directly or indirectly produce the change in the medium. The system includes an initiation energy source configured to apply an initiation energy to the medium to activate the energy modulation agent.

Claims

1. A method for producing a photoreactive change in a medium to be treated, comprising:

(1) placing an energy modulation agent and a photoactivatable agent within the medium to be treated with said medium interceding between the energy modulation agent and a photoactivatable agent, said energy modulation agent comprising a photon emitter which emits at least one of ultraviolet and visible light into the medium to be treated upon interaction with an initiation energy;

(2) applying for the initiation energy at least one of x-rays, gamma rays, or an electron beam to the medium in order to emit from said energy modulation agent into the medium to be treated said at least one of ultraviolet and visible light; and

(3) inducing, from said at least one of ultraviolet and visible light emitted into the medium to be treated, said photoreactive change to the medium,

wherein the change in the medium comprises a change in organism activity.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein applying comprises:

applying the initiation energy from an external energy source.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein applying comprises:

applying the initiation energy from a source that is at least partially in an artificial container holding the medium or that is exposed through an opening in the artificial container.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the energy modulation agent comprises at least one of a sulfide, a telluride, a selenide, and an oxide semiconductor.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the energy modulation agent comprises at least one of Y₂O₃;

ZnS;

ZnSe;

MgS;

CaS;

Mn, Er ZnSe;

Mn, Er MgS;

Mn, Er CaS;

Mn, Er ZnS;

Mn, Yb ZnSe;

Mn, Yb MgS;

Mn, Yb CaS;

Mn, Yb ZnS;

Tb³⁺, Er³⁺;

ZnS;

Tb³⁺;

Y₂O₃;

Tb³⁺;

Y₂O₃;

Tb³⁺, Er3⁺;

ZnS;

Mn²⁺;

ZnS;

Mn, Er³⁺.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the energy modulation agent includes a chemical or biological receptor.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the change in organism activity comprises at least one of a sterilization of the medium or a deactivation of fermentation in the medium.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the change in organism activity comprises a cold pasteurization of the medium.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the photoactivatable agent is selected from psoralens, pyrene cholesteryloleate, acridine, porphyrin, fluorescein, rhodamine, 16-diazorcortisone, ethidium, transition metal complexes of bleomycin, transition metal complexes of deglycobleomycin organoplatinum complexes, alloxazines, vitamin Ks, vitamin L, vitamin metabolites, vitamin precursors, naphthoquinones, naphthalenes, naphthols and derivatives thereof having planar molecular conformations, porphorinporphyrins, dyes and phenothiazine derivatives, coumarins, quinolones, quinones, and anthroquinones.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein said photon emitters comprise a plurality of luminescent agents.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein said luminescent agents comprise at least one of phosphorescent compounds and fluorescent compounds.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein said luminescent agents comprise nanotubes, nanoparticles, chemilumiscent particles, and bioluminescent particles, and mixtures thereof.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein applying comprises:

applying the initiation energy throughout an entire volume of the medium to be treated.

24. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

concentrating the energy modulation agent in a specific target region of the medium to be treated.

9. A method for producing a photoreactive change in a medium to be treated, comprising:

(1) placing an energy modulation agent and a photoactivatable agent within the medium to be treated with said medium interceding between the energy modulation agent and a photoactivatable agent, said energy modulation agent comprising a photon emitter which emits at least one of ultraviolet and visible light into the medium to be treated upon interaction with an initiation energy;

(2) applying for the initiation energy at least one of x-rays, gamma rays, or an electron beam to the medium in order to emit from said energy modulation agent into the medium to be treated said at least one of ultraviolet and visible light; and

(3) inducing, from said at least one of ultraviolet and visible light emitted into the medium to be treated, said photoreactive change to the medium

wherein applying comprises sterilizing a medium including at least one organism selected from the group consisting of bacteria, viruses, yeasts, and fungi.

10. A method for producing a photoreactive change in a medium to be treated, comprising:

(1) placing an energy modulation agent and a photoactivatable agent within the medium to be treated with said medium interceding between the energy modulation agent and a photoactivatable agent, said energy modulation agent comprising a photon emitter which emits at least one of ultraviolet and visible light into the medium to be treated upon interaction with an initiation energy;

(2) applying for the initiation energy at least one of x-rays, gamma rays, or an electron beam to the medium in order to emit from said energy modulation agent into the medium to be treated said at least one of ultraviolet and visible light; and

(3) inducing, from said at least one of ultraviolet and visible light emitted into the medium to be treated, said photoreactive change to the medium

wherein the photoactivatable agent comprises an active agent contained within a photocage, wherein upon exposure to said initiation energy source, the photocage is configured to disassociate from the active agent, rendering the active agent available to the medium.

12. A method for producing a photoreactive change in a medium to be treated, comprising:

(1) placing an energy modulation agent and a photoactivatable agent within the medium to be treated with said medium interceding between the energy modulation agent and a photoactivatable agent, said energy modulation agent comprising a photon emitter which emits at least one of ultraviolet and visible light into the medium to be treated upon interaction with an initiation energy;

(2) applying for the initiation energy at least one of x-rays, gamma rays, or an electron beam to the medium in order to emit from said energy modulation agent into the medium to be treated said at least one of ultraviolet and visible light; and

(3) inducing, from said at least one of ultraviolet and visible light emitted into the medium to be treated, said photoreactive change to the medium

wherein the photoactivatable agent comprises a psoralen, a coumarin, or a derivative thereof.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein at least one of a cancer cell, a tumor cell, an autoimmune deficiency symptom virus, or a blood-borne germicide is treated by the psoralen, the coumarin, or the derivative thereof.

14. A method for producing a photoreactive change in a medium to be treated, comprising:

(1) placing an energy modulation agent and a photoactivatable agent within the medium to be treated with said medium interceding between the energy modulation agent and a photoactivatable agent, said energy modulation agent comprising a photon emitter which emits at least one of ultraviolet and visible light into the medium to be treated upon interaction with an initiation energy;

(2) applying for the initiation energy at least one of x-rays, gamma rays, or an electron beam to the medium in order to emit from said energy modulation agent into the medium to be treated said at least one of ultraviolet and visible light; and

(3) inducing, from said at least one of ultraviolet and visible light emitted into the medium to be treated, said photoreactive change to the medium wherein the photoactivatable agent comprises a photocatalyst.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the photocatalyst agent comprises at least one of TiO₂, ZnO, CdS, CdSe, SnO₂, SrTiO₃, WO₃, Fe₂O₃, and Ta₂O₅.

20. A method for producing a photoreactive change in a medium to be treated, comprising:

(1) placing an energy modulation agent and a photoactivatable agent within the medium to be treated with said medium interceding between the energy modulation agent and a photoactivatable agent, said energy modulation agent comprising a photon emitter which emits at least one of ultraviolet and visible light into the medium to be treated upon interaction with an initiation energy;

(2) applying for the initiation energy at least one of x-rays, gamma rays, or an electron beam to the medium in order to emit from said energy modulation agent into the medium to be treated said at least one of ultraviolet and visible light; and

(3) inducing, from said at least one of ultraviolet and visible light emitted into the medium to be treated, said photoreactive change to the medium wherein applying comprises;

transmitting the initiation energy through an artificial container holding the medium to be treated, said container comprising at least one of an aluminum container, a quartz container, a glass container, a plastic container or a combination thereof.

21. A method for producing a photoreactive change in a medium to be treated, comprising:

(1) placing an energy modulation agent and a photoactivatable agent within the medium to be treated with said medium interceding between the energy modulation agent and a photoactivatable agent, said energy modulation agent comprising a photon emitter which emits at least one of ultraviolet and visible light into the medium to be treated upon interaction with an initiation energy;

(2) applying for the initiation energy at least one of x-rays, gamma rays, or an electron beam to the medium in order to emit from said energy modulation agent into the medium to be treated said at least one of ultraviolet and visible light; and

(3) inducing, from said at least one of ultraviolet and visible light emitted into the medium to be treated, said photoreactive change to the medium wherein applying comprises applying the initiation energy to waste water to reduce contaminants in the waste water wherein the medium comprises waste water.

22. A method for producing a photoreactive change in a medium to be treated, comprising:

(1) placing an energy modulation agent and a photoactivatable agent within the medium to be treated with said medium interceding between the energy modulation agent and a photoactivatable agent, said energy modulation agent comprising a photon emitter which emits at least one of ultraviolet and visible light into the medium to be treated upon interaction with an initiation energy;

(2) applying for the initiation energy at least one of x-rays, gamma rays, or an electron beam to the medium in order to emit from said energy modulation agent into the medium to be treated said at least one of ultraviolet and visible light; and

(3) inducing, from said at least one of ultraviolet and visible light emitted into the medium to be treated, said photoreactive change to the medium wherein applying comprises applying the initiation energy to fluids to sterilize the fluids wherein the medium comprises said fluids.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein applying comprises at least one of:

sterilizing blood products or food products;

or

pasteurizing the fluids or the food products.