Remote controlled in situ reation method

• US 20070106266A1
• Filed: 11/09/2005
• Published: 05/10/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 11/09/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gearbox LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Original Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, L.L.C. (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Inventors: Langer, Robert, Jung, Edward, Hood, Leroy, Tegreene, Clarence, Wood, Lowell, Ishikawa, Muriel, Wood, Victoria
• Granted Patent: US 8,998,884 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/890.100
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 41/00 Medicinal preparations obtained by treating materials with wave energy or particle radiation ; Therapies using these preparations
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 9/0009 involving or responsive to electricity, magnetism or acoustic waves; Galenical aspects of sonophoresis, iontophoresis, electroporation or electroosmosis microelectromechanical systems A61K9/0097
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 9/0024 Solid, semi-solid or solidifying implants, which are implanted or injected in body tissue compositions for intravenous administration, normal injectable solutions or dispersions for, e.g. subcutaneous administration A61K9/0019; brain implants A61K9/0085; (coated) prostheses, catheters or stents A61L
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 9/0097 Micromachined devices; Microelectromechanical systems [MEMS]; Devices obtained by lithographic treatment of silicon; Devices comprising chips intradermal microneedle arrays A61K9/0021; MEMS in general B81B7/02
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2005/14513 with secondary fluid driving or regulating the infusion
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/0266 Shape memory materials
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/0288 Electro-rheological or magneto-rheological materials
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3523 using telemetric means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3569 sublocal, e.g. between console and disposable
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/36 related to heating or cooling
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/52 with memories providing a history of measured variating parameters of apparatus or patient
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/14276 specially adapted for implantation
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/145 using pressurised reservoirs, e.g. pressurised by means of pistons
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/172 electrical or electronic A61M5/16804, A61M5/16831 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 5/1723 using feedback of body parameters, e.g. blood-sugar, pressure measurement of body parameters A61B5/00
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 19/0006 Controlling or regulating processes controlling or regulating in general G05
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 2219/00049 Controlling or regulating processes
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/008 Control or steering systems not provided for elsewhere in subclass C02F
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/02 by heating methods of steam generation F22B; preheating boiler feed-water or accumulating preheated boiler feed-water F22D
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/66 by neutralisation; pH adjustment for degassing C02F1/20; using ion-exchange C02F1/42; for flocculation or precipitation of suspended impurities C02F1/52; for removing dissolved compounds C02F1/58
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2101/20 : Heavy metals or heavy metal compounds
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2101/363 : PCB's; PCP's
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2209/02 : Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 9/0004 : Oxidoreductases (1.)
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 9/0006 : acting on CH-OH groups as donors (1.1)
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 9/10 : Transferases (2.) ribonucleases C12N9/22
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 9/12 : transferring phosphorus containing groups, e.g. kinases (2.7)
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 9/14 : Hydrolases (3)
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 9/88 : Lyases (4.)
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 9/90 : Isomerases (5.)
• CPC Class Codes: C12N 9/93 : Ligases (6)
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/02 : using a radio link

Abstract

Embodiments of a system including a remotely controlled reaction device and associated controller are described. Methods of use and control of the device are also disclosed. According to various embodiments, a reaction device is placed in an environment in order to perform a chemical reaction in an environment. Exemplary environments include a body of an organism, a body of water, or an enclosed volume of a fluid. In selected embodiments, a magnetic field, an electric field, or electromagnetic control signal may be used.

Claims

1. A reaction method, comprising:

receiving an electromagnetic control signal from a remote control signal source;

in response to the received electromagnetic control signal, modifying a reaction condition at a reaction region of a reaction device located in an environment through at least one of a mechanical, thermal, or chemical response of the remotely activatable control element to the electromagnetic control signal; and

releasing a product of the reaction into the environment.

2. The reaction method of claim 1, including receiving a reactant capable of taking part in the reaction from the environment.

21. The reaction method of claim 1, including receiving the electromagnetic control signal with a magnetically or electrically active material.

40. The method of claim 1, including receiving an electromagnetic control signal generated under software control by the remote control signal source.

109. The reaction method of claim 2, wherein the reactant is a biomolecule, a synthetic compound, or a pro-drug.

110. The reaction method of claim 1, including modifying a reaction condition at the reaction region by at least one of heating at least a portion of the reaction region, cooling at least a portion of the reaction region, modifying the osmolality of at least a portion of the reaction region, modifying the pH of at least a portion of the reaction region, modifying the surface charge of at least a portion of the reaction region, or modifying the surface energy of at least a portion of the reaction region.

111. The reaction method of claim 1, wherein modifying a reaction condition at the reaction region includes modifying a parameter of a reaction space within the reaction device, the reaction space containing the reaction region, by one or more of modifying the volume of the reaction space, heating at least a portion of the reaction space, cooling at least a portion of the reaction space, modifying the osmolality of at least a portion of the reaction space, or modifying the pH of at least a portion of the reaction space.

112. The reaction method of claim 21, wherein the magnetically or electrically active material is selected from a permanently magnetizable material, a ferromagnetic material, a ferrimagnetic material, a ferrous material, a ferric material, a dielectric material, a ferroelectric material, a piezoelectric material, a diamagnetic material, a paramagnetic material, an antiferromagnetic material, a polymer or a biomolecule.

113. The reaction method of claim 21, wherein receiving the electromagnetic control signal with the magnetically or electrically active material results in at least one of heating, cooling, vibration, acceleration, change in orientation, or change in position of the magnetically or electrically active material.

114. The reaction method of claim 1, including receiving the electromagnetic control signal with an antenna, a resonant element, or at least one chemical bond.

115. The reaction method of claim 1, wherein receiving the electromagnetic control signal includes receiving at least one of a static or quasi-static magnetic field, a static or quasi-static electrical field, a radio-frequency electromagnetic signal, a microwave electromagnetic signal, an infrared wavelength electromagnetic signal, an optical wavelength electromagnetic signal, or an ultraviolet wavelength electromagnetic signal.

116. The reaction method of claim 1, wherein releasing the product of the reaction includes at least one of releasing a beneficial material or releasing a deactivated deleterious material.

3. (canceled)

4. (canceled)

5. (canceled)

6. (canceled)

7. (canceled)

8. (canceled)

9. (canceled)

10. (canceled)

11. (canceled)

12. (canceled)

13. (canceled)

14. (canceled)

15. (canceled)

16. (canceled)

17. (canceled)

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. (canceled)

22. (canceled)

23. (canceled)

24. (canceled)

25. (canceled)

26. (canceled)

27. (canceled)

28. (canceled)

29. (canceled)

30. (canceled)

31. (canceled)

32. (canceled)

33. (canceled)

34. (canceled)

35. (canceled)

36. (canceled)

37. (canceled)

38. (canceled)

39. (canceled)

41. A reaction method, comprising:

receiving a material from an environment at a reaction region of a reaction device located in the environment;

receiving an electromagnetic control signal from a remote control signal source; and

in response to the received electromagnetic control signal, modifying the rate or kinetics of reaction of the material at the reaction region.

53. The reaction method of claim 41, wherein modifying a reaction condition at the reaction region includes modifying a parameter of a reaction space within the reaction device, the reaction space containing the reaction region.

57. The reaction method of claim 41, including receiving the electromagnetic control signal with a magnetically or electrically active material.

72. The reaction method of claim 41, including receiving an electromagnetic control signal generated under software control by the remote control signal source.

117. The reaction method of claim 41, including modifying a reaction condition at the reaction region by heating at least a portion of the reaction region, cooling at least a portion of the reaction region, modifying the osmolality of at least a portion of the reaction region, modifying the pH of at least a portion of the reaction region, modifying the surface charge of at least a portion of the reaction region, or modifying the surface energy of at least a portion of the reaction region.

118. The reaction method of claim 53, wherein modifying a reaction condition at the reaction region includes modifying the volume of the reaction space, heating at least a portion of the reaction space, cooling at least a portion of the reaction space, modifying the osmolality of at least a portion of the reaction space, or modifying the pH of at least a portion of the reaction space.

119. The reaction method of claim 57, wherein the magnetically or electrically active material is selected from a permanently magnetizable material, a ferromagnetic material, a ferrimagnetic material, a ferrous material, a ferric material, a dielectric or ferroelectric or piezoelectric material, a diamagnetic material, a paramagnetic material, an antiferromagnetic material, a polymer or a biomolecule.

120. The reaction method of claim 41, including receiving the electromagnetic control signal with an antenna, a resonant element, or at least one chemical bond.

121. The reaction method of claim 41, wherein receiving the electromagnetic control signal includes receiving a static or quasi-static magnetic field, a static or quasi-static electrical field, a radio frequency electromagnetic signal, a microwave electromagnetic signal, an infrared electromagnetic signal, an optical electromagnetic signal, or an ultraviolet electromagnetic signal.

122. The reaction method of claim 41, wherein releasing the product of the reaction includes releasing a beneficial material or a deactivated deleterious material.

42. (canceled)

43. (canceled)

44. (canceled)

45. (canceled)

46. (canceled)

47. (canceled)

48. (canceled)

49. (canceled)

50. (canceled)

51. (canceled)

52. (canceled)

54. (canceled)

55. (canceled)

56. (canceled)

58. (canceled)

59. (canceled)

60. (canceled)

61. (canceled)

62. (canceled)

63. (canceled)

64. (canceled)

65. (canceled)

66. (canceled)

67. (canceled)

68. (canceled)

69. (canceled)

70. (canceled)

71. (canceled)

73. A reaction system comprising:

a reaction device including;

a body structure adapted for positioning in an environment;

a reaction region located in or on the body structure, the reaction region including a first material capable of influencing a chemical reaction; and

a remotely activatable control element operably coupled to the body structure and responsive to an electromagnetic field control signal to modify one or more of the rate or kinetics of the chemical reaction; and

a remote control signal source capable of generating an electromagnetic control signal sufficient to activate the remotely activatable control element to produce a desired rate of the chemical reaction.

74. The reaction system of claim 73, wherein the remotely activatable control element responds to the control signal by changing in at least one dimension.

93. The reaction system of claim 73, wherein the reaction region is located in an interior portion of the body structure and is at least intermittently in fluid communication with the environment via at least one inlet or outlet.

94. The reaction system of claim 73, wherein the reaction region is located on an exterior portion of the body structure in fluid communication with the environment.

95. The reaction system of claim 93, further including a valve responsive to a change in at least one dimension of the remotely activatable control element.

103. The reaction system of claim 73, wherein the remotely activatable control element includes a heating or cooling element, a valve element, or a structural element.

108. The reaction system of claim 73, wherein the remote control signal source includes software configured to control generation of the electromagnetic control signal.

123. The reaction system of claim 73, wherein the remotely activatable control element includes a polymer, ceramic, dielectric, metal, shape memory material, bimetallic structure, hydrogel, ferrogel, ferroelectric, magnetically active material, electrically active material, permanently magnetizable material, ferromagnetic material, ferrimagnetic material, ferrous material, ferric material, dielectric material, ferroelectric material, piezoelectric material, diamagnetic material, paramagnetic material, antiferromagnetic material, or a combination of a polymer and a magnetically or electrically active component.

124. The reaction system of claim 73, wherein the remotely activatable control element is responsive to at least one of a static or quasi-static electrical field, a static or quasi-static magnetic field, a non-ionizing electromagnetic signal, a radio-frequency electromagnetic signal, a microwave electromagnetic signal, an infrared electromagnetic signal, a millimeter wave electromagnetic signal, an optical electromagnetic signal, or an ultraviolet electromagnetic signal.

125. The reaction system of claim 95, wherein the valve is configured to increase the flow of fluid into the reaction region, increase the flow of fluid out of the reaction region, decrease the flow of fluid into the reaction region, or decrease the flow of fluid out of the reaction region responsive to the change in at least one dimension of the remotely activatable control element.

126. The reaction system of claim 74, wherein additional portions of the reaction region are exposed or a surface area of the reaction region is increased responsive to the change in at least one dimension of the remotely activatable control element.

127. The reaction system of claim 73, including at least one of an outlet through which a product of the chemical reaction is released into the environment or an inlet through which a second material capable of participating in the chemical reaction enters the reaction region.

128. The reaction system of claim 73, including a body structure adapted for positioning in an environment selected from a body of an organism, a body of water, a contained fluid volume, an industrial fluid volume, an agricultural fluid volume, a swimming pool, an aquarium, a drinking water supply, or an HVAC system cooling water supply.

75. (canceled)

76. (canceled)

77. (canceled)

78. (canceled)

79. (canceled)

80. (canceled)

81. (canceled)

82. (canceled)

83. (canceled)

84. (canceled)

85. (canceled)

86. (canceled)

87. (canceled)

88. (canceled)

89. (canceled)

90. (canceled)

91. (canceled)

92. (canceled)

96. (canceled)

97. (canceled)

98. (canceled)

99. (canceled)

100. (canceled)

101. (canceled)

102. (canceled)

104. (canceled)

105. (canceled)

106. (canceled)

107. (canceled)