Scientists at Stanford University in the United States have developed a new non-invasive technology that utilizes nanomaterials in the blood to precisely convert ultrasound waves into light spots, enabling the 'delivery' of light to any part of the body and providing a new solution for optical targeted therapy. Light has a wide range of applications in the biomedical field, but traditional methods for introducing it deep into the body are often invasive, whereas ultrasound offers the advantages of convenience and deep penetration. The research team injected nanoparticles made of ceramic particles into mice, causing them to emit light when scanned by an ultrasound focus. They also used a miniature ultrasound-generating cap to produce light in different regions of the mice's brains, manipulating cellular activity within. Additionally, this technology, when combined with gene editing systems, holds promise for controlling gene editing functions. However, the current materials face issues of slow degradation and potential accumulation in organs. The team is now seeking to replace ceramic nanoparticles with biodegradable materials that can be safely broken down to facilitate clinical applications.
