Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties Inc

Mehmet Alpaslan Kosoglu

Christopher Rylander

Ge Wang

John L Robertson

John H Rossmeisl

Thomas A Campbell

Marissa N Rylander

Yong Xu

Robert L Hood

David C Grant

The present invention relates to the field of optical imaging and therapeutics. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide minimally-invasive Fiberoptic Microneedle Devices (FMDs) for light-based therapeutics, which physically penetrate tissue and deliver light directly into the target area below the skin surface. Embodiments of the invention enable depth-selective and deep photothermal therapeutics and include methods of treating cancer, methods of re-shaping or removing adipose tissue, and methods of delivering drugs or co-delivering drugs and energy to selected tissue.

Fiber array for optical imaging and therapeutics

The present invention relates to the field of optical imaging and therapeutics. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide minimally-invasive Fiberoptic Microneedle Devices (FMDs) for light-based therapeutics, which physically penetrate tissue and deliver light directly into the target area below the skin surface (FIG.). A preferred embodiment of the invention is a fiberoptic microneedle device comprising: (a) one or more silica-based needles capable of guiding light and comprising a length of about 0.5-6 mm, a base having an outer diameter in the range of about 100-150 micron, and a tip having an outer diameter in the range of about 5-20 micron; (b) a support member to which the needles are secured; (c) a ferrule comprising one or more holes for each of the needles, wherein the ferrule is operably configured to provide mechanical support to each needle at all or some portion of the length of the needle. Embodiments of the invention enable depth-selective and deep photothermal therapeutics and can be adapted for use with any laser-based treatment or diagnostic in which light is used to detect or treat targets under or on the skin surface.

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Blacksburg, VA, United States of America

Mehmet Alpaslan Kosoglu