Technology for a portable, less expensive light-emitting device (LED) that can be used for wound healing at home or as an outpatient treatment option is available for licensing from the Henry M. Jackson Foundation (HJF).

Researchers at HJF, the Nitto Denko Technical Corporation, and the Uniformed Services University have developed an Organic LED (OLED) coupled to a flexible substrate that has potential applications as a phototherapy system. Proposed phototherapy device can be configured to deliver specific dosages of photoenergy for wound healing.

Applications and Advantages

• Portable, affordable phototherapeutic wound healing device in out-patient and home settings
• Coupled to a flexible substrate, potential to develop wrapping material with the device incorporated within the layers
• Delivers controlled dosages in the range of of 620-640 nm, known to promote wound healing
• Non-invasive, especially suitable for diabetic patient wound care management
• Targeted use of the device can help reduce cost of therapy, supplies, time for healing and patient discomfort

Innovation Description

LASER or LED based phototherapy is known to be an effective means to promote healing of skin wounds. The therapeutic window of this device falls within redlight range of the optical spectrum which is also efficient for penetrating tissues. Biological effects promoted include reduced inflammation of cells, increased fibroblasts, stimulation of collagen, and promotion of tissue formation.

Critical device parameters that influence wound healing include wavelength and dosage of light or power density. The device consists of a light-emitting layer of luminescent compound that has peak emission of ~ 600 nm-700 nm and can be configured to deliver a dosage of 2-20 mW/cm ² or 7-10 mW/cm². Th OLED coupled with a flexible substrate can be incorporated within wound dressing, opening options to treat a host of difficult wounds. The design is suitable for portability and is more affordable when compared to existing wound healing solutions.

In vitro studies of cells irradiated by the device had significant positive effect as measured by mitochondrial assay, Total ATP production, and cell proliferation assay. Wound closure measurements upon irradiation showed significant reduction in wound area when compared to controls (Fig. 1).

Fig 1. Comparison of irradiated post-surgery closure against control

Inventors

• Sazzadur Rahman Khan, Nitto Denko Technical Corporation
• Sheng Li, Ph.D., Nitto Denko Technical Corporation
• Amane Mochizuki, Nitto Denko Technical Corporation
• Xingjia Wu, B.S., Henry M. Jackson Foundation
• Juanita Josephine Anders, Ph.D., Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU)

Innovation Status

In vitro and In vivo studies to demonstrate wound healing properties of the device.

Intellectual Property Status

United States Patent 10,786,683