Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an image-guided laser irradiation device for targeted ablation, stimulation, molecular delivery and therapy. Specifically, the invention relates to application of the device in therapies needing precise and targeted removal of a sample, or delivery of impermeable molecules for therapeutic outcome. More specifically, the invention relates to the application of the device in the therapy of visual disorders.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention generally relate to the novel method, compositions and applications of mechanosensitive channels in therapeutics for visual, neurological and other disorders. Specifically, some embodiments of the invention relate to exploitation of mechanosensitive channels' intrinsic property as a transgenic pressure modulator and alternative outflow actuator in the treatment of different diseases such as glaucoma, dry eye disease and other diseases involving of cells prone to mechanical or osmotic stress. Furthermore, some embodiments of the invention relate to exploitation of mechanosensitive channels for stimulation of cells as well as molecular delivery to cells triggered by internal as well as external mechanical stimuli.

Abstract: A label-free optical device for near real time quantification of the multifractal micro-optical properties of a sample includes a source of broadband light; a tunable filter that receives at least a portion of the broadband light and then transmits narrowband light, whereby a specific band of light is selected to avoid unwanted absorption of light by the sample; where the narrowband light is configured to illuminate a selected area of the sample, and in response elastically-scattered light is dispersed from the sample; a light collection device configured to collect at least some of the elastically-scattered light; where at least some of the collected elastically-scattered light is configured to be transmitted to a detector by the light collection device, and the detector is configured to record a light scattering signal; and where the detector is configured to perform light scattering signal measurements at multiple angles or wavelengths to determine a refractive index multifractality of the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel nanomaterial-molecular compositions, methods and devices thereof for efficient and targeted trans-differentiation of cells including fibroblasts and glia into neurons, both in vitro as well as in situ and in-vivo, which is of great importance for cell replacement therapies. Specifically, the invention provides a nanomaterial-molecular composition, device and method for targeted nano-enhanced opto-chemical trans-differentiation of fibroblasts/glia to neurons in the central and peripheral nervous system for restoration of neural functions in patients by delivery of nanomaterial-molecular composition, followed by optical illumination.

Abstract: Principles of the present disclosure are directed to novel methods and devices for efficient and targeted delivery of impermeable exogenous materials such as small molecules, proteins, antibodies, and genes into cells, both in vitro as well as in vivo, which is of great importance for drug, vaccine and gene delivery for various therapeutic applications. Specifically, the invention provides device and method for targeted nano-enhanced optical delivery of opsins for vision restoration in patients with retinal photodegeneration by conventional intravitreal/sub-retinal injection of gold nano-rods and opsin plasmids followed by scanned/spatially modulated laser beam matching the pathological areas determined by Fundoscopy, OCT or scanning ophthalmoscope.

Abstract: This invention, in one aspect, relates generally to methods for optically modulating pain in animals and human. The invention provides method for the use of opsin for modulating pain, wherein optical stimulation of specific neurons and/or other cells in targeted regions of the nervous system sensitized by opsin, using genetic technologies, leads to significant reduction of pain perception to noxious stimuli. Further, the invention provides a method for inhibition of pain without use of exogenous opsin, wherein visual stimulation of eye (having endogenous opsin) is carried out. The invention also includes device(s) for controlled modulation neural and/or cellular activities in brain, eye and peripheral nervous system in order to treat different forms of chronic pain.

Abstract: Principles of the present disclosure are directed to novel methods and devices for focal or global optical stimulation of retina and detecting activity of the retina by collecting and processing the back-scattered optical signal from the retina (Optical RetinoGram). Specifically, the invention provides device and method for quantitatively determining the layer specific activity of retina from the acquired intrinsic back reflected signal by monitoring phase/intensity fluctuations and thereafter employing multifractality algorithm on optical signal for obtaining various multifractal parameters such as width of singularity spectrum, Hurst exponent, fractal dimension, locally connected fractal mapping as well as artificial intelligence based classification for the use of diagnosis of retinal degenerative/ocular disease(s) and asses the progression of diseases or recovery of function due to one or more treatment by therapeutic drugs, devices, protocols.