3D distribution of luminescent materials for the design of brain implant for Parkinson’s disease

PhotoBioModulation aims at illuminating a specific brain region to slow down Parkinson’s Disease. In this context, we investigate the potential of RadioLuminescent (RL) devices based on luminescent materials excited by low-energy beta-emitters. Importantly, radioactivity can be easily confined to get a non-radiotoxic device. We performed RL experiments at CEA Saclay by exposing luminescent materials to a radioactive gas atmosphere. The question of producing the maximum amount of photons is critical. Our strategy is to use a mm-sized cylinder that acts as a reservoir for both beta- and luminescent particles (µm-sized luminophores or nm-sized Quantum Dots). The interaction between beta- and luminescent particles must be optimized to get the best yield. Quantifying the 3D distribution of luminescent materials in the host matrix and the dopant distribution within luminescent particles is then mandatory and can only be done using synchrotron-based x-ray holo- and fluorescence tomography.