DOI: 10.5061/dryad.83bk3jb35
title: Data from: Non‐invasive treatment of ischemia/reperfusion injury: Effective transmission of therapeutic near‐infrared light into the human brain through soft skin‐conforming silicone waveguides

description: Noninvasive delivery of near‐infrared light (IRL) to human tissues has
 been researched as a treatment for several acute and chronic disease
 conditions. We recently showed that use of specific IRL wavelengths, which
 inhibit the mitochondrial enzyme cytochrome c oxidase (COX), leads to
 robust neuroprotection in animal models of focal and global brain
 ischemia/reperfusion injury. These life‐threatening conditions can be
 caused by an ischemic stroke or cardiac arrest, respectively, two leading
 causes of death. To translate IRL therapy into the clinic an effective
 technology must be developed that allows efficient delivery of IRL to the
 brain while addressing potential safety concerns. Here, we introduce IRL
 delivery waveguides (IDWs) which meet these demands. We employ a
 low‐durometer silicone that comfortably conforms to the shape of the head,
 avoiding pressure points. Furthermore, instead of using focal IRL delivery
 points via fiberoptic cables, lasers, or light‐emitting diodes, the
 distribution of the IRL across the entire area of the IDW allows uniform
 IRL delivery through the skin and into the brain, preventing “hot spots”
 and thus skin burns. The IRL delivery waveguides have unique design
 features, including optimized IRL extraction step numbers and angles, and
 a protective housing. The design can be scaled to fit various treatment
 areas, providing a novel IRL delivery interface platform. Using fresh
 (unfixed) human cadavers and isolated cadaver tissues, we tested
 transmission of IRL via IDWs in comparison to laser beam application with
 fiberoptic cables. Using the same IRL output energies IDWs performed
 superior in comparison to the fiberoptic delivery, leading to an up to 95%
 and 81% increased IRL transmission for 750 and 940 nm IRL, respectively,
 analyzed at a depth of 4 cm into the human head. We discuss the unique
 safety features and potential further improvements of the IDWs for future
 clinical implementation.
description: # Non‐invasive treatment of ischemia/reperfusion injury: Effective
 transmission of therapeutic near‐infrared light into the human brain
 through soft skin‐conforming silicone waveguides
 [https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.83bk3jb35](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.83bk3jb35) ## Description of the data and file structure "Figure 3" is the average infrared light output power intensity of five infrared light delivery waveguides presented in milliwatts at different locations on the waveguide. "Figure 4b" and "Figure 4c" are the emission uniformity profile of five infrared light delivery waveguides from proximal to distal sides (Figure 4b) or left to right sides (Figure 4c) of the waveguide. Data is presented in pixel intensity (unitless). "Figure 5a" is the detected transmission of infrared output power and irradiance through intact and unfixed human cadaver heads. Light inputs were compared between the IDW (infrared light delivery waveguide) or FOC (fiberoptic cable). Data is in microwatts or microwatts per square centimeter, as labelled. The light emission devices (IDW or FOC) were placed on different regions of the cadaver head as described (frontal, parietal, occipital, temporal). Light detection was measured at 4 cm depth into the human cadaver head. "Figure 5b" is the detected transmission of infrared output power and irradiance through intact and unfixed human cadaver skin. Light inputs were compared between the IDW (infrared light delivery waveguide) or FOC (fiberoptic cable). Data is in watts or watts per square centimeter, as labelled. The skin samples was 0.37 centimeters thick. ### Files and variables #### File: Data\_Availability.xlsx ##### Variables and abbreviations: * mm is millimeters * FOC is fiberoptic cable * IDW is infrared light delivery waveguide * μW is microwatts * μW/cm2 is microwatts per square centimeter * nm is nanometers