2DG-Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles for Non-Invasive Brain Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current imaging techniques for diagnosing neurological disorders and tumors face limitations, including low sensitivity for deep brain sources, invasive methods, and the use of radioactive substances with short half-lives and limited availability.

Innovation Solution

Development of 2-deoxyglucose-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (2DG-MNPs) that exhibit differential affinity and metabolic uptake for diseased tissues, allowing for non-invasive imaging without radioactivity, enabling effective detection of epileptic and cancerous tissues using magnetic resonance imaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If radioactive substances are used for imaging (PET, SPECT), then tumor activity can be detected, but the half-life is short and availability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetumor detection capabilityVSAvoidhalf-life time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the imaging agent from radioactive isotopes to magnetic nanoparticles. This parameter change eliminates the half-life limitation while maintaining tumor detection capability through differential metabolic uptake and magnetic resonance imaging signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the radioactive detection system with a magnetic resonance imaging system. This substitution eliminates the need for radioactive substances and their associated half-life constraints, using magnetic properties and metabolic differentiation instead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If EEG and MEG are used for brain imaging, then epileptic activity can be localized, but sensitivity decreases for deep brain sources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveepileptic source localizationVSAvoidsensitivity for deep brain sources

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces magnetic nanoparticles as an intermediary agent that accumulates in epileptic tissue through metabolic differentiation. This intermediary provides a direct contrast mechanism for deep brain structures, bypassing the limitations of surface-based electrical and magnetic field measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses magnetic resonance signal changes (analogous to color changes in detection) to visualize epileptic tissue. The 2DG-MNPs provide differential contrast between epileptic and non-epileptic tissue, enabling detection of deep brain sources through enhanced magnetic resonance signal intensity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Reliability

If ECoG and depth electrodes are used, then invasive monitoring is achieved, but health risk and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring accuracyVSAvoidhealth risk from invasion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces invasive mechanical electrode systems with a non-invasive intravenous injection of magnetic nanoparticles. This substitution maintains monitoring capability through metabolic differentiation while eliminating surgical invasion and associated health risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The 2DG-MNPs autonomously accumulate in epileptic tissue through metabolic differentiation without requiring invasive placement. The system self-targets the pathological tissue based on metabolic characteristics, eliminating the need for surgical intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If PET tracers are used, then tumor grading is possible, but availability is limited and half-life is short

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetumor grading capabilityVSAvoidavailability and half-life

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent fundamentally changes the imaging agent parameter from radioactive tracers to magnetic nanoparticles with longer circulation times. This enables extended imaging windows and broader availability while maintaining tumor grading capability through metabolic uptake differentiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The 2DG-MNPs provide enhanced contrast and specificity for imaging epileptic and cancerous tissues, overcoming the limitations of existing methods by offering a non-invasive, non-radioactive, and highly sensitive diagnostic tool for various diseases.

Implementation Method 1

functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) that comprises a least one functional moiety, comprising 2-deoxyglucose (2DG)... 2DG-MNPs provide enhanced contrast and specificity for imaging epileptic and cancerous tissues

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMetabolic uptake: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

enabling effective detection of epileptic and cancerous tissues using magnetic resonance imaging

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic resonance imaging: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP2265174B1Functionalized magnetic nanoparticles and methods of use thereof

Publication Date: 2018.06.06 RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA

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Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3E

AI summary

The present disclosure provides compositions comprising 2-deoxyglucose-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles. The compositions are useful in various applications, which are also provided.