Aphanizomenon flos aquae Extract for Stem Cell Mobilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current therapies lack effective and safe methods to mobilize stem cells for healing and regenerative processes, particularly in treating various pathologies such as myocardial infarction, Parkinson's disease, and bone fractures, as existing methods are either invasive or have limited efficacy.
Innovation Solution
An aqueous extract from blue-green algae, specifically Aphanizomenon flos aquae (AFA), enriched with selectin ligands like L-selectin, is used to stimulate stem cell mobilization by binding to selectin molecules, increasing the circulation of CD34+ and CD133+ stem cells, which can be administered orally or in combination with other AFA extracts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional therapies are used to mobilize stem cells, then stem cell mobilization can be achieved, but the methods are either invasive or have limited efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses selectin ligands as intermediary molecules that naturally bind to selectin receptors on stem cells, mediating the mobilization process. These ligands act as safe, non-invasive intermediaries that trigger endogenous stem cell release without requiring invasive procedures or exogenous cytokine injections, thereby resolving the contradiction between efficacy and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables the body's own stem cell mobilization system to serve itself by using selectin ligands that activate the natural physiological pathways. The ligands stimulate the body's endogenous mechanisms for stem cell release and migration, eliminating the need for external invasive interventions while maintaining high efficacy
2Reliability
If stem cells are mobilized to treat various pathologies, then healing and regenerative processes are enhanced, but current methods lack effective and safe approaches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the natural adhesion mechanism that normally retains stem cells in bone marrow into a beneficial mobilization tool. By using selectin ligands that mimic physiological ligands, the invention safely activates the body's natural stem cell release pathways, transforming a static retention system into a dynamic healing system without safety concerns associated with invasive methods
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 AFA extract induces a transient increase in circulating stem cells, enhancing their mobilization and homing to damaged tissues, potentially accelerating healing and tissue repair in various conditions, as demonstrated by increased CD34+ cell counts and tissue repopulation in both human and animal models.
Implementation Method 1
The selectin ligand can specifically bind L-selectin, P-selectin and/or E-selectin
Implementation Method 2
a selectin ligand is isolated from blue-green algae using a solid substrate covalently bound to a selectin
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are extracts of blue green algae, such as Aphanizomenon flos aquae, that are enriched for a selectin ligand, such as an L-selectin ligand. Selectin ligands isolated from blue-green algae cells are disclosed herein. Methods are described for isolating these selectin ligands. The purified selectin ligands are of use in inducing stem cell mobilization in a subject. Thus, methods for inducing stem cell isolation that include administering a therapeutically effective amount of the extract enriched form the selectin ligand, or an isolated selectin ligand, are disclosed herein.