Aptamer Screening for Microvesicle Antigen Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting biomarkers, particularly microvesicle surface antigens, are limited in specificity and efficiency, especially in distinguishing between diseased and non-diseased samples, and require complex administration and production processes.
Innovation Solution
Development of aptamers that can be selectively identified and used to bind specifically to microvesicles in biological samples, allowing for the differentiation between various states of a disease or progression through iterative selection and sequencing processes, enabling efficient detection and diagnosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional methods for detecting biomarkers are used, then detection can be performed, but specificity and efficiency are limited especially in distinguishing between diseased and non-diseased samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses aptamers as synthetic copies that specifically bind to microvesicle surface antigens, replacing traditional detection methods. The aptamers are selected through SELEX to create high-specificity binding agents that can distinguish diseased from non-diseased samples with superior precision and efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs iterative selection processes and sequencing to optimize aptamer parameters including binding affinity, specificity, and sequence composition. By changing these parameters through multiple selection rounds, the aptamers achieve enhanced detection capability for distinguishing disease states
2Reliability
If complex administration and production processes are used for biomarker detection, then comprehensive detection can be achieved, but the processes become unnecessarily complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection function by using aptamers that can be produced through standardized in vitro selection processes. This eliminates the need for complex cell culture, antibody production, and purification steps, simplifying both production and administration while maintaining high detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The aptamer selection process is self-contained and in vitro, requiring no living systems or complex biological infrastructure. The SELEX process autonomously generates high-affinity binders through iterative selection and amplification, making the production process independent of complex administrative and production infrastructure
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 aptamers provide high specificity and affinity for microvesicle surface antigens, enabling effective differentiation between diseased and non-diseased samples, facilitating early diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression with improved pharmacokinetic properties and scalability.
Implementation Method 1
Aptamers are nucleic acid molecules having specific binding affinity to molecules through interactions other than classic Watson-Crick base pairing
Data Source
AI summary
Methods are provided for selecting aptamers that are specific to a target of interest from amongst a library of potential aptamer sequences. Aptamers disclosed can be used to detect and/or characterize biological entities of interest, e.g. microvesicles and/or surface antigens. Further disclosed are biomarkers that can be used for diagnosing different disorders including different types of cancer.