Aptamer-Based Thrombus Imaging Agents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack effective and reversible imaging agents for detecting thrombi and thrombin, which are crucial for understanding thrombus formation and managing cardiovascular diseases and post-surgical complications.
Innovation Solution
Development of aptamer-based imaging agents linked with reporter moieties that specifically bind to thrombin, along with antidotes to reverse their binding, enabling imaging and subtraction imaging techniques for thrombi and thrombin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If aptamer-based imaging agents are used to detect thrombi and thrombin, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for specialized aptamer molecules and imaging systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses aptamers as intermediary molecules that specifically bind to thrombin and thrombi, serving as mediators between the target and the imaging system. These aptamer-based imaging agents act as intermediaries that enable precise detection without requiring direct complex interaction between the imaging system and the target, thereby improving measurement precision while managing complexity through the use of specialized binding molecules
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs aptamers with specific binding parameters and affinities for thrombin and thrombi. By selecting and engineering aptamers with optimized binding parameters, the system achieves high measurement precision for thrombus detection. The ability to modify aptamer sequences and binding characteristics allows tuning of detection parameters to optimize precision for different clinical applications
2Productivity
If aptamer-based imaging agents are administered to image thrombi, then productivity is improved through early detection, but loss of time occurs during the imaging process and data analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The aptamer-based imaging agents are designed to pre-target and bind to thrombin and thrombi in vivo before imaging is performed. This preliminary binding action occurs naturally in the patient's body, allowing the imaging system to simply detect the already-localized agents, thereby reducing actual imaging time while maintaining high detection efficiency for early thrombus identification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or invasive diagnostic procedures with a biochemical detection system using aptamer-based imaging agents. This substitution enables non-invasive, rapid imaging of thrombi through molecular binding events, improving productivity by eliminating the need for surgical or mechanically complex diagnostic interventions while reducing overall diagnostic time
3Measurement precision
If multiple imaging agents are used to differentiate thrombus types, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of substance increases due to administration of multiple agents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops aptamer-based imaging agents with universal binding capabilities to thrombin, which is present in all thrombus types. A single universal aptamer agent can detect and help classify different thrombus types (red, white, mixed) based on their thrombin content and distribution patterns, thereby achieving classification precision without requiring multiple different agents, thus reducing substance loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes imaging agents with different reporter moieties that produce distinguishable signals (analogous to color changes) when bound to thrombin in different thrombus environments. This allows a single agent type to provide classification information through signal characteristics rather than requiring multiple physically different agents, improving measurement precision for thrombus typing while minimizing the quantity of substances that need to be administered
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 aptamer-based imaging agents effectively label thrombi and thrombin, providing valuable diagnostic tools for various clinical applications, including thrombosis and cancer-induced thrombin activation, with the ability to generate specific and reversible images.
Implementation Method 1
The aptamer is capable of binding thrombin with a Kd
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are imaging agents, antidotes to the imaging agents and methods of using the same to image a thrombus or blood clot or thrombin including sites of thrombin accumulation and to diagnose and treat thrombosis. The imaging agents include an aptamer capable of binding the thrombus or thrombin in particular linked to a reporter moiety. The imaging agents may be used to label the thrombus or sites of thrombin accumulation. Antidotes capable of binding to the aptamer in the imaging agent are also provided. The antidotes may further be linked to a quencher capable of quenching the reporter moiety.