Collagen-Targeting Peptides for Myocardial Perfusion Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic techniques for myocardial perfusion, such as SPECT and MRFP, face challenges including inconclusive data due to attenuation artifacts and low spatial resolution, and exposure to ionizing radiation, while also requiring rapid imaging and pharmacologically-induced stress, which limits resolution and quantification of perfusion maps.
Innovation Solution
Development of peptide-based diagnostic compositions that target collagen, allowing for enhanced anatomical detail and accurate perfusion mapping in MR imaging, enabling differentiation of ischemia from infarct and providing flexibility in stress induction and extended signal acquisition time, along with the use of paramagnetic metal chelates for improved contrast.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If SPECT imaging is used for myocardial perfusion measurement, then perfusion data can be obtained, but spatial resolution is low and attenuation artifacts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces SPECT imaging (nuclear medicine) with MRI imaging using paramagnetic contrast agents. This substitution eliminates the need for radioactive tracers and provides superior spatial resolution while avoiding attenuation artifacts, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and image quality.
2Measurement precision
If ionizing radiation is used in nuclear medicine imaging, then myocardial perfusion can be visualized, but patient exposure to radiation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes nuclear medicine techniques that use ionizing radiation with MRI techniques using paramagnetic contrast agents (e.g., gadolinium complexes). This replacement maintains the ability to visualize myocardial perfusion while eliminating harmful radiation exposure to patients.
3Speed
If rapid imaging is performed during first pass, then myocardial perfusion can be captured, but spatial resolution and quantification are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses collagen-targeting peptides that bind specifically to collagen in the extracellular matrix before imaging. This preliminary targeting allows for enhanced anatomical detail and accurate perfusion mapping during the imaging process, eliminating the need for rapid first-pass imaging and enabling both high resolution and accurate quantification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the imaging approach from dynamic first-pass perfusion imaging to targeted collagen imaging. By using peptides that specifically bind to collagen, the method enables extended signal acquisition time while maintaining high spatial resolution and accurate perfusion quantification.
4Adaptability or versatility
If pharmacologically-induced stress is applied, then coronary vasodilation can be achieved, but imaging resolution and perfusion map quantification are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs collagen-targeting peptides that are administered before imaging to bind specifically to collagen in the myocardium. This preliminary action provides enhanced anatomical detail and accurate perfusion mapping that is independent of stress induction methods, allowing stress testing to be performed without compromising imaging resolution or quantification accuracy.
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 peptide-based diagnostic compositions enable accurate characterization of myocardial tissue, improving spatial resolution and reducing radiation exposure, allowing for better differentiation of ischemic and infarcted regions, and providing enhanced imaging capabilities for collagen-rich tissues.
Implementation Method 1
Gadolinium complexes increase contrast by increasing the nuclear magnetic relaxation rates of protons found in the water molecules that are accessible to the diagnostic compositions during MRI
Implementation Method 2
light in the 600-1300 nm (visible to near-infrared) range passes relatively easily through biological tissues and can be used for imaging purposes. The light that is transmitted through, or scattered by, reflected, or re-emitted (fluorescence), is detected and an image generated
Data Source
AI summary
Diagnostic compositions and methods for imaging and/or assessing collagen are described. The diagnostic compositions can include collagen binding peptides.