Deuterated Polymer-Biomolecule Conjugates for Non-Invasive MRI Imaging
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for non-invasive, non-toxic, and practical in vivo imaging methodologies to detect molecules such as biomarkers, particularly for whole-body imaging of diseases like cancer, where existing methods are inadequate for effectively locating and monitoring biomarkers like PD-L1 positive cells.
Innovation Solution
Development of deuterated polymer-biomolecule conjugates, specifically deuterated polyethylene glycol (D-PEG) linked to biomolecules, which are water-soluble and detectable via Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), allowing for the visualization of biomarkers and disease progression without significant toxicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional imaging methods are used, then imaging capability is provided, but they are invasive, toxic, or inadequate for whole-body biomarker detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional hydrogen atoms with deuterium atoms in the polymer chain, changing the nuclear magnetic properties of the material. This parameter change enables detection by MRI while maintaining biocompatibility, as deuterium is a stable isotope with no radioactive decay and different magnetic resonance properties that allow for non-invasive imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses deuterated polymer as an intermediary contrast agent that mediates between the biological system and the imaging device. The deuterated polymer binds to biomarkers and serves as a detectable intermediary that allows MRI to visualize biological processes without direct intervention or toxic substances
2Measurement precision
If deuterated polymer is used for MRI detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but molecular weight must be optimized to avoid toxicity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the molecular weight parameter of the deuterated polymer to a specific range (2-100 kDa) that balances two competing requirements: sufficient molecular weight to provide adequate MRI signal intensity for detection, and low enough molecular weight to prevent excessive accumulation and vacuole formation in cells. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between detection sensitivity and toxicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a deuterated version of conventional polymers (like PEG), which are already known to be biocompatible. By copying the safe polymer structure and replacing hydrogen with deuterium, the invention maintains the favorable biocompatibility profile while adding MRI detectability
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 deuterated polymer-biomolecule conjugates enable non-invasive, whole-body imaging of biomarkers and disease progression, providing effective detection and monitoring of diseases like cancer through MRI, while maintaining safety and practicality.
Implementation Method 1
molecules comprising deuterium atoms, which molecules can be detected via Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Data Source
AI summary
Deuterated polymer-biomolecule conjugates and the synthesis and use of deuterated polymer-biomolecule conjugates for detecting the location of specific molecules, e.g., cell surface molecules, in a subject, and for imaging various processes within the body, for detecting the location of molecules associated with disease pathology, and for monitoring disease progression are disclosed.