Non-labeled Dextran MRI Assessment of Tissue Vascular Permeability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing tumor vascular permeability using labeled contrast agents pose health risks, add cost and time, and potentially affect data quality due to the use of radioactive, paramagnetic, and non-abundant magnetically enriched isotopes.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing non-labeled, physiologically-tolerable dextran solutions for assessing tissue vascular permeability through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), where a mono-disperse solution of dextran particles of one size is administered to a subject, and a plurality of MRI images are acquired over time to assess permeability without the need for radioactive or paramagnetic labeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radioactive, paramagnetic, or magnetically enriched isotope labels are used to assess tumor vascular permeability, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to health risks and potential data quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful labeling components (radioactive, paramagnetic, and magnetically enriched isotope labels) from the contrast agent system. Instead of using these traditional labels, the invention employs non-labeled, physiologically-tolerable dextran solutions that are naturally detectable by MRI, thereby eliminating the harmful factors while maintaining assessment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standard, non-toxic dextran materials that are physiologically tolerable and can be safely administered without special labeling. These materials serve as temporary, disposable contrast agents that are naturally eliminated from the body, replacing expensive and harmful radioactive/paramagnetic labels with safe, short-lived alternatives
2Measurement precision
If radioactive or paramagnetic contrast agents are used for vascular permeability assessment, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to additional preparation and safety protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by using dextran solutions that are pre-prepared in physiologically tolerable forms without requiring additional labeling steps. The dextran materials are ready for immediate administration and detection, eliminating the time-consuming preparation and safety protocols associated with radioactive and paramagnetic contrast agents
Solution Approach 2:
The dextran contrast agents are self-detectable by standard MRI scanners without requiring additional labeling or special processing. The materials naturally provide the necessary contrast for vascular permeability assessment, eliminating the need for separate labeling steps and reducing overall procedure time
3Measurement precision
If labeled contrast agents are used to assess tissue vascular permeability, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to specialized imaging requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by making the dextran contrast agents compatible with standard MRI scanners that are already widely available in clinical settings. The non-labeled dextran materials can be detected by conventional MRI equipment without requiring specialized imaging systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes specialized detection mechanisms with standard MRI technology. Instead of requiring complex specialized imaging systems designed for radioactive or paramagnetic detection, the invention uses conventional MRI scanners to detect the magnetic properties of non-labeled dextran, thereby simplifying the imaging system requirements
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
This approach allows for non-invasive, safe, and cost-effective assessment of tissue vascular permeability and nanoparticulate drug delivery, using standard MRI scanners, enabling personalized medicine applications and reducing health risks associated with traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
acquiring a plurality of magnetic resonance images of a distribution of the dextran solution within at least one region of interest of the subject
Data Source
AI summary
A method of assessing tissue vascular permeability for nanotherapeutics using non-labeled dextran can include: receiving a non-labeled, physiologically-tolerable dextran solution by a subject; acquiring a plurality of magnetic resonance images of a distribution of the dextran solution within at least one region of interest of the subject for a corresponding plurality of times; and assessing a tissue vascular permeability of the at least one region of interest to dextran particles in the dextran solution based on differences between the plurality of magnetic resonance images, wherein the dextran solution is a substantially mono-disperse solution of dextran particles of one size.