Multimodal Detection with Extracellular Vesicle Markers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional diagnostic and screening assays for diseases like cancer often produce false positive and false negative results, leading to delayed detection or unnecessary treatment, due to varying levels of sensitivity and specificity.
Innovation Solution
A method that combines the detection of extracellular vesicle-derived markers with other diagnostic assays, using techniques such as immunoaffinity columns, size exclusion chromatography, and sequencing to isolate and analyze nucleic acids and proteins associated with extracellular vesicles, alongside imaging techniques like CT scans, to improve the accuracy of disease diagnosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional screening assays are used to detect disease markers, then the screening process is simple and cost-effective, but the sensitivity and specificity are insufficient leading to false positive and false negative results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the diagnostic process into multiple independent assays: a first assay detecting extracellular vesicle-associated markers and a second assay detecting other disease markers. This segmentation allows each assay to be optimized for specific markers, improving overall diagnostic accuracy while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges results from multiple independent assays (first assay for EV-associated markers, second assay for other markers) into a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation. This combination approach integrates diverse detection methods to achieve higher sensitivity and specificity than any single assay could provide alone
2Measurement precision
If a single assay is used to detect disease markers, then the testing process is fast and simple, but the detection precision and reliability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary separation of extracellular vesicles from other biological components before detection. This preliminary action enriches the target markers and removes interfering substances, improving detection precision in the subsequent assays while streamlining the overall process
3Reliability
If conventional imaging or blood tests are used alone, then the screening is straightforward, but false results occur due to varying sensitivity and specificity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses extracellular vesicles as intermediary carriers that naturally transport multiple disease-associated markers from tumor cells to circulating blood. By detecting markers on these EV intermediaries, the system achieves more reliable detection compared to measuring free markers alone, as EVs protect and concentrate the markers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a universal diagnostic framework that can detect multiple types of disease markers (proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates) associated with extracellular vesicles using a standardized two-assay approach. This multi-functional system can be adapted to detect various diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurological disorders through the same methodological platform
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 reduces the rate of false positive and false negative results, enabling earlier and more accurate detection of diseases like cancer by leveraging the specific markers present on extracellular vesicles, thereby improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
Implementation Method 1
The sample may be subjected to multiple parallel assays for multimodal detection. In one example, a blood plasma or serum sample (4 ml) is processed for analysis of extracellular vesicles and nucleic acids... The cfDNA is then extracted from the supernatant. The cfDNA is also pulled off the extracellular vesicles by, for example size exclusion chromatography.
Implementation Method 2
Extracellular vesicles are extracted using, for example, an immunoaffinity column.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides methods for diagnosing disease by detecting extracellular vesicle-derived markers in combination with other diagnostic and screening assays. The methods include, but are not limited to, the analysis of extracellular vesicle-derived biomarkers obtained from bodily fluid samples. The methods include, but are not limited to, diagnostic and screening assays, including medical imaging. The present disclosure in one aspect provides technologies for detection and/or screening of a plurality of cancers. In another aspect, technologies provided herein are useful for selecting and/or monitoring and/or evaluating efficacy of, a treatment administered to a subject determined to have or susceptible to cancer.