Multifunctional system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic methods for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) are ineffective for detecting tumors smaller than 1 mm and chemoresistance of residual NMIBC leads to high recurrence rates, resulting in costly and frequent interventions.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional system comprising gold nanoparticles coated with thiolated chitosan and a modified aptamer targeting integrin α5β1, utilizing photoacoustic imaging for precise tumor detection and potentially delivering chemotherapeutic agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional diagnostic methods are used, then the detection process is simple, but tumors smaller than 1 mm cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs gold nanoparticles as intermediary carriers that bind to aptamers targeting integrin α5β1 on tumor cells. This intermediary system enables detection of small tumors by amplifying the signal through nanoparticle accumulation, overcoming the limitation of conventional diagnostic methods while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes photoacoustic imaging that detects optical absorption properties of gold nanoparticles. The nanoparticles exhibit characteristic optical absorption that can be detected as signal changes, enabling precise detection of small tumors through optical property detection rather than direct visual inspection.
2Ease of manufacture
If aptamers are used instead of antibodies, then production cost and time are reduced, but nuclease resistance and stability in urine are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite system where aptamers are conjugated to gold nanoparticles. This composite structure protects the aptamer from nucleases through the nanoparticle surface while maintaining the aptamer's binding functionality. The gold nanoparticle core provides structural stability and nuclease resistance, allowing the aptamer to function reliably in urine.
Solution Approach 2:
The gold nanoparticle acts as a protective intermediary between the aptamer and urine nucleases. The nanoparticle surface shields the aptamer from enzymatic degradation while still allowing the aptamer to bind to its target on tumor cells, thus maintaining both production simplicity and biological stability.
3Measurement precision
If photodynamic diagnosis is used, then the diagnostic procedure is straightforward, but tumors smaller than 1 mm remain undetectable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses aptamers as molecular copies or miniatures of antibody function, providing tumor targeting capability at a smaller scale. These aptamer-nanoparticle complexes can accumulate in small tumors and provide detectable signals, enabling detection of tumors smaller than 1 mm by amplifying the detection signal through nanoparticle aggregation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs photoacoustic imaging that detects optical absorption changes caused by gold nanoparticle accumulation in tumors. The nanoparticles exhibit strong optical absorption that creates detectable signal changes, enabling precise detection of small tumors through optical property detection rather than relying on tumor size thresholds.
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
Enhances the detection of small bladder tumors and maintains stability in urine, reducing recurrence rates and treatment costs by improving diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
a nucleotide aptamer or a variant thereof that binds to the alpha 5 subunit of integrin
Implementation Method 2
the metal nanoparticle has photoacoustic properties
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~4B
AI summary
The present invention is related to a multifunctional system bearing a ligand capable of recognizing tumor cells or tumor-associated or inflammation-associated component and linked to a metal nanoparticle. More specifically, the multifunctional system of the invention comprises a nucleotide aptamer or a variant thereof that binds to the alpha 5 subunit of integrin and a metal nanoparticle, wherein said aptamer optionally comprises at least one modification capable of enhancing nuclease resistance thus providing a molecule with high stability for example in human urine.