Monocyte-Targeting Aptamer Nanoparticles for Hypovascular Tumors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drug delivery methods, particularly for cancers with low vascular density or permeability, such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, are ineffective due to reliance on the circulatory system, necessitating a more targeted approach.

Innovation Solution

Development of monocyte-targeting nucleic acid aptamers and aptamer-based lipid nanoparticles that selectively bind to monocytes, using them as vehicles to deliver therapeutic or diagnostic agents to tumor sites.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If drug delivery relies on the circulatory system, then the delivery method is least arduous for patients, but drug deliverability is reduced in diseases with low vascular density or permeability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of administrationVSAvoiddrug deliverability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses monocytes as intermediary carriers to transport drugs from the circulatory system to tumor sites. The aptamer-conjugated nanoparticles bind to monocytes, which then naturally migrate to tumors, bridging the gap between easy circulatory delivery and reliable tumor targeting in hypovascular cancers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent exploits the monocytes' natural self-recruitment behavior to tumor sites in response to physiological changes. The monocytes autonomously navigate to the tumor microenvironment without external guidance, enabling passive yet reliable drug delivery to hypovascular tumors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If monocytes are recruited to tumor sites, then drug delivery to tumors is enhanced, but specificity of targeting must be ensured to avoid off-target effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrug deliverabilityVSAvoidtargeting specificity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs aptamers with high binding affinity and specificity that are selectively expressed only on the surface of monocytes. This localized targeting mechanism ensures that the drug delivery system specifically binds to monocytes without affecting other cell types, achieving precise targeting while enhancing drug deliverability to tumor sites

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 drug delivery to tumors by exploiting monocyte recruitment, achieving improved therapeutic effects and diagnostic accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

identification of nucleic acid aptamers having high binding affinity and specificity to monocytes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMolecular recognition: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS12516331B2Monocyte-specific aptamers and uses thereof for enhancing drug delivery to cancer

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 ACAD SINICA

AI summary

Monocyte-specific nucleic acid aptamers and lipid nanoparticles comprising such for use in delivering therapeutic agents or diagnostic agents to cancer sites. Also disclosed herein are use of the aptamer-based lipid nanoparticle drug delivery system for treating or detecting cancer.