MRI Contrast Agents with Aptamer Oligonucleotides for In Vivo Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current aptamer sensors face challenges in vivo applications due to difficulties with light penetration through skin and signal interference from cellular components, limiting their effectiveness in human imaging and diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
Development of MRI contrast agents comprising MRI contrast agent particles and oligonucleotides, where the oligonucleotides are attached to the particles and form aggregates or disaggregate in response to specific molecules, enhancing contrast in MRI images by altering T1 and T2 relaxation times, and utilizing aptamers, enzymes, and substrates to detect biomolecular markers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluorescent, colorimetric, or electrochemical aptamer sensors are used, then high sensitivity and selectivity in detecting biomolecular markers are achieved, but light penetration through skin and signal interference from cellular components prevent effective in vivo applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical detection systems (fluorescent, colorimetric sensors) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detection. This substitution eliminates the harmful effects of light penetration limitations and cellular interference by using magnetic fields instead of light for detection, enabling effective in vivo applications while maintaining high detection sensitivity through the use of aptamer-functionalized contrast agents
2Reliability
If aptamers are used for molecular recognition, then high affinity and selectivity binding is achieved, but the complexity of converting aptamers into functional sensors for in vivo use increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the molecular recognition function of aptamers with the imaging function of MRI contrast agents into a single integrated system. By conjugating aptamers to contrast agent particles, the invention combines high affinity binding with non-invasive imaging capability, simplifying the overall sensor system while maintaining reliable molecular detection in vivo
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal platform where aptamer-contrast agent conjugates can detect multiple different biomolecular markers by simply changing the aptamer sequence while maintaining the same contrast agent core. This multi-functional approach reduces system complexity by using a standardized detection mechanism for various therapeutic applications
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
Enables non-invasive, high-sensitivity detection of biomolecular markers and pathologies like tumors through enhanced MRI contrast, overcoming previous limitations of light penetration and cellular interference.
Implementation Method 1
enhancing contrast in MRI images by altering T1 and T2 relaxation times
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an MRI contrast agent, comprising: MRI contrast agent particles, and oligonucleotides, attached to the particles.