Phage-Sonosensitiser Conjugates for Low-Power Sonodynamic Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sonodynamic therapy (SDT) technologies require high ultrasonic powers for effective activation of sonosensitisers, which can be inefficient and potentially harmful.
Innovation Solution
Conjugating bacteriophages with at least 300 sonosensitisers and specific recognition elements, allowing targeted binding to cells, enabling SDT at low ultrasound intensities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high ultrasonic powers are used to activate sonosensitisers, then effective SDT is achieved, but tissue penetration depth is limited and treatment effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the concentration parameter of sonosensitisers by conjugating multiple copies (at least 300 molecules) of sonosensitiser per phage particle. This parameter change allows the system to achieve effective SDT at low ultrasonic powers, thereby improving tissue penetration depth while maintaining treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by conjugating multiple sonosensitiser molecules to a phage scaffold. This composite phage-sonosensitiser conjugate combines the targeting capability of phages with the therapeutic function of sonosensitisers, enabling enhanced SDT efficiency at low ultrasound intensities
2Productivity
If multiple sonosensitisers are conjugated to phage, then SDT efficiency is increased, but quenching effect occurs when more than 500 molecules are conjugated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the conjugation parameter by specifying at least 300 sonosensitiser molecules per phage, which is below the quenching threshold of 500 molecules. This parameter optimization maintains sonosensitiser activation reliability while achieving high SDT efficiency through multiple copies per phage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by conjugating a significant number of sonosensitisers (at least 300) without reaching the excessive threshold that causes quenching (500 molecules). This partial conjugation achieves sufficient SDT efficiency while avoiding the harmful quenching effect
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
The phage-conjugated sonosensitisers achieve a two-order magnitude increase in SDT efficiency and maintain selectivity, effectively killing bacterial and tumour cells with low-power ultrasound.
Implementation Method 1
Activation of the sensitiser by ultrasound generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) responsible for cytotoxicity
Implementation Method 2
The phage expresses at least one specific recognition element adapted to favour binding of the phage with target cells
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a phage or a composition that comprises it, wherein said phage expresses at least one specific recognition element and is furthermore conjugated with at least 300 molecules of a sonosensitiser. The invention further relates to the use of said phage in a sonodynamic therapy.