Polymethine Fluorescent Dyes for Organ Function Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining organ function, particularly liver and kidney function, face challenges such as inadequate precision, reliance on indirect indicators, and logistical difficulties with existing tracer-based tests, which can be unreliable in pathophysiological conditions like sepsis.

Innovation Solution

The use of polymethine fluorescent dyes with a fluorescence emission maximum of less than or equal to 820 nm as markers for data acquisition, allowing for more precise imaging and measurement of organ function through radiative excitation and fluorescence detection, providing better representation of perfusion and excretory capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If radioactive tracers or substrates are used for dynamic liver tests, then direct information about actual functional state is obtained, but logistical effort and laboratory procedures become complex and difficult to implement in routine practice

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirect information about functional stateVSAvoidlogistical effort and laboratory procedures
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces radioactive tracers with fluorescent dyes that can be detected by fluorescence spectroscopy. This substitution eliminates the need for complex radioactive material handling, special licensing, and dedicated laboratory facilities, while maintaining the ability to perform dynamic functional tests in routine clinical settings

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from radioactive decay to fluorescence emission. By using fluorescent dyes with specific emission wavelengths, the method achieves direct measurement of organ function through non-invasive or minimally invasive fluorescence detection, avoiding the logistical complexities of radioactive tracer administration and measurement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Length of moving object

If conventional fluorescence dyes with emission maximum above 820 nm are used, then deep tissue penetration is achieved, but measurement precision and signal resolution are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetissue penetration depthVSAvoidsignal resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the fluorescence emission wavelength parameter to be at or below 820 nm. This parameter change achieves an optimal balance between tissue penetration depth and signal resolution, allowing for precise measurement of organ function while maintaining adequate penetration through biological tissues

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If static enzyme measurements are used to assess liver cell death, then simple measurement procedures are maintained, but reliability decreases in chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis where enzyme release decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement procedure simplicityVSAvoidaccuracy in chronic liver disease
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces static enzyme measurements with dynamic fluorescence-based functional tests. By administering fluorescent substrates and measuring their metabolism or excretion in real-time, the method provides reliable assessment of actual organ function rather than relying on static enzyme levels that may be depleted in chronic disease

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic measurement over time rather than single-point static measurement. By tracking the time-course of fluorescent substrate metabolism or dye clearance, the method captures functional capacity that reflects current organ status, providing reliable results even when static enzyme levels are low or nonspecific

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 enables accurate assessment of organ function, including liver and kidney performance, with improved diagnostic accuracy and prognostic value, particularly in conditions like sepsis, by decoupling uptake and excretion processes and providing a direct measure of excretory capacity.

Implementation Method 1

one or more polymethine fluorescent dyes with a fluorescence emission maximum measured in ethanol of less than or equal to 820 nm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentEP2598174B1Measurement method for determining an organ function
Publication Date: 2019.03.27 SMARTDYELIVERY
  • EP2598174B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2598174B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP2598174B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for acquiring data in order to determine an organ function, in particular the liver or kidney function, comprising one or more polymethine fluorescent dyes having a fluorescence emission maximum measured in ethanol of less than or equal to 820 nm, and to the use of the dyes as markers for acquiring data in order to determine the organ function. The invention further relates to a kit for determining an organ function with a marker dye, and to a device for acquiring data in the method.