Rare Earth Marker Compounds for Non-Invasive Disease Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current diagnostic methods for cardiovascular, neurological, and cancer diseases lack accessibility for early detection and effective prevention, especially in primary care settings, due to the inability to provide non-invasive and timely monitoring of biomarkers and metabolites.

Innovation Solution

The development of rare earth metal-conjugated marker compounds for non-invasive monitoring using laser spectroscopy or Raman spectroscopy, allowing for transcutaneous analysis of metabolites and disease conditions, enabling continuous in-vivo measurement and prediction of disease progression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional diagnostic methods (MRI, CAT scans, ultrasound) are used, then imaging and chemical analysis can be performed, but they are not suitable for point-of-care early diagnosis and require complex equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisease detection capabilityVSAvoidequipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical imaging systems (MRI, CAT scans, ultrasound) with a simplified optical detection system using laser spectroscopy. The rare earth metal-conjugated markers enable disease detection through optical excitation and emission, eliminating the need for bulky imaging equipment while maintaining diagnostic capability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from general imaging to specific optical spectroscopy measurements. By using rare earth metals with characteristic emission wavelengths when excited by laser, the system achieves disease-specific detection through parameter changes in optical properties rather than requiring complex imaging hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If invasive sampling methods are used, then biomarkers can be measured, but non-invasive continuous monitoring is not achievable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiomarker measurement accuracyVSAvoidinvasiveness of measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces rare earth metal-conjugated markers as intermediaries between the biomarkers and the detection system. These markers are administered to the patient and accumulate at disease sites, serving as mediators that enable non-invasive optical detection of biomarkers through laser spectroscopy without requiring invasive sampling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces invasive mechanical sampling procedures with non-invasive optical detection. The rare earth metal conjugates allow biomarker information to be extracted through light interaction, eliminating the need for blood draws or tissue biopsies while maintaining measurement accuracy.

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

3Reliability

If early diagnosis is implemented, then patient prognosis improves, but accessible diagnostic tools are currently unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatient prognosisVSAvoidavailability of diagnostic tools
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses disposable rare earth metal-conjugated markers that can be administered to patients and then discarded after use. These single-use markers enable early diagnosis through simple optical measurements, making the technology accessible and eliminating the need for expensive, complex diagnostic infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex medical imaging infrastructure with simple laser spectroscopy equipment. By substituting mechanical imaging systems with optical detection using rare earth metal markers, the invention makes early diagnosis accessible in primary care settings without requiring hospital-based imaging facilities.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2822603B1Diagnostic marker compounds and their use
Publication Date: 2019.07.31 UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS
  • EP2822603B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(b)
  • EP2822603B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP2822603B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present Invention relates to the monitoring of biological substances, such as non-invasive monitoring of such substances in animal, for examples biomarkers and metabolites. Specifically, the invention further relates to such monitoring using rare earth tagged marker compounds. The invention further relates to such monitoring using laser spectroscopy or Raman spectroscopy. The invention further relates to the use of such monitoring in disease states, such as stroke, neurological disorders and cardiovascular disorders. The invention further relates to novel rare-earth conjugated marker compounds and processes for preparing said rare-earth conjugated compounds