Methods, circuits and compositions of matter for in vivo detection of biomolecule concentrations using fluorescent tags

• US 20020102212A1
• Filed: 11/07/2001
• Published: 08/01/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 11/09/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SNC Holdings Corp.
• Original Assignee: Sicel Technologies, Inc.
• Inventors: Black, Robert D.
• Granted Patent: US 7,378,056 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 424/9.6
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0071 by measuring fluorescence emission
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0084 for introduction into the body, e.g. by catheters A61B5/1459 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 49/0058 Antibodies

Abstract

Methods are disclosed wherein labeled antibodies can be provided in vivo to tissue having antigens that specifically bind the labeled antibody. A first optical radiation is emitted into the tissue in vivo to excite the labeled antibody bound to the antigen in vivo. A second optical radiation that is emitted by the excited labeled antibody, in response to the excitation thereof, can be detected in vivo. Related telemetric circuits and compositions of matter are also disclosed.

Claims

1. A method for detecting biomolecules in vivo, the method comprising:

providing labeled binding molecules in vivo to tissue having biomolecules, wherein the labeled binding molecules specifically binds the biomolecules;

emitting a first optical radiation into the tissue in vivo to excite the labeled binding molecule bound to the biomolecule in vivo; and

detecting, in vivo, a second optical radiation emitted by the excited labeled binding molecule in response to the excitation thereof.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the labeled binding molecules are fluorescently labeled antibodies.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the biomolecule is a tumor-associated antigen.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the biomolecule is a sigma-2 receptor.

5. A method according to claim 1, wherein the detecting step comprises transmitting a signal associated with the second optical radiation to an ex vivo system.

6. A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of exciting comprises emitting the first optical radiation through a bio-fouling tissue.

7. A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of detecting comprises detecting the second optical radiation through a bio-fouling tissue.

8. A circuit for detecting biomolecules in vivo, the circuit comprising

an optical radiation source configured for in vivo use that emits first optical radiation;

an optical radiation detector configured for in vivo use that detects second optical radiation emitted by excited labeled binding molecules; and

a processor circuit, coupled to the optical radiation source and the optical radiation detector, that controls the emission of the first optical radiation and that receives an intensity signal associated with the intensity of the second optical radiation and transmits a signal associated with the intensity of the second optical radiation to an ex vivo system.

9. A circuit according to claim 8, wherein the optical radiation source is selected from a group consisting of a high powered LED and a laser.

10. A circuit according to claim 8, wherein the optical radiation detector is selected from a group consisting of a phototransistor, a photodiode, and a photomultiplier.

11. A circuit according to claim 8, wherein the first optical radiation has a first frequency and the second optical radiation has a second frequency.

12. A circuit according to claim 11, wherein the first frequency is greater than the second frequency.

13. A circuit according to claim 8 further comprising:

an emission filter coupled to the optical radiation source; and

an absorption filter couple to the optical radiation detector.

14. A circuit according to claim 8, further comprising:

an inductor coupled to the processor, wherein the inductor provides power to the circuit in response to a power signal received from the ex vivo system.

15. A circuit according to claim 8, wherein the circuit is on a platform having a diameter of about 2 mm.

16. A circuit according to claim 8, wherein the signal is digitally encoded via the inductor.

17. A circuit according to claim 8, wherein the circuit is coated with a biocompatible optical translucent layer.

19. A composition according to claim 18, wherein the labeled binding molecules are fluorescently labeled antibodies.

20. A composition according to claim 18, wherein the material comprises:

first and second portions that include the binding molecules; and

a separator portion that separates the first portion from the second portion.

21. A composition according to claim 20, wherein the separator portion is less soluble in tissue than the first and second portions.

22. A composition according to claim 21, wherein the first and second binding molecules are different.

18. A composition of matter comprising:

labeled binding molecules that are excited by optical radiation; and

a material that encapsulates the labeled binding molecules which is dissolved over time to release the labeled binding molecules.