Magneto-optical detection of Lyme disease using magnetic nanoparticles
Inventors
Baig, Tanvir • Deissler, Robert • Grimberg, Brian • Brown, Robert • Martens, Michael
Assignees
Case Western Reserve University
Publication Number
US-12318180-B2
Publication Date
2025-06-03
Expiration Date
2038-09-18
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Abstract
A system is described herein that can be used to perform magneto-optical detection of a disease component in a test sample using magnetic nanoparticles. A concentration of magnetic nanoparticles and a concentration of bindable agents can be administered to the test sample. The magnetic nanoparticles can be configured to attach to the bindable agents. A light beam can be transmitted through the test sample to a light detector. A magnetic field gradient can be established through the test sample. If the transmitted light beam under the magnetic field gradient exhibits a variable intensity change during a time period, the disease component can be determined to exist in the test sample.
Core Innovation
This invention provides systems and methods for performing magneto-optical detection of a disease component in a test sample using magnetic nanoparticles. Magnetic nanoparticles are configured to attach to bindable agents, such as antibodies, ligands, or aptamers, which are specific to target disease components including pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi, or cancer cells. When both the magnetic nanoparticles and bindable agents are present in a test sample, they bind to any disease component present, effectively tagging it with the nanoparticles.
A light beam is transmitted through the test sample to a light detector while a magnetic field gradient is established through the sample. The presence of tagged disease components is determined based on whether the transmitted light beam under the magnetic field exhibits a variable intensity change during a specific time period. This change in light transmission serves as a direct indication of the disease component’s presence, providing means for early-stage and direct detection in biofluids such as blood, urine, synovial fluid, or cerebrospinal fluid.
The invention addresses challenges in current diagnostics, particularly for Lyme disease, where traditional serological tests are time-consuming, subjective, and not sensitive for early-stage infection. The disclosed system enables direct detection of disease components, rather than indirect serological responses, and has the potential to yield more timely and accurate diagnosis by matching observed light intensity changes to predetermined patterns characteristic of the specific disease.
Claims Coverage
There are three independent claims in this patent, each focusing on methods for in-vitro detection of a disease component in a test sample using magnetic nanoparticles, bindable agents, magneto-optical detection, and analysis of light intensity changes.
Method for direct detection of disease component using magnetic nanoparticles and bindable agents
An in-vitro method comprising: - Administering a concentration of magnetic nanoparticles and a concentration of bindable agents to a test sample composed of a patient biofluid, where the bindable agents are configured to attach to both the nanoparticles and the disease component in the sample. - Transmitting a light beam through the test sample to a light detector while establishing a magnetic field gradient through the sample. - Determining the existence of a disease component in the sample based on observing a variable intensity change pattern of the transmitted light beam under the magnetic field gradient during a time period, and matching the change to a predetermined pattern. - Diagnosing a disease or condition in a patient based on detection of the disease component in the sample.
Tagging of disease component using nanoparticles with size relationship
An in-vitro method in which: - Magnetic nanoparticles and bindable agents are administered to a biofluid test sample so that each bindable agent is configured to attach to a plurality of nanoparticles and to the disease component, tagging the disease component in the sample. - The radius of the disease component is greater than the radius of an individual magnetic nanoparticle attached to the bindable agent. - A light beam is transmitted through the sample during application of a magnetic field gradient, and the presence of the disease component is determined by matching variable intensity changes in transmitted light to a predetermined pattern.
Detection of disease component based on drift speed indicated by light intensity change
An in-vitro method comprising: - Administering magnetic nanoparticles and bindable agents to a test sample of patient biofluid, with bindable agents attaching to the disease component and the nanoparticles. - Transmitting a light beam through the test sample and establishing a magnetic field gradient while the beam is transmitted. - Determining the presence of a disease component based on observing a variable intensity change pattern during a time period, wherein the pattern is based on the drift speed of the disease component tagged by the nanoparticles, and matching this pattern to a predetermined indicator.
The inventive features collectively provide methods for early, specific, and direct detection of disease components in patient biofluids by functionalizing magnetic nanoparticles with bindable agents, utilizing magneto-optical analysis, and diagnosing diseases based on distinctive light intensity change patterns correlated to the presence and movement (drift speed) of tagged disease components.
Stated Advantages
Enables direct and early-stage detection of harmful disease components, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or tumors, in a test sample.
Allows earlier diagnosis and treatment of diseases including Lyme disease, which can help prevent symptoms resulting from late-stage detection.
Provides objective and timely results, reducing subjectivity and diagnostic variation observed in traditional serological tests.
Documented Applications
Direct in-vitro detection of Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease, in patient biofluids such as blood or cerebrospinal fluid.
Detection of other pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi, or cancer cells in clinical diagnostic samples.
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