Product name
Fluorescent probes for in vivo detection of proteolytic activity from University of GenevaSummary
novel enzyme-activatable fluorescent polymer conjugatesOrganization name
University of GenevaProfile
Invention
Dr. Norbert Lange at the University of Geneva has developed novel enzyme-activatable fluorescent polymer conjugates composed of various functional units: polymer carrier, fluorophore, enzyme-specific linker peptide and biocompatibility-enhancing unit.
These macromolecular conjugates are designed to guide to the target tissue a load-cargo of fluorescent agent in an inactive form. Upon entering the target environment, in which certain proteolytic enzymes are locally active, the fluorescence is dequenched and the compound becomes detectable by standard imaging methods.
Applications
In vivo imaging of cells and tissues that express proteolytic enzymes:
- diagnostic applications in humans
- preclinical animal studies
Advantages
- Probes are easy to synthesize with high yields and high purity
- Probes have very low background fluorescence
- For human diagnostics: Detection of enzyme activity in situ without need for biopsies or other invasive approaches. Measurements can be repeated at will to assess disease progression/efficacy of treatment.
- For animal studies: Cost is reduced by minimizing animal sacrifice. Individual animal tracking allows easy identification of outliers.
PCT application pending.
Contact for licensing matters:
Raluca Flükiger, Ph.D.
raluca.flukiger(at)unige.ch
Description File
TechOffer522.pdf
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