Virus-enabled targeted vector for imaging
AssigneeThe Trustees of Indiana University
InventorBogdan Dragnea
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Abstract
A multi-chromophore virus particle is constructed by covalent binding of chromophores and provides super-radiant behavior. A virus-enabled targeted vector is provided for imaging with qualitatively different optical emission properties from state-of-the-art agents. Bright emission is obtained through quantum coherence, which in turn is facilitated by the symmetry of the virus shell. In an exemplary embodiment the targeted vector is used in laser-guided surgery, specifically for the treatment of in brain cancer.
Claims19
A virus like particle comprising:
- a capsid comprising a coat protein;
- an array of chromophores attached to said capsid.
A method of forming a virus-like particle, the method comprising:
- obtaining a virus capsid having surface-reactive groups;
- and
- chemically conjugating an array of chromophores with the surface-reactive groups.
A method of treating cancer, comprising:
- exposing patient tissue to a solution containing virus-like particles under conditions effective to allow binding of at least a portion of the virus-like particles to patient tissue, wherein the virus like particles include one or cancer detecting moieties;
- washing the exposed area to remove unbound particles;
- scanning patient tissue with a light source sufficient to activate the virus-like particles;
- and
- detecting the emission of pulses of near-infrared light indicating bound virus-like particles.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.