SBIR Phase II: Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer Probes for Molecular Imaging

这个小型企业创新研究（SBIR）第二阶段项目将展示基于生物发光共振能量转移到量子点（BRET-Qdot®）技术的强大的多功能探针的生产。 该项目的主要目标是在动物模型中开发一个用于组织（如整个肿瘤和器官）靶向体内成像的平台。 为了实现这一目标，将开发用于检测重要生物标志物的生物素化靶向剂，与具有链霉亲和素功能的BRET-Qdot®探针组合，以提供一步靶点检测。 这些探针将代表用于大多数检测的分子大小范围，从小分子到抗体，从而能够检测几乎任何细胞表面靶分子。该项目更广泛的影响/商业潜力是开发一种灵敏的探针试剂，该试剂将广泛适用于广泛的临床前检测，包括肿瘤，器官和各种解剖结构的体内成像。为了了解疾病（例如癌症、自身免疫性疾病和其他疾病）的分子机制，人们越来越关注从基于细胞的测定进展到小动物模型中疾病状态的体内成像。靶向BRET-Qdot®平台将为竞争性荧光和生物发光成像探针技术提供具有成本效益、方便和有效的替代方案。

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will demonstrate the production of robust, versatile probes based on Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer to Quantum Dots (BRET-Qdot®) technology. The main goal of this project is to develop a platform for target-directed in vivo imaging of tissue, such as whole tumors and organs, in animal models. To accomplish this goal, biotinylated targeting agents for the detection of important biomarkers, in combination with BRET-Qdot® probes with streptavidin functionality, will be developed to provide one-step target detection. The probes will represent the range of molecular sizes used for a majority of assays, from small molecules to antibodies, thus enabling detection of virtually any cell surface target molecule.The broader impact/commercial potential of this project is the development of a sensitive probe reagent that will be broadly applicable to a wide range of preclinical assays including in vivo imaging of tumors, organs and various anatomical structures. In order to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying diseases, such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, and other diseases, there is increasing interest in advancing from cell-based assays to in vivo imaging of disease states in small animal models. The targeted BRET-Qdot® platform will provide a cost effective,convenient and effective alternative to competing fluorescence and bioluminescence imaging probe technology.