公开(公告)号：US20240401062A1

公开(公告)日：2024-12-05

申请号：US18524554

申请日：2023-11-30

Applicant: Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Inventor： Natalie G. Farny ,  Solimar Ramis De Ayreflor Reyes ,  Afreen Anwar

IPC: C12N15/115 ,  A61K35/741 ,  A61K47/00 ,  A61P39/04

Abstract: An aptamer having an affinity for toxic metals such as lead is introduced by a biocompatible delivery mechanism such as a DNA or RNA strand to which the aptamer is attached. The delivery mechanism delivers the aptamer, either as a direct nucleic acid sequence or expressed in a cell as a probiotic. When delivered as a prophylactic to the gastrointestinal tract (orally) as an aptamer or expressed within a probiotic cell, this would prevent absorption of metals and would thus reduce or eliminate the need for chelation therapy and thereby reduce disease burden. When used therapeutically, it could be ingested, or injected intravenously. Once bound, the toxic metals are expelled through normal gastrointestinal or urinary processes.