Systems, Circuits and Apparatus For In Vivo Detection of Biomolecule Concentrations Using Fluorescent Tags

Abstract

Systems are disclosed wherein labeled binding molecules can be provided in vivo to tissue having biomolecules that specifically bind the labeled binding molecule. A first optical radiation is emitted into the tissue in vivo to excite the labeled binding molecule bound to the biomolecule in vivo. A second optical radiation that is emitted by the excited labeled binding molecule, in response to the excitation thereof, can be detected in vivo. Related telemetric-circuits and apparatus are also disclosed.

1 . An implantable apparatus comprising:
 an optical radiation source configured for in vivo use to emit first optical radiation to excite local fluorescently labeled binding molecules in vivo which are selectively bound to target biomolecules;   an optical radiation detector configured for in vivo use to detect second optical radiation emitted by fluorescence of the labeled binding molecules bound to the target biomolecules in vivo in response to excitation exposure to the first optical radiation;   a processor circuit, coupled to the optical radiation source and the optical radiation detector, that controls the emission of the first optical radiation and that receives an intensity signal associated with the intensity of the second optical radiation and transmits a signal associated with the intensity of the second optical radiation to an ex vivo system; and   a supply of the fluorescently labeled binding molecules configured to be excited by the first optical radiation, the supply being encapsulated by a material that dissolves over time to release the fluorescently labeled binding molecules in vivo proximate to the target biomolecules to which the fluorescently labeled binding molecules are configured to bind.   
     
     
         2 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the optical radiation source emits the first optical radiation through a bio-fouling tissue. 
     
     
         3 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the optical radiation sensor detects the second optical radiation through a bio-fouling tissue. 
     
     
         4 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a platform having a diameter of about 2.0 mm on which the processor circuit, the optical radiation source, and the optical radiation detector are mounted. 
     
     
         5 . An apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the supply of the fluorescently labeled binding molecules is located on a platform with the optical radiation source, the optical radiation detector, and the processor circuit. 
     
     
         6 . A circuit for detecting biomolecules in vivo, the circuit comprising:
 an in vivo optical radiation source configured to emit first optical radiation;   a first in vivo optical radiation detector configured to detect the first optical radiation to provide an optical radiation source feed back signal;   a second in vivo optical radiation detector configured to detect second optical radiation emitted by excited labeled binding molecules; and   a processor circuit, coupled to the in vivo optical radiation source and the first and second in vivo optical radiation detectors, configured to change a level of the first optical radiation based on the optical radiation source feed back signal.   
     
     
         7 . A circuit according to  claim 6  further comprising:
 a circuit board having the processor circuit and, the first and second optical radiation detectors thereon, wherein the first and second optical radiation detectors are on opposing sides thereof. 
 
     
     
         8 . A circuit for detecting biomolecules in vivo, the circuit comprising:
 an in vivo optical radiation source configured to emit first optical radiation;   an in vivo optical radiation detector configured to detect second optical radiation emitted by excited labeled binding molecules; and   a processor circuit, coupled to the in vivo optical radiation source and the in vivo optical radiation detector, configured to operate in conjunction with the release of labeled binding molecules for binding with biomolecules associated with tumors for excitation by the first optical radiation and that receives an intensity signal associated with the intensity of the second optical radiation.