Our innovative system is designed to protect older adults proactively, a high-risk group for
cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). By integrating cutting-edge biotechnology, we've created a
comprehensive solution that includes:
Biosensor: accurately measures miRNA levels in the blood, a key indicator of cardiovascular
risk.
The primary component of our cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) prevention system is the testing
result[1], designed to assess the likelihood of an individual developing CVDs by measuring
the concentration of specific miRNAs in a blood sample.
The results of the miRNA test are visually displayed on the testing plate, where a yellow
color indicates the presence of miRNA. The intensity of the yellow color corresponds
directly to the concentration of the detected miRNA: a darker yellow suggests a higher
concentration, and thus, a greater risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This
colorimetric method offers an intuitive and user-friendly way for individuals to assess
their heart health without the need for specialized medical knowledge.
Mobile App: analyzes biosensor results and controls the smart brace.
The results of the miRNA test are visually displayed on the testing plate, where a yellow
color indicates the presence of miRNA. The intensity of the yellow color corresponds
directly to the concentration of the detected miRNA: a darker yellow suggests a higher
concentration, and thus, a greater risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This
colorimetric method offers an intuitive and user-friendly way for individuals to assess
their heart health without the need for specialized medical knowledge.
Smart Brace: delivers targeted doses of lumbrokinase, a clot-dissolving enzyme, when needed.
The smart brace is a wearable device designed to proactively manage cardiovascular
health.[4] Upon activation, the smart brace administers lumbrokinase, an enzyme known for
its fibrinolytic properties, which can dissolve blood clots[5] [6] [7]. Blood clots pose a
significant risk to cardiovascular health, as they can obstruct blood flow, leading to
severe cardiac events. The smart brace is activated by the mobile app, ensuring the timely
release of lumbrokinase only when necessary, thereby providing a targeted approach to
prevent thrombotic incidents before they manifest
To conditionally release lumbrokinase, our smart braces incorporate a photoreceptor that
activates the device upon exposure to light. The E. coli in our system is engineered to
produce lumbrokinase[9], utilizing Anabaena sensory rhodopsin (ASR) to make the E. coli
light-sensitive[10]. In our plasmid design, lumbrokinase production is regulated by the
promoter sequence of phycocyanin (PcpcB). ASR, when bound to all-trans-retinal in darkness,
represses the expression of PcpcB, thus preventing lumbrokinase production. Therefore,
lumbrokinase is only produced when the E. coli is exposed to light, releasing it from the
ASR-mediated repression.
How It Works:
Biosensor: Users can load their samples into a simple detection kit.
After a 30-minute reaction, the results will be displayed as different shades of yellow
solution.
Message transfer: Users can then take a photo of the testing result of
the biosensor and upload it to the mobile app for analysis.
Phone App: Once the photo is uploaded, the mobile app analyzes the
readings based on the color intensity. The analysis then determines the risk of
cardiovascular disease using built-in algorithms.
Smart Braces: A wearable device, activated by the mobile app when there
is a high risk of CVDs, administers lumbrokinase to manage cardiovascular health and
prevent thrombotic incidents proactively.
Release of lumbrokinase: A photoreceptor activated by light triggers
the release of lumbrokinase. Typically, without a signal from the mobile app, Anabaena
sensory rhodopsin (ASR)-mediated repression inhibits lumbrokinase production in
darkness. When there is a risk of CVDs and a signal is received, engineered E. coli
produces lumbrokinase. The release of lumbrokinase can dissolve blood clots in the body.
Key Benefits of Our Biosensor:
Early detection: Proactive monitoring of cardiovascular risk factors.
Personalized care: Tailored interventions based on individual needs.
Enhanced prevention: Effective prevention of blood clots and other
cardiovascular events.
Ease of use: User-friendly interface and simple testing process.
Prospective Impact of Our Biosensor:
Our system has the potential to revolutionize cardiovascular disease prevention. By
accurately assessing individual risk, providing timely interventions, and empowering
patients with self-management tools, we can:
Prevent heart attacks and strokes, significantly reducing mortality rates related to
CVDs.
Enhance overall health and well-being for older adults.
Minimize the need for expensive treatments and hospitalizations, alleviating the
financial burden on individuals and healthcare systems.
Through early detection, personalized care, and effective prevention, we are working
towards a future where cardiovascular disease is a thing of the past.
References
Tang, L., Yang, J., Wang, Y., & Deng, R. (2023). Recent advances in cardiovascular disease biosensors and monitoring technologies. ACS Sensors, 8(3), 956–973. https://doi.org/10.1021/acssensors.2c02311
Choudhury, R. R., Gupta, H., Bhushan, S., Singh, A., Roy, A., & Saini, N. (2024). Role of miR-128-3p and miR-195-5p as biomarkers of coronary artery disease in Indians: a pilot study. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 11881. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-61077-4
Liu, Y., Guo, H., Xu, R., & Chen, W. (2022). Smart intraoral systems for advanced drug delivery. MedComm – Biomaterials and Applications, 1(2). https://doi.org/10.1002/mba2.19
Kawanabe, A., & Kandori, H. (2009). Photoreactions and structural changes of anabaena sensory rhodopsin. Sensors, 9(12), 9741–9804. https://doi.org/10.3390/s91209741
Dickey, Alexia et al. “Transient Expression of Lumbrokinase (PI239) in Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) Using a Geminivirus-Based Single Replicon System Dissolves Fibrin and Blood Clots.” Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM vol. 2017 (2017): 6093017. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/6093017
Verma, M. K., & Pulicherla, K. K. (2011). Lumbrokinase - A potent and stable fibrin-specific plasminogen activator. International Journal of Bio-Science and Bio-Technology, 3(2), 57-67. https://gvpress.com/journals/JBSBT/vol3_no2/5.pdf
Wang, Y., Chen, K., Chiu, P., Lai, S., Su, H., Jan, M., Lin, C., Lu, D., Fu, Y., Liao, J., Chang, J. T., & Huang, S. (2016). Lumbrokinase attenuates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting TLR4 signaling. Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology, 99, 113–122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yjmcc.2016.08.004
