SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING AMYLOID PROTEINS

摘要

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a device and method for detecting an amyloid protein in an eye of a mammal. A method comprises illuminating the eye with a light source having at least one of a wavelength property, a polarization property or a combination thereof, each appropriate to produce fluorescence in at least an amyloid-binding compound when the amyloid-binding compound is bound to the amyloid protein, the amyloid-binding compound having been introduced to the eye and specifically binding to the amyloid protein indicative of the amyloidogenic disorder; and determining a time decay rate of fluorescence for at least the fluorescence produced by the amyloid-binding compound bound to the amyloid protein, the determining permitting distinguishing of the presence of the amyloid-binding compound bound to the amyloid protein in the eye based on at least the time decay rate.

主权项

1. A method for detecting an amyloid protein in an eye of a mammal, the method comprising:
illuminating the eye with a light source having at least one of a wavelength property, a polarization property or a combination thereof, each appropriate to produce fluorescence in at least an amyloid-binding compound when the amyloid-binding compound is bound to the amyloid protein, the amyloid-binding compound having been introduced to the eye and specifically binding to the amyloid protein indicative of the amyloidogenic disorder; receiving light including fluorescence produced as a result of the illuminating the eye; and determining a time decay rate of fluorescence for at least the fluorescence produced by the amyloid-binding compound bound to the amyloid protein, the determining permitting distinguishing of the presence of the amyloid-binding compound bound to the amyloid protein in the eye based on at least the time decay rate, the determining comprising performing a time correlation single photon counting of fluorescence produced by the eye; wherein the distinguishing the presence of the amyloid-binding compound bound to the amyloid protein comprises distinguishing the amyloid-binding compound bound to the amyloid protein from background autofluorescence of eye tissues, autofluorescence of other non-specific particles and unbound amyloid-binding compound.