Schematic showing the process of creating drug-loaded nanospheres
Invention Summary:
Recent advances in nanotechnology have demonstrated the advantages of encapsulating poorly bioavailable drugs in nanometer-sized spheres (nanospheres) and deliver them in a targeted manner. Often, the size of the drug-loaded nanosphere can be used to affect its biodistribution and targeting to specific organs or tissues. In this context, it is useful to be able to tune the size of nanospheres without changing their chemistry or toxicological profile.
Rutgers researchers have identified a novel approach for synthesizing nanospheres of specific sizes (ranging from about 30 to 120 nm) using the same biodegradable polymers, solely by adjusting the ratio of the polymer blends without affecting their functional properties. Such flexibility enables size-dependent targeting at the tissue or cellular level while using the same nanosphere composition. This innovative approach facilitates the development of a range of pharmaceutical compositions with different properties by changing the blend ratio of two almost identical copolymers. Proof of concept has been completed and lab-scale manufacturing capabilities have been demonstrated. In vivo assays indicate non-toxicity.
Market Applications:
- Transdermal and topical drug and active ingredient delivery
- Passive targeting of bioactives to specific tissues or cells
Advantages:
- Effective control of nanosphere diameter without changing nanosphere composition
- Non-toxic and biodegradable formulation
- “Natural” ingredients support marketing
Intellectual Property & Development Status: Provisional patent application filed, patent pending. Available for licensing and/or research collaboration. Please contact marketingbd@research.rutgers.edu
Publications:
Lima, MRN, et al. (2022) Nanosphere size control by varying the ratio of poly(ester amide) block copolymer blends. J Colloid Interface Sci. 623: 247-256.
