Nano technologies -
Temperature-Sensitive Nanoparticles for Controlled
Drug Delivery
Introduction
Traditional chemotherapy treatment
relies on the use of high levels of potent chemotherapeutic
drugs administered throughout the body. These drugs,
when administered throughout the body, can lead to dangerous
side effects and even death in patients with weakened
immune systems or heart conditions. Controlled drug
delivery has the ability to revolutionize chemotherapy
treatment by spatially and temporally controlling the
release of drugs only in the areas where treatment is
required. By localizing and controlling the drug's release,
patients undergoing chemotherapy will be able to receive
lower overall doses, which will result in decreased
negative side effects and a higher quality of life.
Invention Description
This technology encompasses a novel
device and method for in vivo drug delivery, which utilizes
temperature-sensitive nanoparticle devices that can
be both monitored and controlled from outside the patient's
body. Specifically, the nanoparticles are able to release
the drug that they contain by swelling in response to
an increase in temperature. A harmless laser that can
easily pass through the body is used to selectively
heat the nanoparticles and cause swelling. This swelling
of the particle then allows the releases of a drug that
has been preloaded inside of the nanoparticle device.
By using a laser for activation, rather than simply
relying on internal signals from the body, the particles
can be controlled and monitored externally by a doctor
or other trained medical care professional. This allows
for spatial and temporal control over the drug's release
and the disease treatment regime.
Benefits
Lower systemic doses of potent
therapeutic drugs
Fewer side effects
High patient compliance
Improved quality of life for patients
Course of therapy can be modified
as needed
Features
Release of drugs is localized
Drug delivery can be controlled
outside the patient’s body
Employs a laser
Market Potential/Applications
According to the American Cancer Society,
nearly 1.4 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed
in 2005 in the U.S. alone. A recent report from Knowledge
Source Inc. estimates that the U.S. cancer therapeutics
market will reach $30 billion by the year 2010. Controlled
drug delivery of chemotherapeutics is poised to capture
a major portion of this market.
IP Status
One U.S. Patent Application filed
UT Researcher
Nicholas A. Peppas, Ph. D., Department
of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at
Austin
