Nano technologies -
Improved Method for Production of Highly Uniform
Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery
Introduction
Nanoparticles have multiple applications
in tissue targeted drug delivery, non-invasive monitoring
of therapeutics, and as delivery devices. They also
can be used by the cosmetics, agricultural and pharmaceutical
industries to synthesize controlled release particles.
Current methods used to synthesize nanoparticles involve
self assembly of polymers or macromolecules resulting
in particles with a large distribution of size and shape.
Indeed, the batch to batch variation in preparation
quality is quite large. This lack of uniformity prevents
the precise control of drug release kinetics and tissue
targeting.
Invention Description
New methods of nanofabrication have
been developed using a combination of electron beam
generated templates and nanoimprint lithography methods.
Nanoparticles are synthesized on silicon wafers. This
method also employs therapeutic or imaging agents to
entrap particles in a high throughput manner while providing
precise control over the particle size and shape. A
variety of polymers or materials can be used to build
particles, including new enzyme-responsive hydrogels.
The resulting nanoparticles are injectable nano-containers
capable of releasing drugs through diffusion or degradation
mechanisms. These particles can also be used as imaging
modalities in response to specific physiological signals
in targeted tissues. The consistency of particle size
allows for predictable and uniform performance from
batch to batch.
Benefits
Provides precise control over particle
size and shape
Consistency in particle size allows
for uniform performance
Adapted for a variety of polymers
and materials
Features
Unique way to fabricate drug delivery
particles
Employs therapeutic or imaging
agents
Capable of releasing drugs through
diffusion or degradation mechanisms
IP Status
One U.S. Patent Application filed
UT Researcher
Krishnendu Roy, Ph.D., Biomedical
Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin
Li Shi, Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, The University
of Texas at Austin
Luz-Cristal S. Glangehai, Ph.D., Department of Biomedical
Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin
