Nano technologies -
Surface Functionalization of Polymers for Drug
Introduction
Currently, wet chemical conjugation
and simple adhesion are used to achieve surface functionalization
of biodegradable polymer particles. Unfortunately, both
of these methods have poor reproducibility, they are
inefficient, and they have complex processing requirements
and toxicity issues associated with the chemicals used
to modify the polymers.
Invention Description
This technology represents a biodegradable
polymer for the controlled delivery of drugs and vaccines
that makes use of atmospheric-pressure glow (APG) plasma.
By utilizing APG plasma, functionalization occurs on
the exposed surface area of the polymer. This unique
plasma works by allowing particle suspension in the
gas phase, which in turn allows the surface particles
to be charged and chemically functionalized. Further
processing allows particular proteins, nucleic acids,
contrast agents, or drugs of interest to be incorporated
into the polymer.
Benefits
Efficient
High throughput
Cost effective
No need for high vacuum or high
temperature
Safer alternative because no surfactants
used
No structural damage to particle
surface
Environmentally friendly
Features
Entire exposed surface area is
functionalized
Enables continuous processing of
particles
Plasma-based processing technique
Low ion impact energies
Room temperature and atmospheric
pressure operation
Market Potential/Applications
This technology can be applied to
tissue engineering, prosthesis, and even non-biomedical
applications.
IP Status
One U.S. Patent Application filed
UT Researcher
Krishnendu Roy, Ph. D., Department
of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at
Austin
Laxminarayan Raja, Ph. D., Dept. of Aerospace Engineering
and Engineering Mechanics, The University of Texas at
Austin
