Temperature-Sensitive Nanoparticles for Controlled Drug Delivery
Description
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.
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 are required
- Fewer side effects
- High patient compliance
- Improved quality of life for patients
- Course of therapy can be modified as needed
Features
- "Intelligent" release mechanism
- Delivers therapeutic and imaging agents at the same time
- Contains a physiologic responsive lid
Market Potential/Applications
This technology can be used to deliver potent drugs (such as chemotherapeutic drugs) to specific cells and tissues without affecting normal cells and thereby reducing side effects. This technology can potentially incorporate other stimuli-sensitive polymeric lids to control drug release for a variety of diseases.
IP Status
One U.S. Patent Application filed
For further information please contact
University of Texas,
Austin, USA
Website : www.otc.utexas.edu
