The University of Massachusetts Amherst

Noncationic Nucleic Acid-Polymer Complexes for Nucleic Acid Delivery

LEAD INVENTOR:
S. Thai Thayumanavan, Ph.D.
 
PRODUCT OPPORTUNITIES

  • Noncationic nucleic acid-polymer complexes for nucleic acid delivery
  • Nucleic acid-polymer complexation kits for nucleic acid encapsulation and intracellular delivery
  • Novel polymers for nucleic acid delivery with substantially reduced cytotoxicity

 
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES

  • An efficient nucleic acid delivery system with substantially reduced cytoxicity
  • Robust nucleic acid complexation and encapsulation
  • Stimuli-responsive release of nucleic acids
  • Applicable to the delivery and intracellular release of a variety of nucleic acids, such as DNA, micro-RNA, siRNA and mRNA

 
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION
This invention provides a new strategy for nucleic acid delivery by using novel cross-linkable and surface-charge modifiable synthetic polymers. The use of the novel polymer system allows for robust nuclecid-polymer complexation, easy removal of cationic moieties of the polymer and self-crosslinking of the polymer in a single step, and stimuli-responsive release of the nucleic acid molecules in the cell.
ABOUT THE INVENTOR
Dr. Thayumanavan is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry. He is a highly accomplished expert in organic and polymer chemistry and a prolific inventor. His research focuses on the design, synthesis and characterization of organic macromolecules of interest in supramolecular chemistry, materials science and biological applications. Dr. Thayumanavan has broad and well-established expertise in developing custom-designed molecules for specific end-use applications such as pharmaceutical delivery, smart sensors, and fuel cells.

AVAILABILITY:
Available for Licensing and/or Sponsored Research
DOCKET:
UMA 16-043
PATENT STATUS:
Patent Pending
Contact:
Nikki Hoang
Licensing Officer
University of Massachusetts
nikkihoang@research.umass.edu
Inventor(s):
Sankaran Thayumanavan
Keywords: