The University of Massachusetts Amherst

Novel Polymeric Nanogels for Controlled Intracellular Protein Delivery and Traceless Release

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

  • Nanogel encapsulated protein prodrugs or therapeutics
  • Nanogel encapsulated diagnostic agents
  • Protein encapsulation reagents and kits for intracellular delivery and traceless release

 
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES

  • Broadly applicable protein encapsulation and delivery technology (capable of encapsulating proteins with surface exposed lysine residues which are present on the surface of >85% of globular proteins)
  • High protein encapsulation fidelity and loading capacity
  • High protein stability against degradation by proteases
  • High-fidelity protein delivery into the cytosol
  • Stimuli-responsive, traceless release of the encapsulated proteins in the cytosol

 
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION
This invention provides a new class of polymeric nanogels that are capable of encapsulating proteins for controlled intracellular delivery and releasing them in the cytosol. The nanogels are degraded under the cytosolic, reducing conditions, resulting in traceless release of the intact protein molecules that retain their native conformation, activity and function.
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 17-048
PATENT STATUS:
Patent Issued
Contact:
Nikki Hoang
Licensing Officer
University of Massachusetts
nikkihoang@research.umass.edu
Inventor(s):
Sankaran Thayumanavan
Jiaming Zhuang
Keywords: