Drug Delivery
Novel Charge Shifting Anionic Polymers for the Controlled Release of Cationic Agents from Surfaces
WARF: P08389US
Inventors: David Lynn, Xianghui Liu, Jingtao Zhang
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is seeking commercial partners interested in developing charge shifting anionic polymers that could be used to create polymeric multilayers and thin films capable of the controlled release of cationic agents, including therapeutic, diagnostic and prophylactic agents.
Overview
The ability to deliver biomolecules, such as proteins or nucleic acids, into cells has many therapeutic and research applications. Polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) have been used to deliver biomolecules into cells. PEMs essentially are thin plastic films with alternating layers of negatively charged (anionic) and positively charged (cationic) polymeric coatings. Biomolecules, such as nucleic acids, can be integrated into PEMs, which can be designed to controllably dissolve under physiologically relevant conditions to release the biomolecules into cells.
UW-Madison researchers previously developed novel charge shifting cationic polymers that can be incorporated into PEMs for the delivery of nucleic acids and other polyanions (see WARF reference number P03393US). These polymers can be used to create medical devices and research agents that provide greater control and efficiency of nucleic acid delivery into cells.
UW-Madison researchers previously developed novel charge shifting cationic polymers that can be incorporated into PEMs for the delivery of nucleic acids and other polyanions (see WARF reference number P03393US). These polymers can be used to create medical devices and research agents that provide greater control and efficiency of nucleic acid delivery into cells.
The Invention
UW-Madison researchers now have developed novel compositions and methods for creating charge shifting anionic polymers. These polymers could be used to create polymeric multilayers and thin films that can controllably release cationic agents such as proteins and peptides.
The anionic polymers are prepared by the reaction of small-molecule anhydrides, such as citraconic anhydride, with primary amine side chains on a polymer backbone, such as poly(allylamine hydrochloride), a weak polyelectrolyte widely used for the fabrication of polyelectrolyte multilayers. This reaction yields an anionic, carboxylate-functionalized polymer that can undergo a dynamic change in charge state (from anionic to less anionic) to trigger the “unpackaging” of cationic molecules.
The anionic polymers are prepared by the reaction of small-molecule anhydrides, such as citraconic anhydride, with primary amine side chains on a polymer backbone, such as poly(allylamine hydrochloride), a weak polyelectrolyte widely used for the fabrication of polyelectrolyte multilayers. This reaction yields an anionic, carboxylate-functionalized polymer that can undergo a dynamic change in charge state (from anionic to less anionic) to trigger the “unpackaging” of cationic molecules.
Applications
- Thin films and coatings that enable the controlled release of cationic agents, such as therapeutic proteins, from the surfaces of macroscopic, microscopic or nanoscopic objects
- Drug delivery
Key Benefits
- May be used to create PEMs that remain stable at near-neutral pH but erode and release incorporated cationic molecules when exposed to acidic environments
- Enables control over film erosion and the release of cationic agents
- Synthetic polymers are anionic and may be degradable.
- May be non-immunogenic, non-toxic or both
- Also may be biodegradable and biocompatible
- Ligands that facilitate the delivery of the polymer to a specific target may be included.
Additional Information
Related Technologies
Related Intellectual Property
Publications
- Liu X., Zhang J. and Lynn D.M. 2008. Polyelectrolyte Multilayers Fabricated from 'Charge-Shifting' Anionic Polymers: A New Approach to Controlled Film Disruption and the Release of Cationic Agents from Surfaces. Soft Matter 4, 1688-1695.
Tech Fields
For current licensing status, please contact Jennifer Gottwald at [javascript protected email address] or 608-960-9854