Nanoparticle-hydrogel Composite for Nucleic Acid Molecule Delivery

Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer covering anatomic surfaces (e.g. lining of the lungs, heart, abdomen, etc.) that resists multi-modality therapies. Regional recurrence of mesothelioma from residual tumor cells prevents long-term benefits after surgical resection. Furthermore, there is no clinical consensus on intracavitary adjuvants that are effective in extending the tumor reduction effect of surgery. Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) developed a new technology that provides a localized, regional therapeutic platform to transport cancer-specific microRNA to a cancerous surface.  This nanoparticle technology comprises microRNA bound to a hydrogel engineered from self-assembling β-hairpin peptides. The hydrogel composite is shear-thinning and capable of being syringe-injected or sprayed into body cavities harboring, for example, mesothelioma cells. The composite’s proper ties can be fine-tuned to produce an optimal anti-cancer effect with a time-released delivery profile by choice of a) self-assembling peptides in the gel matrix, b) of disordered peptides, and c) of microRNAIC: NCINIH Ref. No.: E-080-2018Advantages: Can be tailored by cancer type and delivery by choice of self-assembling peptides in the gel matrix, of peptides in the nanoparticles, and of nucleic acids to produce an optimal therapeutic effect with time-released delivery;Both syringe-injectable and sprayable to effectively cover complex tissue surface topology.Applicatio...
Source: NIH OTT Licensing Opportunities - Category: Research Authors: Source Type: research