Nanoparticle-functionalized scaffolds for biomedical applications

This technology is an electrospun scaffold coated with immunomodulatory liposome-based nanoparticles for enhanced wound healing.

Unmet Need: Scaffolds with enhanced drug delivery and biological signaling capabilities

Scaffolds are widely used in clinical procedures for wound healing, providing structural stability and a suitable mechanical environment for tissue regeneration. However, these scaffolds are currently limited in their ability to deliver drugs and biological signals to more actively promote tissue regeneration. On the other hand, nanoparticles and liposomes have been extensively employed for drug delivery and biological signaling, particularly in immune engineering, but face challenges related to biodistribution and retention within target areas.

The Technology: Nanoparticle-functionalized scaffolds for enhanced wound healing

This technology describes electrospun scaffolds functionalized with immunomodulatory liposome-based nanoparticles to introduce potent anti-inflammatory cues and increase wound healing. This technology provides both pro-survival mechanical and electrical cues from the scaffold and biomolecular and biochemical cues from the nanoparticles. A diversity of nanoparticles can be integrated into the scaffold, providing a modular method of introducing a variety of cellular signaling cues. This technology has the potential to enhance functional wound healing by more effectively engaging immune cells involved in tissue regeneration.

Applications:

• Enhanced healing of central nervous system lesions and other wounds
• Therapeutic vehicle for cellular therapies or drug delivery
• Research model for analyzing scaffold-nanoparticle interface
• Ex vivo tissue culture technology

Advantages:

• Integrates delivery and signaling properties of nanoparticles into polymeric scaffolds
• Enhances regenerative properties of polymeric scaffolds for tissue engineering
• Exhibits hybrid properties useful to biomedical applications
• Applicable to a diversity of nanoparticles and biomolecules

Lead Inventor:

Treena Arinzeh, Ph.D.
Santiago Correa, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Pending

Related Publications:

• Correa S, Meany EL, Gale EC, Klich JH, Saouaf OM, Mayer AT, Xiao Z, Liong CS, Brown RA, Maikawa CL, Grosskopf AK, Mann JL, Idoyaga J, Appel EA. “Injectable Nanoparticle-Based Hydrogels Enable the Safe and Effective Deployment of Immunostimulatory CD40 Agonist Antibodies.” Adv Sci (Weinh). 2022 Oct;9(28):e2103677

• Correa S, Grosskopf AK, Klich JH, Hernandez HL, Appel EA. “Injectable Liposome-based Supramolecular Hydrogels for the Programmable Release of Multiple Protein Drugs”. Matter. 2022 Jun 1;5(6):1816-1838

Tech Ventures Reference:

• IR CU24234

• Licensing Contact: Dovina Qu