Therapeutic, Bifunctional Janus Microparticles with Spatially Segregated Surface Proteins and Methods of Production

CDC researchers have developed a fabrication process to create bifunctional microparticles displaying two distinct proteins that are spatially segregated onto a single hemispheric surface. At present, there is no described way of producing biological microparticles with two distinct types of separated proteins. Bifunctional Janus particles generated by the CDC approach possess biologically relevant, native conformation proteins attached to a biologically unreactive and safe substrate. They also display high densities of each type of proteins that may enable a range of capabilities that monofunctional particles cannot, such as improved drug targeting and bioimaging agents.

The possible uses of these particles are limited only by the biological functions of proteins. For example, two recognition proteins could be used to bring different biological effectors together for enzymatic activation or breakdown. A recognition protein plus an activation molecule could simultaneously bind a cell and stimulate the immune system or facilitate the breakdown of toxic products. Alternatively, a protein drug plus a targeting and internalization motif could target treatment to a specific subset of cells and reduce nonspecific effects of drugs with severe side effects. Such bifunctional Janus particles can be used to create an entirely novel class of smart particle capable of high avidity targeting to and stimulation of multiple cell types. With these new particles, scientists and biomedical engineers can potentially improve the range, specificity and capabilities of therapeutic interventions and research.

Potential Commercial Applications:		Competitive Advantages:
Development of improved bioimaging agents and approaches for basic research and therapeutic use Cellular adhesion and uptake promotion Innumerable therapeutic and research usages, for example – Microparticle propulsion and targeting: ActA/RGD; Nanoparticle Antibiotic: Fc/Ab; Targeted cell killing: Fc/RGD; Arbitrary linkages: Streptavidin-biotin		Circumvents issue with current bifunctional microparticles having low density attachment and being operatively impotent Enables a range of capabilities that monofunctional particles cannot, such as improved targeting of drugs and bioimaging capabilities Provides a dense concentration of antibody binding events to create an artificial immunological recognition milieu that will overcome immunoevasive or -suppressive strategies, and/or mutations by pathogens

Development Stage:
In vitro data available

Inventors:

David White (CDC)  ➽ more inventions...

Todd Sulchek

Jennifer Tang


Intellectual Property:
US Application No. 61/815,784

Publications:
Tang JL, et al. PMID 22624704

Licensing Contact:
Tara Kirby, Ph.D.
Email: tara.kirby@nih.gov
Phone: 240-669-5128

OTT Reference No: E-457-2013/1
Updated: Jan 28, 2014