Background
Intelligent hydrogels, specifically environmentally responsive hydrogels, are emerging as promising biomaterials capable of responding to biological environments and processes. These materials offer tunability and biocompatibility, making them valuable for various biomedical applications, including tissue regeneration and controlled drug delivery.
Technology overview
Multiresponsive poly (methacrylic acid-co-N-vinylpyrrolidone) hydrogels were synthesized, incorporating biodegradable oligopeptide crosslinks. These hydrogels exhibit pH-responsive swelling and enzyme-catalyzed degradation, particularly targeted by trypsin in the small intestine. The hydrogels also demonstrated pH-dependent loading of insulin for oral delivery to the small intestine.
Benefits
- pH-responsive behavior enables controlled release of therapeutics.
- Enzyme-catalyzed degradation offers site-specific drug delivery.
- High biocompatibility ensures minimal cytotoxic effects.
- Tunable properties for specific biomedical applications
Commercial applications
- Oral drug delivery systems for nanoparticle and siRNA therapeutics
- Controlled release formulations for targeted drug delivery
- Tissue engineering scaffolds for regenerative medicine
- Biocompatible coatings for medical devices
Summary
This technology presents significant opportunities for advancing drug delivery systems, particularly for oral administration of siRNA and nanoparticle therapeutics, with its precise control over release mechanisms and biocompatibility.
Opportunity
The University of Texas at Austin is seeking a commercial partner to license.
