Release of Guest Molecules

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Summary: UCLA inventors have developed a novel approach to site specifically release molecules into living cells using a silica-based nanoparticle that functions as a sealed container. This nanoparticle is readily taken up into cells and contains a photo-triggered impellar that once activated, will result in release of its contents. This unique approach to drug delivery holds strong promise for a number of applications including cancer therapy, as well as antibiotic, and anti-viral drug delivery.   Background: With targeted drug delivery, the overall goal is to restrict treatment to a specific subset of cells. This approach would both reduce off target cytotoxicity and vastly enhance the efficacy of drug treatment. Towards this end, a number of approaches have been developed with varied success. Recently, nanoparticles have shown great promise as drug delivery vehicles due to their flexibility, scalability, and ease of use. Through use of a light-activated, mesoporous, silica nanoparticle, researchers at UCLA have developed an innovative trap and release scheme that will allow for precise control of drug delivery. The use of a photo-controlled agent for targeted drug delivery has not been demonstrated up to this point.   Innovation: UCLA researchers have successfully developed a nanoimpellar based nanoparticle to transport molecules into living cells and have demonstrated both temporal and site-specific release under photo-activation. These nanoparticles are avidly taken up in vitro and have demonstrated specific photo-controlled release of both fluorescent dyes and apoptosis inducing cancer drugs in cell lines of both pancreatic and colon cancer. This invention represents a novel approach for external control of drug release, and has very strong potential in a number of applications.   Applications: Targeted therapy On-demand release of: anti-cancer drugs (cancer therapy) anti-microbial drugs (i.e. dental treatment) anti-viral drugs (i.e. agriculture)   Advantages: Higher efficacy achieved by specific targeting Precise release Spatial and temporal external control