Growth-Factor Nanocapsules

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Summary UCLA researchers in the Departments of Chemical Engineering and Orthopedic Surgery have developed a method to deliver therapeutic proteins directly to the tumor site using nanocapsules. Background Growth factors play important roles in stimulating cell growth, regulating cell proliferation and differentiation, and controlling the formation of extracellular matrix. Over the past decades, research has focused on evaluating the effectiveness of growth factors for tissue repair in the context of bone regeneration.One issue that has prevented growth factors from gaining traction is that they are mostly unstable and short-lived in vivo. Researchers have developed hydrogel matrix-based nanocapsules to house the growth factors, but this strategy comes with its own issues. Two major concerns include the crosslinking reactions that may compromise growth factor activity and the harsh chemical processes involved that may easily denature growth factors. Innovation Researchers at UCLA have developed a novel protein delivery platform based on protein nanocapsules, which form a thin polymer shell around the individual protein molecules. The shells stabilize the proteins and can be degraded to release the protein cargo.Studies have shown that these nanocapsules can be degraded within the endosomes of cells following uptake.This shell has been tested as a carrier for bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), an extensively employed therapeutic protein indicated for use enhancing bone healing associated with orthopedic surgeries. Applications Targeted delivery of drugs to facilitate bone regenerationTargeted delivery of drugs to other disease sites Advantages   Targeted release of drug cargo in acidic environments, such as the endosomes of cellsIncreases longevity and stability of protein-based therapiesIncreases circulation time of therapeutic   State Of Development This technology has been tested in vitro and in vivo in rat models of soft tissue inflammation.The experiments have shown that this technology successfully mediates bone regeneration, leading to high bone quality compared to native BMP-2 therapy.