ALD-Coated Phage Particles for Thermostable Antigen Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vaccines and therapeutic agents face challenges with storage and delivery stability, require multiple administrations, and are costly, necessitating improved transport, storage, and delivery methods that maintain effectiveness outside cold-chain conditions.

Innovation Solution

Thermostabilization of bacteriophage or phage-like-particles (PLPs) using atomic layer deposition (ALD) coating and glassy matrices to create thermostable formulations for controlled release of antigens or therapeutic agents, allowing single-dose administration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple administrations of vaccines are required, then successful immunity can be achieved, but compliance decreases and time loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmunity effectivenessVSAvoidadministration time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating slow-release formulations and adjuvants into the vaccine composition that sustain immune stimulation over time, allowing a single administration to provide prolonged protection equivalent to multiple doses. The ALD-coated particles release antigen gradually, pre-establishing continuous immune activation without requiring repeated administrations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If therapeutic agents are stored and transported, then delivery to subjects is enabled, but instability occurs during storage and transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage and transportVSAvoidtherapeutic agent stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the therapeutic agent by coating PLP particles with ALD-formed layers and incorporating them into glassy matrix formulations. These parameter changes create a protected state that maintains antigen stability at elevated temperatures during storage and transport, eliminating the need for cold-chain conditions while preventing degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining PLP particles with glassy matrix forming agents and ALD-coating layers to create a multi-component formulation. This composite structure provides both the biological activity of the phage-derived particles and the thermal stability of the glassy matrix, enabling stable storage and transport without cold chain requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple vaccines are administered simultaneously, then comprehensive protection can be achieved, but incompatibility issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevaccine coverageVSAvoidvaccine compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by formulating multiple different vaccines or therapeutic agents within separate ALD-coated PLP particles. Each particle can be independently designed with specific antigens and coating characteristics, allowing compatible combinations that would not work in traditional liquid formulations. This modular approach enables versatile combinations while maintaining compatibility through the standardized particle platform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The method enhances stability and compatibility of therapeutic agents, enabling single-dose administration and immune response, while maintaining effectiveness at elevated temperatures, thus improving compliance and reducing logistical challenges.

Implementation Method 1

coated with one or more atomic layer deposition (ALD) applied coating layer for controlled release

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAtomic layer deposition: Chemical Vapour Deposition

Implementation Method 2

Introducing the at least one antigen, immunogenic agent or other therapeutic agent, or bioactive molecule to at least one glass-forming agent in a solution to form a primary liquid composition. Essentially drying the primary liquid composition by lyophilizing, spray-drying, spray-freeze-drying, vacuum-drying, or other method, the primary liquid composition to form the at least one antigen, immunogenic agent or other therapeutic agent, or bioactive molecule affiliated with the PLP into essentially dry glassy particles.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGlass formation: Vitrification

Data Source

PatentUS20260014093A1Atomic layer deposition (ALD) processes applied to phage and phage-like particle platform yield thermostable therapeutic agents

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide novel compositions and methods for making and using thermostable bacteriophage or bacteriophage-derived phage-like-particle (PLP)-containing formulations. In certain embodiments, compositions and methods are disclosed for embedding, decorating and/or associating at least one antigen or agent, or bioactive molecule on the surface of the bacteriophage or PLPs. In accordance with these embodiments, bacteriophage or PLPs harboring one or more antigen or agent, or bioactive molecule can further be thermostabilized and/or coated with one or more atomic layer deposition applied coating layer for control or timed release of the one or more antigen or agent when administered to a subject.