ASC Speck Carrier Antigen Delivery Shelf-Life

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current antigen and bioactive molecule delivery methods, such as subunit vaccines, face challenges in efficiently engaging antigen-presenting cells (APCs) due to rapid degradation and short shelf-life, and existing technologies like liposomes and hydrogels are not practical for sustained antigen presentation.

Innovation Solution

The use of ASC speck carriers, formed by apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC) proteins, to load and deliver antigens and bioactive molecules, enhancing their size and stability for prolonged antigen presentation and increased shelf-life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If liposomes and hydrogels are used as antigen delivery systems, then antigen delivery is achieved, but shelf-life is short due to rapid degradation and fusion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshelf-lifeVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses polymer-based microparticles as a composite material platform that combines biodegradable polymers (PLA, PLGA) or non-biodegradable polymers (polystyrene) to create stable antigen delivery systems. These composite particles resist the degradation and fusion problems of liposomes and hydrogels while maintaining antigen delivery capability through controlled release mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional synthesis methods (organic solvents, high temperature, freeze-thaw cycles) are used for polymer microparticles, then microparticle formation is achieved, but antigen structure and activity are damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemicroparticle synthesisVSAvoidantigen integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs alternative synthesis parameters including aqueous-based formulations, room temperature processing, and avoidance of extreme conditions. This allows microparticle formation through polymer precipitation or emulsion techniques in gentle conditions that preserve antigen structure and biological activity while achieving stable particle formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses carrier proteins (KLH, BSA) as intermediary molecules that protect antigens during the microparticle formation process. These carrier proteins serve as scaffolds that shield the antigen from harsh synthesis conditions and facilitate controlled incorporation into the microparticle matrix without direct exposure to damaging solvents or temperature extremes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If subunit vaccines are used instead of whole-pathogen vaccines, then biosafety is improved, but antibody production is lower

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebiosafetyVSAvoidantibody production
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality enhancement by coating microparticles with specific molecules at their surface that have high affinity for APC receptors. This localized modification of the microparticle surface with targeting ligands, adjuvants, or immune-stimulating molecules enhances the immunogenicity of subunit vaccines locally at the interaction site with APCs, compensating for the reduced overall antigen quantity while maintaining biosafety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2841110B1A method for antigen delivery
Publication Date: 2019.01.09 BOGAZICI UNIVERSITY
  • EP2841110B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1F
  • EP2841110B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP2841110B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3L

AI summary

The present invention relates to a novel method for an antigen and/or bioactive molecule delivery and a composition that functions in the antigen and/or bioactive molecule delivery comprising the ASC speck carrier and the antigen and/or bioactive molecule, carried by the ASC speck carrier.