Microalgae Extracellular Vesicles for Targeted Vaccine Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for conveniently produced extracellular vesicles (EVs) that are readily delivered to cells and tissues, as existing EVs from mammals and plants have limitations in delivery efficiency and survival in harsh environments, and there is a lack of understanding of the biodistribution and use of microalgae-derived EVs as drug delivery vehicles.
Innovation Solution
Microalgae-derived extracellular vesicles (MEVs) are produced and loaded with bioactive cargo, such as RNA, proteins, and small molecules, and administered via various routes to modulate immune responses and deliver vaccines, utilizing unique biodistribution patterns that allow them to reach target tissues like the gut-associated lymphoid tissue and spleen, bypassing liver accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If extracellular vesicles from mammals and plants are used for drug delivery, then delivery capability is achieved, but survival in harsh environments and delivery efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the source organism parameter from mammals/plants to microalgae, which produces EVs with different physicochemical properties that enable survival in harsh environments while maintaining high delivery efficiency. The microalgae-derived EVs exhibit enhanced stability and biodistribution characteristics compared to conventional EVs.
2Ease of operation
If conventional EVs are used for vaccine delivery, then immune response induction is achieved, but targeted delivery to specific tissues like gut-associated lymphoid tissue is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses microalgae-derived EVs as intermediary carriers that naturally target and deliver vaccines to specific tissues including gut-associated lymphoid tissue and spleen. These EVs act as mediators between the vaccine antigen and the immune system, providing targeted delivery without requiring complex modification systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are vaccines and immunomodulatory compositions containing extracellular vesicles from microalgae (MEVs) that are loaded with bioactive cargo, that includes antigens and/or immunomodulatory proteins, nucleic acids, and nucleic acid encoding the proteins. The MEVs are formulated and administered by a variety of routes of administration that are advantageous for modulating the immune systems. Vaccines include those that are therapeutic for treating a disease, disorder, or condition, those that elicit an immunoprotective response, and/or otherwise modulate the immune system. The compositions include MEVs containing cargos for modulating intracellular receptors.