Polymeric Particle Backpacks for Multi-Cell Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for particles adhered to cells face limitations in binding efficacy and the range of cell types they can target, particularly for therapeutic and diagnostic delivery.
Innovation Solution
Development of polymeric particles with specific binding reagents such as CD11b, CD3, CD19, CD49b, CD56, and others, which can adhere effectively to a wider range of cell types, including natural killer cells, monocytes, and neutrophils, allowing for direct injection and in vivo adherence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing particle technologies are used, then particle delivery to cells is achieved, but binding efficacy is limited and the range of targetable cell types is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The polymeric particle is designed with multiple different binding reagents attached to its surface, enabling it to bind to multiple different cell types (neutrophils, monocytes, natural killer cells) with a single particle design. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction by making the particle universally applicable across diverse cell targets while maintaining reliable binding through specific receptor interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The particle combines polymeric material with multiple types of binding reagents (antibodies, ligands) to create a composite structure that achieves both strong binding efficacy and broad cell type compatibility. The composite nature allows simultaneous optimization of binding strength for different cell targets without compromising either parameter.
2Reliability
If polymeric particles are designed for strong binding, then binding efficacy is improved, but the complexity of particle design and manufacturing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The binding functionality is segmented into separate binding reagent components that can be independently selected and attached to the polymeric particle. This allows the particle design to be modular - the core polymeric structure remains simple while binding capabilities are added as separate, interchangeable elements, reducing overall design complexity while maintaining high binding efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymeric particle acts as an intermediary carrier that simplifies the delivery system by combining multiple binding reagents into a single injectable unit. This mediator approach eliminates the need for complex multi-component systems or complex ex vivo cell engineering, achieving strong binding through a simplified in vivo adherence mechanism.
3Measurement precision
If particles are designed for specific cell targeting, then binding specificity is improved, but the ability to deliver to multiple cell types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The particle is designed with multi-functionality by attaching multiple different binding reagents that recognize different cell surface markers. This allows a single particle population to specifically bind to multiple different cell types (neutrophils via CD11b, monocytes via CD14, NK cells via CD56) simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between specificity and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The binding specificity is tuned by selecting binding reagents with appropriate affinity constants for different cell types. By adjusting binding parameters (affinity, valency) of different reagents attached to the particle, the system achieves high specificity for each cell type while maintaining the ability to target multiple cell types through parameter optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are polymeric particles and compositions (i.e., “backpacks”) that can adhere to cells and provide delivery of payload agents to those cells, and/or direct therapeutic activity of those cells.