PVM/MA Copolymer Nanoparticles for Oral Vaccine Adjuvants

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current adjuvants for immunotherapy and vaccines face challenges in effectively stimulating immune responses, particularly with weakly immunogenic antigens, and require high doses due to instability in the gastrointestinal tract, making oral administration inefficient.

Innovation Solution

Methyl vinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymer-based nanoparticles, which are stable, bioadhesive, and biodegradable, can carry and deliver antigens or allergens, enhancing immune responses through controlled release and interaction with mucosal tissues, including oral administration without the need for high doses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If classic adjuvants (aluminum salts, liposomes, microparticles) are used to stimulate immune responses, then immune response is enhanced, but stability in gastrointestinal tract is poor and high doses are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmune response stimulationVSAvoidstability in gastrointestinal tract

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physicochemical parameters of the adjuvant system by using PVM/MA copolymer nanoparticles with specific molecular weights (100-2400 kDa) and controlled particle sizes (10-900 nm). The copolymer composition ratio of methyl vinyl ether to maleic anhydride units (1:4 to 4:1) is optimized to achieve both gastrointestinal stability and immune response stimulation, resolving the contradiction between stability and efficacy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite adjuvant system combining PVM/MA copolymer nanoparticles with antigens or allergens. The copolymer matrix provides gastrointestinal stability while the nanoparticle structure enables controlled release and enhanced immune recognition, achieving both stability and effective immune response at lower doses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If high doses of antigens are administered to overcome weak immunogenicity, then immune response is improved, but toxicity increases and production complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmune response strengthVSAvoidtoxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The PVM/MA copolymer nanoparticles act as an intermediary carrier that binds to antigens or allergens and delivers them to antigen-presenting cells. This mediator function allows weakly immunogenic antigens to be effectively presented to the immune system without requiring high doses, thereby reducing toxicity while maintaining immune response strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of simply increasing antigen dose with a biochemical approach using nanoparticle-mediated delivery. The nanoparticles provide targeted delivery and sustained release, substituting the need for high antigen concentrations with an efficient delivery mechanism that reduces required doses and associated toxicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If nanoparticles are used to improve antigen delivery, then immune response is enhanced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveantigen delivery efficiencyVSAvoidnanoparticle size and composition control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes specific parameter ranges for nanoparticle manufacturing: molecular weight (100-2400 kDa), particle size (10-900 nm), and copolymer composition (methyl vinyl ether to maleic anhydride ratio of 1:4 to 4:1). These defined parameters provide manufacturing precision guidelines that ensure consistent antigen delivery efficiency while making the manufacturing process controllable and scalable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

These nanoparticles stimulate immune responses effectively, offering a stable and bioadhesive solution for immunotherapy and vaccine delivery, including oral routes, with reduced toxicity and ease of production, while promoting balanced Th1 and Th2 immune responses.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBioadhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

Methyl vinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymer-based nanoparticles, optionally containing an allergen or an antigen and/or an immunostimulating agent... can carry and deliver antigens or allergens, enhancing immune responses through controlled release

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectControlled release:

Data Source

PatentUS8895067B2Immune response stimulating composition comprising nanoparticles based on a methyl vinyl ether-maleic acid copolymer

Publication Date: 2014.11.25 INNOUP FARMA SL

AI summary

The composition for stimulating an immune response in a subject comprises methyl vinyl ether and maleic anhydride copolymer-based nanoparticles. Said nanoparticles may further contain an allergen or an antigen and/or an immunostimulating agent, which may be contained inside said nanoparticles and/or at least partially coating the surface of said nanoparticles, and optionally a cross-linking agent. The immune response stimulating composition is useful as an adjuvant in immunotherapy and vaccines.