Self-Assembled Plant Tissue Nanoparticles for Bioactive Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in effectively utilizing plant-derived nanomaterials for disease prevention and bioactive agent delivery due to low bioavailability and potential health risks associated with engineered nanomaterials.
Innovation Solution
Development of self-assembled plant tissue-derived nanoparticles composed of structural carbohydrates, pectin, hemicellulose, peptides, and polyphenols, which are lipid-free and stabilized by hydrogen bonding, capable of delivering biologically active agents and providing health benefits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If engineered nanomaterials are used for disease prevention and bioactive agent delivery, then delivery efficiency is improved, but safety and bioavailability deteriorate due to potential health risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses plant tissue-derived nanoparticles as temporary, biodegradable delivery vehicles that naturally degrade after delivering their cargo, eliminating the need for complex removal procedures and reducing long-term safety concerns associated with engineered nanomaterials
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameters of nanoparticle composition by using natural plant-derived materials (structural carbohydrates, pectin, hemicellulose, peptides, polyphenols) instead of synthetic engineered materials, thereby improving biocompatibility and safety while maintaining delivery efficiency
2Reliability
If polyphenols are consumed from food sources, then health benefits are improved, but bioavailability deteriorates due to low absorption in the gastrointestinal tract
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments polyphenols into nanoparticle-sized units (5-100 nm) that can more effectively interact with intestinal epithelial cells, dramatically improving absorption and bioavailability compared to bulk polyphenol consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions polyphenols from a bulk macronutrient dimension to a nanoscale dimension, enabling them to cross biological barriers and be absorbed by intestinal cells through mechanisms not available to larger molecules
3Productivity
If plant tissue is homogenized to extract nanomaterials, then nanoparticle production is improved, but complexity of the extraction process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables plant tissue to self-assemble nanoparticles through simple homogenization, leveraging the material's inherent properties to form the desired nanostructures without requiring complex purification or processing equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential cellular components (structural carbohydrates, pectin, hemicellulose, peptides, polyphenols) through simple homogenization and filtration, discarding complex macromolecules like lipids and proteins that would complicate the extraction process
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
Enhances bioavailability and safety of plant-derived nanomaterials for disease prevention and treatment, including cancer, inflammation, obesity, and oxidative stress, while offering nutritional and UV-protective properties.
Implementation Method 1
a nanoparticle comprising self-assembled cellular components derived from a homogenized plant tissue
Implementation Method 2
stabilized by hydrogen bonding
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are nanoparticles including self-assembled cellular components derived from a homogenized plant tissue. Also provided are food powders and other related compositions. Methods for preparing such nanoparticles and food powders, as well as uses thereof in the treatment or prevention of diseases or disorders in a subject and/or as delivery vehicles are also described.