Yeast Cell Wall Particles for Targeted Nanoparticle Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current drug delivery systems face challenges in achieving controlled and targeted delivery of nanoparticles, particularly in overcoming issues of drug solubility, targeting, in vivo stability, and toxicity, with limited strategies for selective and efficient cellular targeting.

Innovation Solution

The development of yeast cell wall particle (YCWPs) delivery systems that incorporate or load nanoparticles, either inside or on the surface of yeast glucan particles, using methods such as incubation, drying, and resuspension to facilitate nanoparticle entry and trapping, enabling receptor-targeted drug delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If nanoparticles are used for drug delivery, then therapeutic efficacy is improved, but solubility and bioavailability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic efficacyVSAvoidsolubility and bioavailability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Yeast cell wall particles serve as an intermediary carrier between nanoparticles and the biological system. The particles have hydrophilic surface properties that improve solubility and bioavailability of hydrophobic nanoparticle drugs, while maintaining the therapeutic efficacy of the nanoparticle payload.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite delivery system combining yeast cell wall particles with nanoparticles. This composite structure integrates the solubility-enhancing properties of the yeast cell wall with the therapeutic properties of the nanoparticle, resolving the contradiction between efficacy and solubility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If conventional drug delivery systems are used, then administration is simple, but targeting specificity is poor leading to toxicity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadministration simplicityVSAvoidtoxicity due to poor targeting

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The yeast cell wall particles exhibit local quality through their specific surface properties that enable receptor-mediated targeting. The particles are designed to interact specifically with certain cell surface receptors, concentrating the therapeutic effect at the target site while reducing systemic toxicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes parameter changes in the yeast cell wall particle properties, particularly surface charge and hydrophilicity, to achieve selective cellular uptake. By adjusting these parameters, the particles can be optimized for specific target cells while maintaining ease of administration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If nanoparticles are delivered directly, then cellular uptake can be enhanced, but immunogenicity and toxicity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecellular uptake efficiencyVSAvoidimmunogenicity and toxicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Yeast cell wall particles act as a protective intermediary that mediates the interaction between nanoparticles and the immune system. The yeast cell wall shields the nanoparticle from direct immune recognition, reducing immunogenicity while still enabling efficient cellular uptake through receptor-mediated endocytosis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The yeast cell wall particles possess a porous structure that allows nanoparticle encapsulation while providing a biocompatible outer layer. This porous architecture enables controlled release and cellular internalization while the yeast cell wall itself reduces toxicity by preventing direct contact between the nanoparticle and sensitive biological systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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

This approach enhances the ability to deliver nanoparticles effectively, improving solubility, bioavailability, and therapeutic index while reducing immunogenicity and toxicity, allowing for controlled release and targeted delivery to specific cells like macrophages.

Implementation Method 1

loading the YCWPs with the nanoparticles by incubating together in suspension

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

drying, e.g., lyophilizing, the material resulting from (a)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

resuspending the YCWPs and nanoparticles in solution, e.g., water, for a time sufficient to promote further entry of nanoparticles into the YCWPs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS9662299B2Yeast cell wall particles for receptor-targeted nanoparticle delivery

Publication Date: 2017.05.30 UNIV OF MASSACHUSETTS

AI summary

The present invention generally relates to yeast cell wall microparticles loaded with nanoparticles for receptor-targeted nanoparticle delivery. In particular, the present invention relates to trapping nanoparticles either on the surface or inside a yeast glucan particles, for example, yeast glucal particles. The present invention further relates to methods of making the yeast cell wall particles loaded with nanoparticles. The present invention also relates to methods of using the yeast cell wall particles loaded with nanoparticles for receptor-targeted delivery of the nanoparticles, e.g., drug containing nanoparticles.