Nanoencapsulation of therapeutic peptides in smart environmentally responsive biopolymers

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My research is directed toward the immobilization via entrapment of biologicals, including living cells, enzymes and other biologically active materials such as DNA and therapeutic peptides. The intent is to package the biological material, typically within small spherical particles or gels, termed microspheres or microcapsules. The particles provide a protective environment, enabling retention, stabilization, and/or controlled delivery for therapeutic and other applications. Microencapsulation protocols are designed to form micron-sized (approximately 50 microns to 1 mm diameter) coated or uncoated particles and gels, containing the bioactive material. The intent of the research outlined in this proposal is to extend the particle size into the nano-scale, from 150 nm to a few microns in diameter. Therapeutic peptides will be examined for nanoencapsulation and controlled delivery including insulin and human vascular endothelial growth factor. The nanoparticles will be designed to be environmentally responsive, "smart" gels in that they will swell or contract in response to environmental triggers such as a change in pH. This responsive behavior will be important for the loading and retention of large and small proteins/peptides respectively, and for controlled or triggered release of the peptide, depending on the intended therapeutic application. This research provides a wonderful opportunity for the training of highly qualified personnel, since it is multi-disciplinary, spanning the fields of chemical, biochemical and biomedical engineering, with a strong emphasis on biopolymeric materials, biotechnology and nanotechnology, supported through experimental methods and instrumentation. The fields of pharmaceuticals, biotech products, biomedical devices, advanced materials, nanoproducts and nanotechnologies are growing rapidly and are identified as strategic priorities in the most recent reallocation exercise. Oral administration of a protein-based drug such as insulin would be an important breakthrough, and will depend on research, training and expertise in all of these fields.