Biomaterial composites using glycogen nanoparticles for dermal applications

PhytpherixTM是Mirexus BioTechnologies Inc.从玉米中提取的一种天然植物糖原纳米颗粒。与典型的昂贵且具有潜在毒性的合成纳米颗粒不同，PhytpherixTM纳米颗粒具有成本效益高、安全、无毒和可食用的特点。这些纳米颗粒具有极强的亲水性，能够比皮肤保湿配方的黄金标准透明质酸更长时间地保持更多的水分。它们可以进行修饰，以包裹抗氧化剂和抗菌剂，使这些纳米颗粒成为将生物活性物质输送到皮肤、促进皮肤健康和伤口愈合的理想材料。尽管有这些理想的性能，Mirexus目前在开发具有皮肤和化妆品和应用最佳机械性能的独立纳米复合膜方面面临着挑战。此外，该公司还对开发操纵这些膜的阻隔性能的方法感兴趣，这对实现PhytpherixTM纳米颗粒和其他生物活性的最佳释放速度至关重要。为了将这一核心产品扩展到高价值应用，Mirexus必须克服这些制造挑战。该公司正在寻求PI的帮助，以通过Engage赠款的支持来解决这些问题。

PhytospherixTM is a naturally occurring phyto-glycogen nanoparticles extracted from corn by Mirexus Biotechnologies Inc. Unlike typical synthetic nanoparticles that are expensive and potentially toxic, PhytospherixTM nanoparticles are cost-effective, safe, non-toxic, and edible. These nanoparticles are extremely hydrophilic, capable of holding a larger quantity of water for longer time than hyaluronic acid - the gold standard for skin moisturizing formulation. They can be modified for the encapsulation of antioxidant and antimicrobial, making these nanoparticles an ideal material for delivering bioactives into the skin, for promoting skin health and wound healing. In spite of these desirable properties, Mirexus is currently facing challenges in developing free-standing nanocomposite membranes that possess optimal mechanical properties for skin and cosmetic and applications. Moreover, the company is also interested in developing methodologies to manipulate the barrier properties of these membranes, which is critical to achieve the optimal release rate of the PhytospherixTM nanoparticles and other bioactives. In order to expand this core product to high-value applications, Mirexus must overcome these manufacturing challenges. The company is seeking assistance from the PI to resolve these issues through the support of the Engage grant.