Mapping interactions between Phytoglycogen and active compounds for biomedical applications

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Mirexus Biotechnologies Inc. is an emerging Canadian company that has developed a novel biomaterialextracted from corn, called phytoglycogen. This all-natural biomaterial has unique properties that enable it tooutperform human-made (i.e, synthetic) molecules that are currently used in pharmaceuticals, and skin care andnatural health products. Specifically, phytoglycogen is non-toxic, can interact with and envelop other smallmolecules, and can enter into our cells; therefore, it can be used as a safe "delivery system." For example, it canbe used to shuttle medications into cells that they would not have otherwise been able to enter. However,before phytoglycogen can be used for this purpose, more needs to be known about how it interacts with othersmall molecules.A research team led by Physics Professor Dr. Vladimir Ladizhansky proposes to design a new set of screeningtests that take advantage of the advanced molecular imaging techniques (i.e., Nuclear Magnetic Resonance)available at the University of Guelph. They aim to use these tests to quickly and accurately find out howstrongly phytoglycogen interacts with molecules of interest, and to determine the specific structural propertiesthat enable other molecules to interact with phytoglycogen in the desired ways.The novel methods designed in this project, and the knowledge that they will enable, are essential; theyrepresent the critical first step that must be completed before new phytoglycogen-based products can bedeveloped. The knowledge gained will enable Mirexus Biotechnologies Inc. to focus product development onthe molecules that are most likely to interact with phytoglycogen. It will also enable them to design newversions of phytoglycogen that can interact with a wider spectrum of bioactive molecules. Ultimately, theproposed research will enable Mirexus Biotechnologies Inc. to develop new products, enter new markets,increase revenue, and create new jobs in research and development, as well as manufacturing and sales-allwhile providing safer and more effective beauty and healthcare products for Canadians.