Loading of native and modified phytoglycogen nanoparticles: fundamental studies to improve the solubilization, stabilization and delivery of bioactive molecules

在纳米技术应用中使用来自大自然的分子提供了实现安全性和可持续性的独特机会。当性能和功效得到增强时，这一点尤其有希望，提供了比人造或工程纳米材料更具竞争力的优势。这项拟议的研究调查了这样一种很有前途的自然纳米技术的应用：天然、可持续和安全的植物球体(Phx)技术。从甜玉米中提取和提纯的Phx颗粒正在由我们的合作伙伴公司Mirexus BioTechnologies Inc.商业化，Mirexus BioTechnologies Inc.是一家新兴的加拿大公司，是Phx个人护理应用的世界领先者。我们将研究在增溶、稳定和输送用于化妆品、营养和生物医学的香料、色素和药物等生物活性分子方面的新的、非常有前途的应用。学术研究团队将利用广泛的实验技术，以及他们在研究生物软材料和生物活性物质与细胞相互作用方面的独特专业知识，来解决以下问题：1)生物活性分子能否穿透高度分支、致密的Phx颗粒？2)生物活性分子与Phx颗粒结合的强度有多大？3)什么样的环境条件才能增强生物活性分子的负载或释放？4)Phx颗粒的修饰能否用于提高其负载量？5)生物活性物质被加载到Phx颗粒后，它们是否仍然具有生物活性？这些基本问题的答案，加上Mirexus深入的技术和市场知识，应该会大大加快基于可持续Phx技术的新的和改进的保健和生物医学产品的商业化进程。这将为加拿大带来巨大的好处，从为总部位于Guelph的Mirexus和其他加拿大公司创造就业机会，到为加拿大消费者和患者提供改进的、天然的和安全的产品。

The use of molecules from nature in nanotechnology applications provides unique opportunities to achieve safety and sustainability. This is particularly promising when enhanced performance and efficacy is achieved, providing a competitive advantage over artificial or engineered nanomaterials. The proposed research investigates applications of one such promising natural nanotechnology: the natural, sustainable and safe PhytoSpherix (Phx) technology. The Phx particles, extracted and purified from sweet corn, are being commercialized by our partner company, Mirexus Biotechnologies Inc., an emerging Canadian company that is a world leader in personal care applications of Phx. We will investigate new, very promising applications in the solubilisation, stabilization and delivery of bioactive molecules such as flavours, colours and drugs for use in cosmetics, nutrition and biomedicine. The academic research team will use a wide range of experimental techniques, and their unique expertise in the study of biological soft materials and the interaction of bioactives with cells, to address the following questions: 1) Can the bioactive molecules penetrate the highly branched, dense Phx particles? 2) How strongly are the bioactive molecules bound to the Phx particles? 3) What are the best environmental conditions to enhance the loading or release of bioactive molecules? 4) Can modifications to the Phx particles be used to enhance their loading? 5) After bioactives are loaded into Phx particles, are they still biologically active? The answers to these fundamental questions, together with Mirexus' in-depth technical and market knowledge, should significantly accelerate the commercialization of new and improved nutraceutical and biomedical products based on the sustainable Phx technology. This will lead to significant benefits for Canada, ranging from the creation of jobs at Guelph-based Mirexus and other Canadian companies, to improved, natural and safe products for Canadian consumers and patients.