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自然界的分子为实现安全性和可持续性提供了独特的机会。当实现增强的性能和功效时，这是特别有希望的，提供了相对于人工或工程纳米材料的竞争优势。拟议的研究调查了这样一种有前途的天然纳米技术的应用：天然，可持续和安全的PhytoSpherix（Phx）技术。从甜玉米中提取和纯化的Phx颗粒正在由我们的合作伙伴公司Mirexus Biotechnologies Inc.商业化，一家新兴的加拿大公司，是Phx个人护理应用领域的全球领导者。我们将研究新的，非常有前途的应用在增溶，稳定和生物活性分子，如香料，颜色和药物用于化妆品，营养和生物医学的交付。学术研究团队将使用广泛的实验技术，以及他们在生物软材料研究和生物活性物质与细胞相互作用方面的独特专业知识，以解决以下问题：1）生物活性分子能否穿透高度分支，密集的Phx颗粒？2)生物活性分子与Phx颗粒的结合强度如何？3)提高生物活性分子负载或释放的最佳环境条件是什么？4)对Phx颗粒的修饰可以用来提高它们的负载吗？5)在生物活性物质被加载到Phx颗粒中后，它们仍然具有生物活性吗？这些基本问题的答案，加上Mirexus深入的技术和市场知识，应该大大加快基于可持续Phx技术的新的和改进的营养保健品和生物医学产品的商业化。这将为加拿大带来重大利益，包括为总部位于圭尔夫的Mirexus和其他加拿大公司创造就业机会，以及为加拿大消费者和患者提供更好、天然和安全的产品。

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.