Biomaterial composites using glycogen nanoparticles for dermal applications

PhytospherixTM是一种天然存在的植物糖原纳米颗粒，由Mirexus Biotechnologies Inc.与昂贵且可能有毒的典型合成纳米颗粒不同，PhytospherixTM纳米颗粒具有成本效益、安全、无毒且可食用。这些纳米颗粒具有极强的亲水性，能够比透明质酸（皮肤保湿配方的黄金标准）更长时间地保持更大量的水。它们可以被改性以封装抗氧化剂和抗微生物剂，使这些纳米颗粒成为将生物活性物质递送到皮肤中的理想材料，以促进皮肤健康和伤口愈合。尽管具有这些理想的性能，但Mirexus目前在开发具有最佳机械性能的独立式纳米复合膜方面面临挑战，用于皮肤和化妆品和应用。此外，该公司还对开发控制这些膜的屏障性能的方法感兴趣，这对于实现PhytospherixTM纳米颗粒和其他生物活性物质的最佳释放速率至关重要。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，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.