University of South Florida (USF) investigators have developed a carbon nanotube-chitosan complex for use in targeted drug delivery. Research has already demonstrated that chitosan is a safe and efficient drug delivery compound with mucoadhesive properties that enable its delivery through the mucous membranes. These properties make chitosan based drug delivery systems an attractive target for further development.
The USF invention enhances the drug delivery properties of carbon nanotubes (CNT) by improving the efficiency of drug delivery to target cells. The technology consists of hybridizing chitosan with functionalized carbon nanotubules (f- CNT), which have the ability to direct and target delivery of peptides or nucleic acids. In animal experiments, USF investigators have demonstrated that f-CNT-chitosan complexes increase absorption of drugs into lung cells versus CNT alone (see Figure). This improved technology can be used to develop safe, highly effective transmucosal drug delivery systems for a broad spectrum of applications, from respiratory therapy to oncology.
Advantages:• Provides enhanced drug delivery through mucous membranes
• Effectively directs peptides and nucleic acids to target cells
• Applicable to a broad range of fields, from respiratory therapy to oncology
Press release
USF technology licenses are also being offered for "{arbon Nanotube Anchor for Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-MS)."
Researchers at the University of South Florida have developed an innovative method to increase the reproducibility and sensitivity of Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-MS) measurements for water in soluble matrix compounds by enhancing the sample preparation process.
One of the major drawbacks of existing MALDI-MS equipments is that the laser spot can interrogate only a small fraction of the deposit and the mass spectrometer never analyzes most of the analyte. This limits the total achievable sensitivity. The current invention addresses this issue by introducing an additional feature to the anchor spot called nucleation enhancement via nanotubes. These nanotubes act as anchor surfaces for the water-insoluble matrix solution and concentrate a droplet to a specific position on a MALDI-MS sample plate. The nanotube spots show consistently better performance than the standard plate controlled samples.
Advantages:
• Provides an enhanced anchor plate suitable for water-insoluble matrix based samples.
• Increases reproducibility and sensitivity of water insoluble matrix compounds.
• Improves the sample preparation process.
• Carbon Nanotubes act as anchor surfaces to enhance nucleation.
• Laterally concentrates sample on a small area during droplet evaporation.
The technology is available for licensing from the University of South Florida, Division of Patents and Licensing (3802 Spectrum Blvd., Suite 100, Tampa, Florida 33612-9220)
Tel: 813.974.0994 (office) Fax: 813.974.8490
Tel: 813.974.0994 (office) Fax: 813.974.8490
Email: patents@research.usf.edu
Website: http://www.research.usf.edu/pl/
Website: http://www.research.usf.edu/pl/
