Invention Summary:
Polymersomes are vesicle-like nanostructures formed by self-assembly of amphiphilic di-block copolymers for encapsulation and cargo delivery. Compared with conventional liposomes, polymersomes offer improved stability, tunability, targeted delivery potential, and enhanced cargo protection. Their synthetic membrane structure enables precise control of membrane properties and responsiveness to external stimuli, including pH, temperature, ultrasound, and laser irradiation, for triggered cargo release applications.
Rutgers researchers have developed light-responsive gold nanoparticle-loaded nanopolymersomes for controlled cargo delivery applications. Hydrophobic dodecanethiol-functionalized gold nanoparticles are embedded within polybutadiene-b-poly(ethylene oxide) membranes during self-assembly, creating photosensitive vesicles that undergo controlled membrane disruption upon picosecond laser irradiation. The incorporation of gold nanoparticles enhances laser-responsive release behavior while also improving resistance to both ionic and nonionic surfactant-induced destabilization, providing a tunable and stable platform for triggered delivery technologies.
Features of this technology include:
Market Applications:
• Nanovesicle platforms for delivery of therapeutic, molecular, and research cargos
• Light-triggered and on-demand therapeutic cargo delivery applications
• Targeted and localized drug delivery for cancer and precision medicine applications
• Platform for targeted delivery of therapeutic cargos to the lungs
Advantages:
• Highly precise light-triggered cargo release with tunable control through picosecond-pulsed laser irradiation.
• Tunable irradiation parameters enable controlled membrane poration or complete vesicle rupture depending on the desired release profile.
• Enhanced stability against ionic and nonionic surfactant-induced destabilization.
• Polymersomes possess thicker, tougher membranes than liposomes, providing improved durability, reduced leakage, and longer circulation time.
Publications:
Salzer RL, Shah AN, Trout CJ, Robinson AR, Ratna S, O'Malley SM, Griepenburg JC. Enhanced Photosensitivity and Surfactant Resistance in Nanopolymersome Membranes as a Function of Gold Nanoparticle Incorporation. ACS Appl Opt Mater. 2025 Feb 11;3(2):403-413. doi: 10.1021/acsaom.4c00503. PMID: 40787671; PMCID: PMC12333581.
Intellectual Property & Development Status: Provisional application filed. Patent pending. Available for licensing and/or research collaboration. For any business development and other collaborative partnerships, contact: marketingbd@research.rutgers.edu