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"Novel Biodegradable-Co-Bioresponsive Hydrogels for Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering"

PSU Inv. Disc. No 2003-2771

Field of the Invention:

Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering

Inventors:

T.L. Lowe and Y.S. Kim

Invention status:

U.S. patent application filed

Background:

Polymeric hydrogels are versatile materials that have a variety of biomedical applications. Their multifunctional property enables aqueous loading of proteins, genes or small molecules rendering them ideal implantable drug delivery materials and scaffolding for cell growth. Hydrogels that undergo property changes in response to changes in their environment are particularly desirable as in situ drug delivery vehicle enhancing wound healing and tissue regeneration. Currently available hydrogels do not have ideal mechanical properties to deliver a wide range of therapeutics, to foster cell growth, and to adapt in response to environmental stimuli, all the while being completely biodegradable.

Invention description:

Penn State researchers have developed a novel synthesis process and compositions of several patent pending "Smart Gels" which are both biodegradable and thermal-responsive. The Smart Gels are comprised of poly (N-isopropylacrylamid) ("PNIPAAM") as the thermal-responsive unit, poly (L-lactic acid) ("PLLA") as the biodegradable hydrophobic unit, and dextran as the hydrophilic unit. Striking an ideal balance of hydrophobic and hydrophilic units, Penn State's Smart Gels have been tested in preliminary studies to be effective multi-stimuli-responsive biodegradable polymeric materials. Penn State's patent pending Smart Gels, and their synthesis processes, can be manipulated and adapted to suit a variety of clinical needs. They can serve as a targeted, sustained and controlled drug delivery system, dispensing proteins, genes and/or small molecule therapeutics. Their acute bio-responsiveness allows for fewer administration and maintenance of drug levels, and eliminates potential for under- or overdosing. Smart Gels can also serve as biocompatible polymers for cell scaffolding packed with drugs or growth factors needed to enhance tissue or organ repair. Complete biodegradability eliminates unnecessary secondary surgical procedures and adverse physical reactions to un-degraded by-products.

Advantages:

  • Acute thermal-responsiveness
  • Complete biodegradation
  • Controlled and sustained release of growth factor
  • 3-dimensional scaffolding and proper microenvironment fostering cell growth

    • Contact:

    Mr. Matthew Smith
    Sr. Technology Licensing Officer
    Intellectual Property Office
    113 Technology Center
    The Pennsylvania State Univ.
    University Park, PA 16802-7000
    Phone: (814) 863-1122
    Fax: (814) 865-3591
    E-mail: mds126@psu.edu