INNOVATION:  UCLA researchers have developed polypeptide vesicles of a particular composition that have the ability to entrap a water soluble species and transport the cargo across the cell membrane. The invention does not require chemical conjugation for the delivery of the drug of interest, resulting in a more cost effective formulation. This invention incorporates a patented manufacturing process also held by the University of California. The methods used allow for the control of the size of vesicles and scalability of the final product. Currently, researchers can create vesicles with diameters ranging from 50 to 1000nm that are stable up to 80 °C. Researchers have completed in vitro studies demonstrating the ability of polypeptide vesicles to cross the cell membrane intact.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS 

• Drug delivery of peptides, small molecules, oligonucleotides, and other drug species.

ADVANTAGES

• Vesicles proven to cross cell membranes intact
• Allows for the delivery of large molecules into the cell
• Requires no chemical conjugation or modification of delivered drug
• Patented cost effective polymerization process

Related Papers (Selected) Polyarginine segments in block copolypeptides drive both vesicular assembly and intracellular delivery.  more...

Reference: UCLA Case No. 2007-014