Enzyme-Responsive Nanoparticles For Targeted Accumulation And Prolonged Retention In Myocardial Infarction
Researchers from UC San Diego have developed a method for targeting and retaining intravenously injected nanoparticles at the site of acute myocardial infarction. Enzyme-responsive peptide–polymer amphiphiles are assembled as spherical micellar nanoparticles, and undergo a morphological transition from spherical-shaped, discrete materials to network-like assemblies when acted upon by matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9), which are up-regulated in heart tissue post-myocardial infarction. These enzyme-responsive nanoparticles provide an efficient template for targeting the acute MI and remain in the infarct for up to 28 d post-injection. This unique approach constitutes a minimally invasive method for the delivery of a material scaffold to acutely infarcted myocardium, providing a promising approach for prolonged therapeutic delivery (e.g. peptide, small molecules, etc.) to treat an acute myocardial infarction.
State Of Development Demonstrated proof-of-concept that the enzyme-responsive nanoparticles target, assemble, and are retained in an acute MI, thereby providing a promising approach for delivery of therapeutics immediately post-MI and obviating the need for risky intramyocardial injections. The inventors have demonstrated through study that the responsive nanoparticles are enzyme-responsive, accumulate due to upregulation of MMPs after MI, and are deliverable through both intramyocardial and IV injection. Related Materials Tech ID/UC Case 25782/2015-256-0 Related Cases 2015-256-0
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