Hybrid nanocrystals for treatment and bioimaging of disease
Inventors
Assignees
Publication Number
US-9089619-B2
Publication Date
2015-07-28
Expiration Date
2026-06-06
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Abstract
Hybrid nanocrystals able to reach specific targets in the body for treatment and biological imaging are provided, as well as methods of making and administering same for treatment of disease conditions and for bioimaging and radiotherapy. The hybrid nanocrystals and methods can be used alone or in combination with other treatment and imaging modalities.
Core Innovation
The invention provides hybrid nanocrystals capable of reaching specific targets in the body for treatment and biological imaging. These nanocrystals are composed of a drug forming a crystal lattice with integrated ligand molecules, which can induce receptor-mediated endocytosis upon release or presentation on the crystal surface. Ligands may be stoichiometrically integrated as co-crystals or entrapped as defects within the nanocrystal. The system can also incorporate biocompatible polymers, radionucleotides, and antibodies to support targeted delivery and multi-functionality.
The core problem addressed by the invention is the inefficiency and difficulty in delivering drugs, especially poorly soluble ones, specifically to targeted sites within the body. Existing drug delivery systems suffer from challenges such as poor solubility, severe side effects, fragility during systemic circulation, and limited ability to concentrate therapeutic agents at targeted cells. Traditional targeted delivery techniques, including ligand-polymer conjugates like liposomes or micelles, are complex to synthesize and often unstable.
Hybrid nanocrystals, as described in this invention, solve these problems by directly integrating ligands and other functional molecules into the crystal lattice of the drug, forming stable and robust nanocrystals that do not require solubilization for delivery. These nanocrystals target specific cells through ligand-receptor interactions, facilitate cellular uptake via receptor-mediated endocytosis, and provide sustained release properties as they dissolve. The invention also covers methods for making such nanocrystals and their application in treatment, imaging, and combination therapies.
Claims Coverage
There are four main inventive features covered by the independent claims in this patent.
Hybrid nanocrystal comprising drug lattice and integrated ligand inducing receptor-mediated endocytosis
A hybrid nanocrystal is composed of a drug providing a crystal lattice and a ligand integrated throughout the nanocrystal as a structural defect. The ligand induces receptor-mediated endocytosis when released from the nanocrystal or presented on the crystal surface.
Method of preparing hybrid nanocrystals by crystallizing in presence of ligand, radioisotopes, or polymers
A method is disclosed for preparing the hybrid nanocrystals by preparing crystals of the drug in the presence of the ligand, radioisotopes, and/or polymers.
Method for disease treatment by administering hybrid nanocrystals
A method for treating a disease is provided, comprising administering the hybrid nanocrystals described above to a subject in need thereof in an amount sufficient to treat or inhibit the disease.
Method of biological imaging using hybrid nanocrystals with integrated radionucleotide
A method of biological imaging is covered, comprising administering the hybrid nanocrystals containing an integrated radionucleotide and performing a biological imaging scan to obtain an image.
In summary, the independent claims protect the composition of hybrid nanocrystals with integrated ligands for targeted delivery, methods of preparation, therapeutic methods, and use in biological imaging.
Stated Advantages
Hybrid nanocrystals overcome the solubility requirement and side effects associated with current drug delivery methods.
The invention allows targeted delivery to specific disease or imaging sites, improving treatment efficacy.
Hybrid nanocrystals enable direct cellular uptake via receptor-mediated endocytosis.
The integration of ligands and other functional molecules produces stable and robust nanocrystals with longer circulation times.
Therapeutic, bioimaging, and radiotherapy efficacy are significantly improved using the described nanocrystals.
The system provides a sustained release property, allowing local doses to last for days at the target site.
Documented Applications
Treatment of diseases, including cancers such as tumors, melanoma, breast cancer, prostate cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, and other solid tumors.
Biological imaging by administering hybrid nanocrystals comprising a radionucleotide.
Radiotherapy using hybrid nanocrystals with integrated radioisotopes to target and treat malignant cells.
Combination therapy for inhibiting tumor growth, metastatic progression, or development of metastases using hybrid nanocrystals, immunotherapeutics, and/or radiation therapy.
Interested in licensing this patent?