Fusogen Nanomedicine for Peripheral Nerve Repair

Abstract

This project is directed at the PRMRP Focus Area of development of novel therapies to repair neurosensory damage. The project deliverables are fusogenic nanoparticles (FNPs), comprised of polymeric fusogens (biomaterials that enhance cell membrane fusion) and cholesterol, to synergistically repair injured peripheral nerves. The central hypothesis being tested is that a systematic exploration of structure-function relationships among novel amphiphilic tyrosine-derived block copolymer surfactants (TyPS) can lead to significantly more effective FNPs which will allow immediate re-establishment of axonal continuity and function. This is being enabled by the first thermodynamically-based systematic exploration of structure-activity relations for polymeric fusogens. Concurrently, controlled delivery of cholesterol, a natural membrane component with fusogenic properties which is being encapsulated in the TyPS-based FNPs, is for the first time being investigated for repair of severed nerves. The rationale for this project is that, after injuries involving the transection of nerves, anatomical recovery is usually incomplete due to inherently slow nerve regrowth rates and rapid proximal and distal (Wallerian) degeneration of the stumps. Consequently most patients can suffer substantial life-long disability and even chronic pain if a neuroma follows. Among combat wounded US military personnel, nerve injuries are a leading cause of unfitting conditions and each year over 100,000 civilian trauma patients suffer disabling nerve injuries which incur enormous long-term healthcare costs. There are currently no fusogens useful for nerve repair approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2021
Accession Number
AD1134770

Entities

People

  • Antonio Merolli
  • Cemile Bektas
  • Daniel Chakhalian
  • David I. Devore
  • Joachim Kohn
  • Joseph M. Rosen
  • Kim-phuong Le
  • Mariana Lima
  • Yong Mao

Organizations

  • Rutgers University

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biomedical Research
  • Block Copolymers
  • Cell Physiological Processes
  • Cells
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Cholesterol
  • Copolymers
  • Hydrophilic Properties
  • Hydrophobic Properties
  • Liquid Chromatography
  • Materials Science
  • Medical Personnel
  • Membrane Lipids
  • Molecules
  • Nanoparticles
  • Neurons
  • New Jersey
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Peripheral Nervous System
  • Polymers
  • Self Assembly
  • Thermodynamic Properties

Fields of Study

  • Medicine

Readers

  • Nanocomposite Materials Science
  • Neuroscience
  • Neurotrauma and Rehabilitation Medicine.

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Biotechnology - Cancer Biotech
  • Microelectronics