National University of Ireland, Galway

National University of Ireland

Hemantkumar Naik

Abhay Pandit

Gildas Rethore

David Finn

Yvonne Lang

A polymeric hollow nanoshell or nanosphere for release of an agent is described, wherein the hollow nanosphere comprises at least one biodegradable polymer, characterized in that the polymer is cross-linked. The biodegradable mono-disperse nanospheres described are suitable for use as carriers of biomolecules, therapeutic agents and/or imaging agents.

Hollow biodegradable nanospheres and nanoshells for delivery of therapeutic and/or imaging molecules

An activatable functionalised Ngeneration dendrimer having: a core comprising a first monomer having at least two carboxylic acid functional groups; and N successive generations, where N=0 to 10, wherein each generation comprises: a second monomer having at least two alcohol functional groups, wherein at least one alcohol group is bonded to a carboxylic acid group of the first monomer of the prior generation, and an additional first monomer attached to a second alcohol function group of said second monomer of that generation; and the final generation having attached thereto at said second alcohol functional group of said second monomer, a moiety having a dicarboxylic acid functional group, activatable by treatment with a carboxylic acid activating reagent such that reactivity of the carboxylic acid functional group is increased. The dendrimer, when activated, may be used in applications such as polymer crosslinking and/or nanoshell production.

Dendrimers and dendrimer applications

A polymeric hollow nanoshell or nanosphere for release of an agent is described, wherein the hollow nanosphere comprises at least one biodegradable polymer, characterised in that the polymer is cross-linked. The biodegradable mono-disperse nanospheres described are suitable for use as carriers of biomolecules, therapeutic agents and/or imaging agents.

Growing community of inventors

Yellapur, India

Hemantkumar Naik