University of California

Jie Li

Yunfeng Lu

Yang Liu

Jing Wen

Juanjuan Du

Jie Ren

The invention relates to protein nanocapsules that exhibit material properties that change in different in vivo environments. A zwitterion moiety on the surface of the nanocapsule can protect the protein from opsonization in a first environment, yet uncouples from the protein nanocapsule in a second environment (e.g. at a pH of less than 6.5). In embodiments of the invention, the uncoupled protein nanocarrier is then internalized by mammalian cells (e.g. tumor cells).

Protein nanocapsules with detachable zwitterionic coating for protein delivery

Methods for modifying therapeutic agents such as therapeutic biomolecules, such as proteins for improved oral, rectal or transmucosal delivery, as well as compositions made using such methods and methods of administering such compositions to a subject, are disclosed. Specifically, the therapeutic agents are conjugated to hyperbranched polymers (HBPs), such as hyperbranched polyglycerol (HPG). When such conjugates are administered orally to a subject, the HBP protects the therapeutic agent from the acid environment of the stomach and protease attack in the gastro-intestinal tract, while facilitating the absorption of the therapeutic agent in the higher pH environment of the intestines. The methods and compositions are useful for the improved administration of a variety of therapeutic agents to a subject.

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Jie Li