Northeastern University

Volkmar Weissig

Mansoor M Amiji

Vladimir P Torchilin

Robert N Hanson

A method of preparing multifunctionalized nanoparticles involves using a modular system of half-linkers to attach functional moieties that serve to deliver the nanoparticles to a desired target, exert an effect at the target, or track the nanoparticles within a cell or an animal. The modular chemistry of the half-linker system permits the custom design and synthesis of functionalized nanoparticles bearing multiple groups and therefore results in precise delivery to desired cell types and intracellular locations. The functionalized nanoparticles can be used to treat or diagnose a variety of medical conditions, including neoplastic diseases, infectious diseases, and chronic diseases.

Precision-guided nanoparticle systems for drug delivery

The invention provides composition and methods for delivering a composition according to the invention comprising a wild-type (wt) mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) molecule to a mammalian cell. The wt-mtDNA molecule is a functional mtDNA molecule that includes the entire mitochondrial genome. The wt-mtDNA molecule in the composition of the invention has a mitochondrial leader sequence (MLS) peptide attached to facilitate the uptake of the mtDNA molecule into a mitochondrion of the mammalian cell. The delivery of the wt-mtDNA/MLS peptide complex is used as a general replenishment therapy for conditions attributed to mtDNA defects, independent of the specific defect in the mtDNA.

Growing community of inventors

Peoria, AZ, United States of America

Volkmar Weissig