Aqueous solubility enhancement for crop protection using amphiphilic polymers
Novel amphiphilic polymers enhance the solubility of lipophilic fungicides, potentially increasing bioavailability and efficacy. The solution involves formulating fungicides as dissolvable powders, allowing for convenient and effective field application.
Overview
Our technology leverages a novel class of amphiphilic polymers to significantly enhance the aqueous solubility of lipophilic fungicides, improving their bioavailability and activity. This is achieved by formulating the fungicides into dissolvable powders that can be easily integrated into tank mixes for field applications. This advancement holds potential for increased fungal uptake and efficacy, allowing for effective pest control with potentially reduced active ingredient usage.
Technical specifications
- Amphiphilic polymer-based solubility enhancement: Increases aqueous solubility of lipophilic compounds up to 100,000-fold.
- Formulation capabilities: Ability to co-formulate 4 to 5 poorly soluble compounds, ensuring unmatched solubility and convenience.
- Customization: Polymers can be tailored to match specific active ingredients for optimal performance.
- Characterization methods: Utilizes HPLC for loading determination, and DLS for particle size and zeta potential analysis.
- Formulation stability: Ensures micelle stability and efficacy through lyophilization and reconstitution processes.
Technology readiness level
Currently at TRL 2, this technology has been validated in initial laboratory settings with plans for further development through sponsor-supported lab and greenhouse testing.
About DelAQUA Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
DelAQUA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a Chapel Hill-based startup founded in 2018 that specializes in developing advanced drug delivery technologies. The company has created a proprietary platform utilizing polymeric micelles, specifically poly(2-oxazoline) (POx) micelle technology, designed to enhance the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of hydrophobic drugs. By reformulating existing marketed medications and stabilizing new chemical entities, DelAQUA aims to improve the safety and efficacy of therapeutic agents, potentially reducing side effects and allowing for smaller injection volumes. Their approach addresses a significant challenge in the pharmaceutical industry, where a large proportion of drug candidates are poorly soluble and face difficulty reaching the market due to bioavailability issues.
This technology is intended to support the development of therapies for a wide range of indications, including cancer, cardiovascular conditions, infectious diseases, and neurological disorders. By offering a robust, PEG-free solubilization platform, DelAQUA provides a solution that seeks to outperform traditional drug carriers, which often require high amounts of inactive excipients that can add cost and potential toxicity. The company actively engages with pharmaceutical partners and academic institutions to evaluate and co-develop novel formulations. DelAQUA has received federal support through a National Science Foundation Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant, as well as state-level matching grants, to further the research and clinical development of their injectable and oral drug delivery platforms.
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