Artificial virus-like nanocarriers for enhanced oral delivery of vitamins and minerals
Explore advanced artificial virus-like nanocarriers (AVNs) designed to enhance oral delivery of vitamins and minerals. This technology mimics mucosal uptake through engineered nanoparticles, offering improved absorption and potential applications in gastrointestinal drug delivery.
Overview
This innovative solution leverages artificial virus-like nanocarriers (AVNs) to optimize the oral delivery of vitamins and minerals. These AVNs are engineered to mimic natural mucosal uptake mechanisms, enhancing the transport and absorption of nutrients across the gut epithelium. By providing a more efficient delivery system, this technology has the potential to improve the effectiveness of dietary supplements and can be adapted for broader applications in gastrointestinal therapeutics.
Technical specifications
- MVP Platform: Integrates M cells, artificial virus components, and proteins to replicate the gut's absorption and transport mechanisms.
- Nanoparticles: Utilizes gold/silicon nanocages, liposomes, and PLGA polymeric nanoparticles functionalized with mammalian orthoreovirus cell attachment proteins.
- Targeting Mechanism: AVNs target M cells and gut epithelia, enhancing the delivery of vitamins and minerals by mimicking mucosal antigens.
- Validation Tasks: Engineering NPs for M-cell targeting, enhancing gut mucosa transport, and analyzing whole-body biodistribution in mice models.
Technology readiness level
This technology is at TRL 8, indicating that it has been tested in a relevant environment and is nearing commercialization readiness. Further validation tasks include in vitro and in vivo testing to optimize delivery and absorption.
About Iowa State University
Iowa State University is a large, comprehensive public land‑grant research university based in Ames, known for combining fundamental discovery with translational, industry‑relevant work. Companies collaborate through a research and technology park that co‑locates corporate R&D with faculty labs and startups, creating steady talent pipelines. Pilot‑scale facilities, field test sites, and a statewide extension network support prototyping, validation, and deployment with partners across the region. Research is supported by competitive federal funding, including awards from NSF, USDA, and DOE. A dedicated technology transfer office and affiliated research foundation streamline IP, licensing, and startup formation, with incubator space on site.
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