Lignin nanoparticle delivery system for oligonucleotides
Innovative lignin-derived nanoparticles designed to deliver oligonucleotides to human neuron cells, leveraging lignin's amphiphilic properties for enhanced membrane penetration and delivery efficiency.
Overview
This solution involves the development of novel lignin-derived nanoparticles intended for the delivery of oligonucleotides to human neuron cells. By harnessing the natural amphiphilic properties of lignin, which include both hydrophobic and hydrophilic functional groups, these nanoparticles are designed to efficiently encapsulate and transport oligonucleotides. Such properties are expected to facilitate the crossing of cellular membranes, making this method particularly promising for applications targeting the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which is notoriously challenging for drug delivery.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Utilizes lignin's amphiphilic nature, with aromatic rings and polar functional groups, to enhance encapsulation and delivery.
- Employs various types of lignin - guaiacyl, syringyl, and catechyl - to tailor the nanoparticle properties by varying hydroxyl and methoxyl group content.
- Size of nanoparticles can be controlled between 20-300 nm to optimize delivery efficiency.
- Uses solvent exchange method for encapsulation, enhancing permeability by increasing hydroxyl groups via demethylation.
- Tested delivery through the BBB using the hCMEC/D3 cell line, with siRNA fluorescently labeled for tracking.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 2, indicating that the concept has been formulated and initial experimental proof of concept is underway. Future validation plans include further in vitro testing to assess delivery efficacy and pharmacokinetics.
About University of Tennessee, Knoxville
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university—the flagship of the UT System—classified as R1 and serving more than 40,000 students. Industry engagement is anchored by the UT Research Park at Cherokee Farm, where corporate R&D and joint university–national lab facilities sit just across the river from campus, including assets such as the Volkswagen Innovation Hub and an AT&T 5G testbed. UT’s long‑standing partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory—via UT‑Battelle and the UT–Oak Ridge Innovation Institute—gives companies streamlined access to national lab capabilities, talent, and joint programs. A statewide Extension network and established co‑op programs connect companies to faculty expertise and student talent across Tennessee and into federal labs. Research is supported by competitive federal sponsors such as the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy. Commercialization is managed by the University of Tennessee Research Foundation, which handles IP, licensing, and startup formation.
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