Nanoparticle-peptide for enhanced nutrient absorption and diarrhea treatment
A novel nanoparticle-peptide stimulates Na absorption, enhancing nutrient uptake and treating diarrhea. It targets Na/H exchanger NHE3, functioning throughout the GI tract and maintaining stability across pH levels. Currently validated at TRL 4.
Overview
This innovative nanoparticle-peptide technology is designed to stimulate sodium (Na) absorption across the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, enhancing nutrient uptake and addressing diarrhea. Based on the Na/H exchanger NHE3, this peptide has demonstrated its ability to increase Na absorption in various intestinal cell types, halt fluid secretion in diarrheal models, and remain stable across different pH levels. The technology holds promise for optimizing nutrient-related fluid absorption, making it highly relevant for oral rehydration solutions (ORS) and combating malabsorption.
Technical specifications
- Key features:
- Targets and stimulates the Na/H exchanger NHE3, crucial for Na absorption in the intestines.
- Effective across all segments of the GI tract, including the human proximal colon.
- Demonstrates pH stability and operates with a dissociation constant (Kd) of 150 nM.
- Proven to halt fluid secretion in models of diarrheal diseases such as cholera toxin, E. coli toxin, SARS-CoV-2, and inflammation-induced diarrhea.
- Potential to enhance Na-linked nutrient absorption, which may maximize fluid absorption.
Technology readiness level
This technology is at Technology Readiness Level 4, indicating that it has been validated in a laboratory setting. Future studies will focus on various GI tract segments and different diarrheal models, further assessing nutrient and water absorption improvements.
About Johns Hopkins Medicine
Johns Hopkins Medicine is an integrated academic medical center that unites the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine with a multi-hospital health system, headquartered in Baltimore and serving the Mid-Atlantic. Co-located clinical and research facilities support bench-to-bedside collaboration, powered by enterprise EHR data, biobanking, and shared core labs. A coordinated trials network spans tertiary and community hospitals, and a nearby research and technology park offers wet-lab space for industry partners in the Baltimore–Washington corridor. Research is sustained by strong NIH support alongside other U.S. federal agencies such as NSF and the Department of Defense. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, corporate alliances, and startup incubation.
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