POLYMER CONJUGATED PROTEIN MICELLES

摘要

The invention encompasses micelle assemblies, compositions having micelle assemblies, and methods for preparing micelle assemblies and compositions thereof. The invention also encompasses a prolamine protein conjugated to a polymer, such as a polyethylene glycol (PEG) chain, which conjugates can be used to prepare micelle assemblies. The invention further encompasses methods of encapsulating molecules using the conjugates of the invention. The micelle assemblies can be used for a variety of applications, such as treating cancer, targeting tumors, reducing the toxicity of a drug in vivo, increasing the efficacy of an encapsulated agent in vivo, protecting an encapsulated agent against degradation, and enhancing the water solubility of a drug or other agent.

主权项

1. A stable micelle comprising: (i) an amphiphilic copolymer containing zein covalently conjugated to PEG and (ii) one or more cargo molecules, wherein the one or more cargo molecules are selected from the group consisting of a buffer, a hydrophobic agent, a therapeutic agent, an antioxidant, an anti-inflammatory drug, an anticancer drug, a cosmetic, a pharmaceutical, a nutraceutical, a pesticide, an insecticide, an herbicide, an antiseptic, a diagnostic agent, a food additive, a fragrance, a dye, and a textile.