Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants
University of Guelph
$152,210.00
Loading of native and modified phytoglycogen nanoparticles: fundamental studies to improve the solubilization, stabilization and delivery of bioactive molecules
EF 2018-19
Résumé
The use of molecules from nature in nanotechnology applications provides unique opportunities to achieve safety and sustainability. This is particularly promising when enhanced performance and efficacy is achieved, providing a competitive advantage over artificial or engineered nanomaterials. The proposed research investigates applications of one such promising natural nanotechnology: the natural, sustainable and safe PhytoSpherix (Phx) technology. The Phx particles, extracted and purified from sweet corn, are being commercialized by our partner company, Mirexus Biotechnologies Inc., an emerging Canadian company that is a world leader in personal care applications of Phx. We will investigate new, very promising applications in the solubilisation, stabilization and delivery of bioactive molecules such as flavours, colours and drugs for use in cosmetics, nutrition and biomedicine. The academic research team will use a wide range of experimental techniques, and their unique expertise in the study of biological soft materials and the interaction of bioactives with cells, to address the following questions: 1) Can the bioactive molecules penetrate the highly branched, dense Phx particles? 2) How strongly are the bioactive molecules bound to the Phx particles? 3) What are the best environmental conditions to enhance the loading or release of bioactive molecules? 4) Can modifications to the Phx particles be used to enhance their loading? 5) After bioactives are loaded into Phx particles, are they still biologically active? The answers to these fundamental questions, together with Mirexus' in-depth technical and market knowledge, should significantly accelerate the commercialization of new and improved nutraceutical and biomedical products based on the sustainable Phx technology. This will lead to significant benefits for Canada, ranging from the creation of jobs at Guelph-based Mirexus and other Canadian companies, to improved, natural and safe products for Canadian consumers and patients.*
Programme
Collaborative Research and Development Grants
Bénéficiaire
Emplacement
Ontario, Canada
Type de bénéficiaire
Academia
Type
Grant
Source
NSERC's Awards Data
Tel que publié
Application id
522017-2017
Name nom
Dutcher, John
Department département
Physics
Organization id
24
Institution établissement
University of Guelph
Province en
Ontario
Province fr
Ontario
Country en
CANADA
Country fr
CANADA
Fiscal year exercice financier
2018
Competition year année de concours
2017
Award amount
152210
Program id
CRDPJ
Program name en
Collaborative Research and Development Grants
Program name fr
Subventions de recherche et développement coopérative
Group en
Research partnerships programs
Group fr
Programmes de partenariat
Committee code
96
Committee name en
RPP Internal Decision Cttee
Committee name fr
Cté de décision interne - PPR
Area of application code
517
Area of application group en
Manufacturing processes and products
Area of application group fr
Procédés et produits industriels
Area of application en
Consumer goods
Area of application fr
Produits de consommation
Research subject code
2001
Research subject group en
Materials science and technology
Research subject group fr
Science et technologie des matériaux
Research subject en
Materials structure, properties and testing
Research subject fr
Structure, propriétés et essais des matériaux
Partie
1
Nb partie
1
Application title
Loading of native and modified phytoglycogen nanoparticles: fundamental studies to improve the solubilization, stabilization and delivery of bioactive molecules
Keyword
NSERC
Application summary
The use of molecules from nature in nanotechnology applications provides unique opportunities to achieve safety and sustainability. This is particularly promising when enhanced performance and efficacy is achieved, providing a competitive advantage over artificial or engineered nanomaterials. The proposed research investigates applications of one such promising natural nanotechnology: the natural, sustainable and safe PhytoSpherix (Phx) technology. The Phx particles, extracted and purified from sweet corn, are being commercialized by our partner company, Mirexus Biotechnologies Inc., an emerging Canadian company that is a world leader in personal care applications of Phx. We will investigate new, very promising applications in the solubilisation, stabilization and delivery of bioactive molecules such as flavours, colours and drugs for use in cosmetics, nutrition and biomedicine. The academic research team will use a wide range of experimental techniques, and their unique expertise in the study of biological soft materials and the interaction of bioactives with cells, to address the following questions: 1) Can the bioactive molecules penetrate the highly branched, dense Phx particles? 2) How strongly are the bioactive molecules bound to the Phx particles? 3) What are the best environmental conditions to enhance the loading or release of bioactive molecules? 4) Can modifications to the Phx particles be used to enhance their loading? 5) After bioactives are loaded into Phx particles, are they still biologically active? The answers to these fundamental questions, together with Mirexus' in-depth technical and market knowledge, should significantly accelerate the commercialization of new and improved nutraceutical and biomedical products based on the sustainable Phx technology. This will lead to significant benefits for Canada, ranging from the creation of jobs at Guelph-based Mirexus and other Canadian companies, to improved, natural and safe products for Canadian consumers and patients.*
