Gold nanoparticle conjugate for targeted paclitaxel delivery
This technology involves chemically modifying paclitaxel — one of the most widely used cancer drugs — so that it can bond directly to gold nanoparticles through a sulfur linkage. The resulting nanoparticle-drug conjugate can circulate in the body and be directed toward tumors, delivering the chemotherapy agent more precisely to cancer cells. Gold nanoparticles are well-tolerated biologically and can also be guided by targeting molecules attached to their surface, potentially improving drug uptake in tumors while reducing side effects elsewhere in the body. The patent covers a specific family of chemically modified paclitaxel structures designed to make this gold-binding attachment reliable and stable.
What you could build
A targeted injectable cancer therapy in which paclitaxel-loaded gold nanoparticles home in on tumor sites, offering pharmaceutical companies or biotech firms a reformulated, potentially more tolerable version of an established blockbuster drug.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia-based biotech or pharmaceutical companies, as well as cancer research centers affiliated with UVA or VCU Health, would have natural interest in licensing or co-developing this nanoparticle drug delivery platform.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- David G. I. Kingston, Shugeng Cao, Jielu Zhao, Mathis Hodge, Giulio F. Paciotti, Marja S. Huhta
- Granted
- October 15, 2013
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 8558019
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.