Inverted micelles: a novel method of theranostic agent encapsulation for enhanced nano-delivery

This thesis outlines an innovative solution for packaging an expansive set of theranostic agents for high-throughput intracellular delivery, which offers numerous advantages over liposomes and other contemporary encapsulation modalities. This encapsulation method works by using a simple 2-step phase-transfer chemistry. The first step consists of enveloping the agents within an inverted micelle capsule, and in the second step, they are repackaged with an outer lipid-based shell to produce a structure termed the NanoCapsule (NCAP). Our encapsulation procedure is adaptable and robust, with modifiable size, chemistry, and surface properties and it is compatible with agents such as ions, small molecules, and ~10 nm nanoparticles. This method greatly simplifies hydrophobic encapsulation and surface modification, which is otherwise a costly and technically challenging procedure that relies on anaerobic reactions in an organic medium. Our encapsulation procedure can also be scaled with high-throughput efficacy. Furthermore, the inverted micelles and NCAP coating consist of materials that have been shown to provide excellent biocompatibility. With this methodology, agents are encapsulated without a significant amount of aqueous solvent in the lumen of the nanoparticle, thus, delivering a more concentrated and stable payload to the tumor site without the leaky tendencies of liposomal encapsulation. Within this thesis, we show how the NCAP architecture retains long-term stability and quantifiably enhances payload delivery intracellularly through in vitro and in vivo investigations. Furthermore, the highly customizable nature of our encapsulation methodology is especially desirable for theranostic applications in personalized medicine. Therefore, our strategy could become a widely-used methodology for encapsulating and delivering personalized theranostics, customized to match precise therapeutic needs.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Bioengineering

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2018

Author dc:creator

• Daza, Enrique Alejandro

Contributors dc:contributor

• Pan, Dipanjan
• Irudayaraj, Joseph
• Dobrucki, Wawrzyniec
• Underhill, Gregory H.

• Nanomedicine
• Nanoparticles
• Inverted Micelles
• Theranostics
• Drug Delivery
• Nano-Delivery

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2018 Enrique A Daza

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/101363

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/101363