Patent Watch

Title

Patent Watch

Publish Date

This article summarizes selected patents in the area of controlled release or delivery that were issued from August 31, 2021 through December 7, 2021. Greater detail on each of these patents is given on the U.S. patent website https://patft.uspto.gov.

Industrial Applications

US-11193368- Nanotracer for oil recovery comprising an occluded polynucleotide and method of preparation thereof 
Fluorescent nanotracers containing polynucleotides for oil recovery/tracing. The tracer comprises a core-shell nanoparticle with a fluorescent core comprised of a target polynucleotide and a functionalized polymeric shell that provides increased stability in high salinity aqueous phases.

US-11193191- Thermal shock synthesis of multi-element nanoparticles
A formation of nanoparticles comprised of at least three elements. These multi element nanoparticles (MENPs) are a potential platform technology with applications in areas such as catalysis, energy storage, bio/plasmonic imaging etc.

US-11180712- Polymeric-inorganic nanoparticle compositions, manufacturing process thereof and their use as lubricant additives
Polymeric-inorganic nanoparticle compositions and their preparation for use as additives in lubricants to improve performance regarding anti-friction performance on metal parts.

US-11180692- Using brine resistant silicon dioxide nanoparticle dispersions to improve oil recovery
Describes a strategy of using brine-resistant silicon dioxide nanoparticles in the stimulation of several Wolfcamp and Bone Springs targeted wells in the northern Delaware Basin undergoing fracturing treatments. Also includes a method to extend an oil and gas system ESRV to other more conventional oil well treatment fluids.  

US-11162341- Upconverting nanoparticles as tracers for production and well monitoring
A method of fracturing multiple productive zones of a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore using a fracturing fluid that contains upconverting nanoparticles for detection to identify a zone that produces the recovered fluid or to monitor an amount of water or oil in the fluid produced from a fracturing activity.

US-11124700- Use of micro-particle amorphous silicate in well stimulation
A treatment additive for hydraulic fracturing made of heated silica to create amorphous silicate. Amorphous solids may offer numerous advantages such as lower amounts of respirable crystalline silica, better ability to hold microfractures open, stimulate backpressure and prevent “leakoff” resulting in increased productivity/efficiency of the fracturing process in oil production.

Agriculture

US-11130679- Biodegradable hollow nanoparticles and methods and apparatus for manufacturing the same
A method for producing a hollow mesoporous nanoparticle using a plurality of silica core particles around which a mesoporous silica shell is formed. At that point, the inner silica core is removed by etching with aqueous sodium carbonate resulting in hollow mesoporous spheres. These biodegradable hydrophobic particles can then absorb payloads with agricultural applications such as delivery of micronutrients, fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides.

Diagnostic/Sensing

US-11179474- Nanoparticle-based liver-targeting therapy and imaging
Description of a nanoparticle delivery system with a metal/semiconductor core functionalized with ligands. At least one of these is a liver-specific targeting ligand. The production of these nanoparticles is described along with applications for liver treatments and imaging.

US-11175286- Immunolipoplex nanoparticle biochip containing molecular probes for capture and characterization of extracellular vesicles
Description of a method of fabricating an antibody-lipoplex nanoparticle (Ab-ILN) biochip and antibody tethered lipoplex nanoparticle (Ab-TLN) biochip. These systems can be used in detecting the presence of a disease or condition using a fluid sample from a subject.

US-11172896- Drug concentration determination after transarterial chemoembolization with different sized drug-eluting microsphere beads
A description of a system and method for transarterial chemoembolization using differently sized microspheres. These spheres can contain an active payload and the amount of delivered drug can be determined using an imaging system.

US-11135317- Nanoparticle probes and methods of making and use thereof
Description of a nanoparticle probe comprised of one or more slip bonds that bind to a cell surface structure.  In some cases, a selective interaction can occur based on a maximum glycocalyx thickness.

Pharma

US-11191846- Methods of treatment utilizing biocompatible nanoparticles and therapeutic agents
Description of an albumin-based nanoparticle as a therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic system. The albumin particle is administered after a pharmaceutical compound (usually an antibody) to enhance the therapeutic benefit and reduce the toxicity induced by the pharmaceutical compound alone.

US-11191821- Peptide vaccine formulations and use thereof for inducing an immune response
A novel platform for delivering a peptide antigen and induce an immune response. Nanoparticle polyplexes linked to a peptide conjugate, and optionally an adjuvant, are administered to a subject to induce an immune response to the peptide antigen.

US-11191745- Silica nanoparticle with an insoluble drug
A description of nanoparticle compositions (e.g., silica nanoparticles) including insoluble drug nanocrystals and methods of using the same for treating cancer is presented.

US-11191732- Glutaminase inhibitor discovery and nanoparticle-enhanced delivery for cancer therapy
Nanoparticle formulations containing poorly soluble, unstable glutaminase inhibitors are described. The resulting particles can be delivered safely and effectively for treatment of pancreatic cancer and other glutamine addicted cancers.

US-11191727- Multivalent nanoparticle-based vaccines
Nanoparticle-based vaccines against a broad range of infectious agents, such as influenza viruses are described. The nanoparticles are made up of fusion proteins containing a self-assembly protein and the antigen resulting in assembly of the fusion molecules to form nanoparticle-sized complexes displaying the heterogeneous mixtures of antigens included.

US-11185512- Gold nano-delivery system for pain and cancer therapy
Description of a cannabinoid-based gold nanoparticle drug delivery system for intravenous or localized administration of cannabinoid drugs.

US-11179344- Nanoparticle-based liver-targeting therapy
A nanoparticle formulation made up of a metallic core particle covalently bound to liver-specific targeting ligands, poly ethylene glycol, and a bioactive agent payload.

US-11173152- Glutathione-coated nanoparticles for delivery of MKT-077 across the blood-brain barrier
MKT is encapsulated by PEG and PLGA to form nanoparticles that are then coated with glutathione to facilitate transport across the BBB. As an example, these particles were shown to permeate the BBB and have potential use as delivery systems for  patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease and related tauopathies.

US-11168051- Lipids and lipid nanoparticle formulations for delivery of nucleic acids
A method for the use of lipid nanoparticle formulations for delivery of a therapeutic agent such as a nucleic acid.

US-11160870- Extended release microparticles and suspensions thereof for medical therapy
Description of a microparticle or lyophilized or otherwise reconstitutable microparticle composition thereof for medical therapy, including ocular therapy.

US-11155830- Preparation and use of nanoparticle-doped RNA hydrogel targeting to triple negative breast cancer
The invention described makes use of the aggregation of RNA molecules (a gel) used to stabilize and form a colloid of cationic (MnO2@Ce6) particles for treatment of breast cancer cells. The platform technology can be used to transport additional synergistic treatments, release actives in a controlled manner, while maintaining good biocompatibility.

US-11155664- Polymeric nanoparticles useful in theranostics
Synthesis and characterization of starch-based pH-responsive nanoparticles for controlled drug delivery are described. Polymethacrylic acid grafted starch (PMAA-g-St) nanoparticles were synthesized by a new one-pot method that enabled simultaneous grafting of PMAA and nanoparticle formation in an aqueous medium. Particle size and volume phase transition can be varied as needed within the process.

US-11154514- Quinic acid-modified nanoparticles and uses thereof
This invention discloses a method for preparing quinic acid-modified nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery to cancerous cells or tissues via E-selectin- or P-selectin-mediated transcytosis.

US-11141491- pH-sensitive lipid nanoparticles for encapsulation of anticancer drugs and microRNA and use thereof
A pH-sensitive lipid nanoparticle, with a coating linked to a peptide (RF, K or an H peptide), wherein the RF peptide is a potent cell penetrating peptide, the K peptide is a mitochondria-targeting peptide and the H peptide is a cancer specific binding peptide.

US-11135309- Poly(vinyl alcohol) nanocarriers
A nanoparticle made up of a poly(vinyl alcohol) molecule between 10kDa and 200kDa, substituted with one or more moieties selected from: a therapeutic agent having a boronic acid moiety, a crosslinking group having a disulfide moiety, and a porphyrin. Use of the nanoparticles for tumor detection and the treatment of diseases, including methods for photodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy, are described.

US-11135176- Formulations of topical ibuprofen SLN gel using HME technique
A continuous process for preparing a solid lipid nanoparticle of ibuprofen utilizing hot melt extrusion.

US-11135174- Coated mesoporous nanoparticles
A method for generating mesoporous nanoparticles that can then be loaded with molecular payloads for controlled release of the payload.  

US-11129875- Osteoarthritis treatment with chemokine-loaded alginate microparticles
Description of a formulation made up of alginate microparticles loaded with chemokines that induce the migration of multipotent stem cells to the anatomical site of the microparticles is described. By incorporating liposomes with target ligands, the particles can be delivered systemically and targeted to areas subjected to autoimmune disease symptomology.

US-11123441- Methods and compositions for drug delivery
This patent describes a red blood cell coupled to a nanoparticle. The system can be used for targeted drug delivery. The delivery platform can be used for ex vivo and in vivo treatment of disease or even imaging.

US-11123415- Nanoparticle compositions for Salmonella vaccines
The present disclosure relates to nanoparticle compositions for use as vaccines against Salmonella sp.

US-11123301- Ceria nanocomposite comprising ceria nanoparticle for treating subarachnoid hemorrhage, method for preparing same, and pharmaceutical composition
A ceria (Cerium oxide) nanocomposite including a ceria nanoparticle for treating subarachnoid hemorrhage, is described. The nanoparticles employ a surface modified layer containing a polyethylene glycol residue.

US-11116867- Resorbable embolization spheres
Embolic materials, suspensions, kits and related methods useful for embolization are disclosed. An embolic material can comprise a resorbable microsphere including crosslinked gelatin. The degradation rate of the particles can be tuned by changing the crosslinking density and the crosslinker itself.

US-11116796- Nanoparticle formulations
This present disclosure relates to methods and compositions comprising biologically active nanoparticle formulations of MYC protein.

US-11116794- Modified metal nanoparticle comprising cyclic polyether and pharmaceutical composition
A modified metal nanoparticle comprising a metal nanoparticle and a cyclic polyether modifying the metal nanoparticle.

US-11116729- Drug delivery systems containing oxidized cholesterols
Description of a nanoparticle composition that includes an ionizable lipid, a phospholipid, a PEG-lipid, and a cholesterol modified with a hydroxyl group near the D-sterol ring. These formulations can target liver Kupffer cells and endothelial cells more preferentially than hepatocytes.

US-11112145- Artificial platelets for treating catastrophic bleeding
Artificial dense granules composed of a sterically stabilized liposome shell encapsulating a polyphosphate nanoparticle core are provided as are methods for their production and use in the treatment of a severe hemorrhagic event.

US-11110183- Method of delivering genes and drugs to a posterior segment of an eye
Description of a multifunctional dendrimer nanoparticle for ocular delivery is given. The functionalized polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer effectively delivers drugs and/or genes to the posterior eye. The nanoparticle has shRNA-encoding DNA and small molecule drug immobilized in cyclodextrin complexed to the outer surface of the dendrimer.

US-11110094- Risperidone sustained release microsphere composition
A risperidone sustained release microsphere made of different PLGA polymers is described.

US-11110061- Microspherical sustained-release injection containing escitalopram and method for preparing same
This invention seeks to address the inherent issues of encapsulating escitalopram (namely low encapsulation efficiency, fracture due to low strength, and initial burst release due to phase separation of the liquid drug and polymer within the microspheres). It accomplishes this by adding a hydrophobic solidifying agent to trap the active within the polymer and alleviate the issues encountered during formulation.

US-11103459- Method of drug formulation based on increasing the affinity of active agents for crystalline microparticle surfaces
Methods are provided for promoting the adsorption of an active agent to microparticles by modifying the structural properties of the active agent in order to facilitate favorable association to the microparticle.

Bio

US-11167045- Dually derivatized chitosan nanoparticles and methods of making and using the same for gene transfer in vivo
A chitosan-derivative nanoparticle comprising chitosan functionalized with a cationic amino acid and a hydrophilic polyol for gene delivery in vivo.

US-11161958- Macroporous chitosan-polyacrylamide hydrogel microspheres and preparation thereof
Description of a macroporous polymeric hydrogel microsphere that contains polyacrylamide and chitosan. The hydrogel microsphere can be conjugated to biomolecules for delivery. A method of fabricating the microsphere based on a micromolding technique utilizing surface tension-induced droplet formation followed by photo-induced polymerization is also given here.

US-11156608- Method for the site-specific covalent cross-linking of antibodies to surfaces
A description of conjugation of an antibody or drug to a nanoparticle and their application in imaging, diagnosing and treating disease.

US-11149060- Functionalized nanoparticles for enhanced affinity precipitation of proteins
Description of a nanoparticle formulation that can selectively and reversibly precipitate a target protein from solution for purification/capturing applications.

US-11123440- Compositions and methods for making antibody conjugates
The invention relates to antibody conjugates (e.g., a bispecific antibody), drug and nanoparticle formulations and their use in imaging, diagnosing or treating disease.

US-11103923- Compositions of nanoparticles with radial gradients and methods of use thereof
A nanoparticle with tunable radial gradients of compositions extending from its center thus adding a higher level of control over diffusion and the oxidation of the interface of the metallic nanoparticles. The gradients can be purposely varied to allow for specific applications in fields ranging from corrosion, magnetics, information technology, imaging, electromagnetic absorption, coating technologies, and immuno-precipitation.

Consumer Products/ Cosmetics

US-11185480- Buffered microencapsulated compositions and methods
A microcapsule composition of a polymer used as a semipermeable shell around an aqueous buffered solution and at least one active compound within. Applications mentioned surrounded commercial products used in remineralization of teeth and teeth whitening. Further applications of the same encapsulation platform are described in US-11185479 relating to topical/epithelial delivery, and US-11185478 relating to bone regrowth.

US-11179302- Core-composite shell microcapsules
Description of a coacervation method used to encapsulate and deliver hydrophobic active ingredients such as fragrance components of perfume oils. The method also results in an inner shell formed by interfacial polymerization.

US-11173127- Potato protein nanoparticles
This invention utilizes potato proteins to encapsulate an active ingredient supplemented in foods and clear beverages.

US-11166889- Compositions comprising pH-sensitive microcapsules
Description of pH-sensitive microcapsules with a wall made up of cellulose and acrylate derivatives around a core with active in some structuring agent such as shellac, ethyl cellulose or fumed silica along with a carrier with a slightly acidic pH.

US-11160761- Silica microcapsules and methods of preparing same
Description of a fabrication and uses of a microcapsule containing: (i) a microcapsule core having an active material, and (ii) a microcapsule wall formed with two polymers. The first polymer is a sol-gel polymer. The second polymer is gum arabic, purity gum ultra, gelatin, chitosan, xanthan gum, plant gum, carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl guar gum, or a combination thereof.

US-11148113- Microencapsulation utilizing an unsaturated alkyl carboxylic acid and/or an unsaturated alkyl ester
Description of emulsion-based microencapsulation technique utilizing one or more unsaturated alkyl carboxylic acids(drying oil or drying oil components) and/or one or more unsaturated alkyl esters (specifically glycerol ester of a fatty acid) which are capable of oxidation and microcapsule formation.

US-11135561- Microcapsules having a mineral layer
A mineralized microcapsule slurry having: a) an oil-based core including a hydrophobic active ingredient; b) a polymeric shell having a terminating charged functional surface; and c) a mineral layer on the terminating charged functional surface for use in perfuming compositions and consumer products in the area of home care or personal care products.

US-11135175- Active component encapsulated, protected and stabilized within a protein shell
Application of a microcapsule less than 100 microns in diameter with a polymerized hydrolyzed protein shell encapsulating creatine as an oral supplement.

US-11129778- Compositions containing microcapsules coated with deposition proteins
A microcapsule composition developed for use in consumer products.

US-11129776- Compositions for cosmetic raw material and methods for making the same
Description of a composition for cosmetic raw material containing microcapsules containing actives as well as reflective particles. 

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