Project description
Protein-based drug encapsulation technology
Encapsulation techniques are widespread in the pharmaceutical sector to mask the unpleasant taste of drugs and protect the function, extend the shelf life and facilitate the delivery of various active ingredients. The biocompatibility and low toxicity of proteins make them very promising building blocks for microcapsules. Importantly, proteins can self-assemble into unique structures under mild conditions. The EU-funded ProtCap project will build on previous work on protein-based microcapsules. Demonstrating the capacity of these microcapsules to carry sensitive, high-value cargo is expected to expand applications and pave the way towards the commercialisation of the ProtCap technology.
Objective
In the ProtCap project, we will translate basic technology, developed in the context of the ERC project PhysProt, towards
commercial applications. The technological focus will be on microscapsules assembled through microfluidic techniques
from natural proteins. Encapsulation increasingly underlies the storage and formulation of active components and is a
growing market which impacts areas from cosmetics to personal health-care. In this context, synthetic polymers are the
standard material for forming the shells of microcapsules and other encapsulation platforms. We propose an orthogonal
approach through the use of fully natural building blocks, proteins. Proteins are the fundamental building blocks of life,
underpinning the formation of sophisticated materials and structures in nature through self-assembly. We have been able to
demonstrate the ability to form robust capsules from a range of proteins of both plant and animal origin. This technique
allows for improvements over existing commercially available approaches in terms of biocompatible and biodegradable
products, and ability to undertake all processing steps under mild conditions in aqueous solution for processing sensitive
cargo species. In the present project, we will establish the viability of the protein capsule technology in particular sectors
and generate connections with key industrial players based on initial contacts established so far. A key component of this
approach is the proposed work to demonstrate the encapsulation of technologically important high value cargo materials, a
translational step which will allow us to move towards forging partnerships, and explore licensing of IP to existing industrial
partners in the context of this project, or through providing the basis for setting up a dedicated entity to take forwards the
commercialisation of this technology.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
ERC-POC - Proof of Concept GrantHost institution
CB2 1TN Cambridge
United Kingdom