Description:
Reference #: 01391
The University of South Carolina is offering licensing opportunities for a simple method to attach pendant groups to polyvinyl alcohol
Background:
Currently, if you want to change the surface chemistry of the drug delivery particle you need to select a new emulsifier. In doing so, you may make unintended changes to the drug delivery system such as loading or release rate.
Invention Description:
This is a simple method to change the chemistry of a polymer widely used in paper making, textiles and a variety of coatings due to its excellent film forming, emulsifying and adhesive properties.
Potential Applications:
Polyvinyl alcohol has many applications. One example is its use as an emulsifier in the production of drug carriers, which leads to its deposition on the surface of the drug carrier. Our technique to functionalize polyvinyl alcohol with new pendant groups will allow for modification of the drug carrier's surface chemistry, enabling new drug delivery capabilities.
Advantages and Benefits:
Being able to tune polyvinyl alcohol's chemistry in a controlled manner, with a simple, mild chemical reaction, will allow for the same basic drug delivery particle to be functionalized for different purposes. For example: mucoadhesion, specific cell targeting, increased circulation time, etc.