| May 16, 2014 |
Self-assembling peptides for bone regeneration and drug delivery
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(Nanowerk News) 3-D Matrix Asia Pte. Ltd., a subsidiary company of 3-D Matrix, Ltd. (3-D Matrix), has signed a global license for the self-assembling ultrashort peptide technology from the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) to develop new medical products for orthopedic surgery.
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Professor Jackie Y. Ying, Executive Director of IBN said, “We are excited that 3-D Matrix will be using our peptide-based technology to develop innovative therapy for orthopedics. We hope that this will improve the treatment of degenerative disc disease, a major cause of disability for the elderly.”
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Mr Kazuharu Tsuboi, Managing Director of 3-D Matrix Asia Pte. Ltd. shared, “We are delighted to conclude this global license agreement with the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology. We expect that their self-assembling ultrashort peptide technology will reinforce our intellectual property portfolio, and allow for further commercial development opportunities in the areas of regenerative medicine and drug delivery systems in orthopedic surgery.”
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IBN’s proprietary peptides are ultrashort sequences of naturally occurring amino acids, of only 3 to 7 amino acids in length. The peptide molecules are composed of a hydrophobic tail (repelled by water) and a hydrophilic head (attracted to water), which will self-assemble into hydrogels in water. The fibrous structure of the gel resembles the extracellular matrix and collagen, which provides the mechanical and structural support for cells. Importantly, they demonstrate high mechanical stiffness and thermal stability.
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Biocompatible, biodegradable and non-immunogenic, these hydrogels are suitable for various biomedical applications, such as for bone regeneration, and for the sustained release of drugs, where they serve as scaffolds and carriers. Moreover, their short length substantially lowers the cost of synthesis.
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This peptide technology was invented by Dr Charlotte Hauser, IBN Team Leader and Principal Research Scientist. Her team has also investigated the use of these ultrashort peptides for wound healing, anti-cancer drug delivery and the treatment of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and diabetes, with promising results.
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