Nanoparticles to Sequester and Facilitate In Vivo Excretion of Lipophilic Molecules

ABSTRACT: Mycotoxins are lipophilic agents derived from fungus that pose a significant public health problem around the world. The effects of mycotoxins include loss of human and animal life, increased healthcare and veterinary costs, reduced livestock production, and disposal of contaminated foods and feeds. Mycotoxins, such as aflatoxin and T-2 mycotoxins, have been reported to be weaponized as terrorism agents, suggesting the possibility of future deployment against military personnel is a real and present danger. Unfortunately, no effective treatment for mycotoxin exposure in either the acute or chronic setting currently exists. As a result, the United States Air Force has identified the need to fabricate a nanoparticle therapeutic that can sequester and then facilitate the excretion of mycotoxins. To address this need, ADA Technologies Inc. (ADA; Littleton, CO) and Professor Kenneth W. Hunter (University of Nevada at Reno) propose the development of nanoparticles with surface-bound biomolecules for the intravenous binding of lipophilic molecules, sequestration, and excretion from the human body BENEFIT: The proposed program will result in a nanoparticle therapeutic with the demonstrated ability of tightly binding and sequestering lipophilic molecules in solution. The result of the proposed program is anticipated to be the first commercial therapeutic for exposure to fungal toxins. Additional commercial applications may include diagnostics, sensors, and tools for the identification of various harmful molds.