LigoCyte has developed a synthetically engirneered virus-sized particle,
consisting of a polymerized liposome on which antigens can be presented and
oriented and used for adhesion, targeting and to provoke an immune response.
A schematic reapresentation of this nanotechnology is available at
http://ligocyte.com/nanoX.html
The nanoparticle assemblies are superior to other platforms for several
reasons: 1) the spherical assemblies are easy to synthesize and very stable;
2) the structures are fairly rigid, not suffering from folding uncertainties
associated with soluble linear or branched chain polymers; 3) unlike
conventional bilayer liposomes, they are inert with regard to random fusion
with themselves or other membranes; 4) the surface character, in terms of
charge and molecular makeup, is easily varied because the polymer backbone
tolerates nearly any appended molecule in a wide range of ratios.
LigoCyte is aggressively developing the nanoparticle delivery platform for use
in the areas of anti-inflammatories and anti-infectives. Inhibition of
lymphocyte binding has already been demonstrated with remarkable avidity. Work
is in progress to assemble new ligands designed to inhibit adhesion of
pathogens to cells and to bind to pathogen-derived toxins for anti-viral,
anti-bacterial or anti-fungal applications. The LigoCyte nanoparticles are
even capable of functioning as macromolecule assemblies of antigens for
effective vaccine development, allowing the inclusion of targeting molecules
(like LigoCyte's M cell targeting protein) into the array of surface ligands.
τΏτ
Stay hungry,
--J. R.
Useless hypotheses:
consciousness, phlogiston, philosophy, vitalism, mind, free will, qualia,
analog computing, cultural relativism
"Man is an abstraction. Human abstractions are based on the past, on behavior,
not on operant considerations of what is happening. Considerations of the
present? Patterns. Transaction. Activity. Doing. Considerations of the past?
Behavior. Environment. Man."
--John Brockman
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