Creating new types of nanoparticles for drug delivery
Official title: Expanding the design space of polyelectrolyte complex micelles
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-10941677 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new tiny particles that can safely deliver medicines, like genetic treatments, in the body, and it's aimed at improving how well these treatments work for people with different health conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $381,616 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM154984-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10941677 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients who require nucleic acid therapies, such as those with genetic disorders or certain cancers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not requiring nucleic acid therapies or those with conditions unrelated to the delivery systems being developed may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing polyelectrolyte complex micelles (PCMs), which are specialized nanoparticles designed to deliver therapeutic agents like nucleic acids. The team will systematically investigate how different polymer structures and properties affect the micelles' ability to carry and release their payloads in the body. Using advanced imaging techniques and computational analysis, they aim to establish clear design rules that can enhance the effectiveness of these delivery systems. This work could lead to more reliable and efficient treatments for various conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the delivery of nucleic acid-based therapies, making treatments more effective for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar nanoparticle delivery systems, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marras, Alexander Edison — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Marras, Alexander Edison
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.