Antiviral Properties of Silver Nanoparticles

Background Current bioconjugates seem to be very unstable in the resulting product, which is a problem in creating a well-rounded nanoparticle. There is currently a need for a better process to inhibit the transmission of the AIDS virus in humans. Current bioconjugate techniques create dense nanoparticles, which also makes them unstable. Current bioconjugate techniques also involve incubation of nanoparticles in the presence of biomolecules at a certain pH, which this technology does not need. Small and nanoparticles that will not aggregate are hard to achieve with current methods.

Invention Description This technology is a method for producing a class of nanomaterials consisting of noble-metal nanoparticles conjugated on protein molecules. This method is used in the application of antibacterial and antiviral. The nanoparticles are formed in a fine powder for easy storage purposes and to prevent nanoparticle coalescences. The method has been demonstrated in using the silver nanoparticles conjugated to proteins in inhibiting HIV-1 in vitro.

Benefits

Dimensional stability Ease of handling and storage of nanoparticles Stable interaction with external species Large surface-to-volume ratio Exhibit tunable changes in electronic structures Stable indefinitely in aqueous solutions Stable under ambient conditions

Features

Quantitative yield of attachment of nanoparticles to proteins Nanoparticles protected by strong bonds with the proteins Steric protection Particles given free surface area since not blocked by intermediate agents Nanoparticle size distribution is narrow and well-controlled Physiochemical properties determined by size

Market Potential/Applications This method has a great potential in the research industry to label cells and tissues by using fluorescently labeled nanoparticles. It also has a big potential usage in the antiviral or antibacterial applications.

Development Stage Proof of concept

IP Status Six foreign patent application filed

UT Researcher Miguel Jose Yacaman, Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin Jose Luis Elechiguerra, M.S., Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin Jose Ruben Morones, Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin Humberto H. Lara Villegas, Ph.D., Facultad de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidad autonoma de Nuevo Leon Alejandra C. Bragado, Ph.D., Texas Materials Institute, The University of Texas at Austin

Type of Offer: Licensing



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