SBIR Phase II: Mechanically Controlled Therapeutics Delivery Platform

The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is to develop a force-stimulated delivery platform. This platform utilizes mechano-activated microcapsules combined with the natural mechanical forces of the joint for the controlled and directed delivery of therapeutics. The technology is compatible with a wide variety of compounds and offers a novel way to overcome limitations such as chemical stability or pharmacokinetic parameters. This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project will establish mechano-activated microcapsules as a platform technology with broad potential to address multiple indications through targeted interarticular therapeutics delivery and sustained release. Bioavailability within the joint tends to be poor, and many musculoskeletal conditions could benefit from effective local delivery treatment mechanisms that increase drug bioavailability and reduce systemic toxicity. This project will include the development of a scalable manufacturing process for that retains microcapsule quality and reproducibility, then fabricate and evaluate the release kinetics. This will provide foundational data and customized solutions to potential pharmaceutical/biotech partners. A toxicology study will then be performed to confirm the safety and localization profile of the microcapsules, rendering additional key data for discussions with potential development partners. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.