Chemical Modifications of Substrates Using Zwitterionic-Functionalized Dendrimers

BACKGROUND:

The need for improved biomaterials is a continuous challenge in the clinical field.  Extended physiological circulation times, reduced immune responses, and lowered cytotoxicity are a few parameters crucial for therapeutic and diagnostic biomaterials.  This technology offers processes for advanced, tunable biomaterials development.

TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW:

This University at Buffalo technology introduces direct custom polymer syntheses through surface modification capabilities for infinite materials development possibilities.  Zwitterionic dendrimer-based syntheses uses regioselective reactivity to control chemical reactions, leading to highly reproducible products with selective chemical characteristics and stable substrate modifications.  Among the innovative materials demonstrated are biomaterials with significantly elongated systemic circulation times, forming a biomedical platform for therapeutic properties, anti-biofouling performance, and medical device optimization for clinical use.

ADVANTAGES:

• Chemical reaction control for tunable molecular syntheses with stable products
• Increased aqueous solubility or dispersibility
• Promoted surface or peripheral hydrophilicity
• Enhanced anti-biofouling performance
• Reduced cytotoxicity and in vivo toxicity
• Decreased cellular uptake
• Prolonged systemic circulation
• Reduced non-specific accumulation in tissues and organs
• Reduced immune response
• Production yields with defined modified structures, highly reproducible batch performance, and monodisperse final products

APPLICATIONS:

• Therapeutic protein modifications
• Modified small molecules
• Drug delivery systems with increased systemic circulation times
• Customizable gene products or gene delivery systems
• Therapeutic imaging reagents and delivery systems
• Vaccine development with modified immunogens
• Medical device augmentation for reduced antigenicity and biofouling
• Surface modification for anti-bacterial properties

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SUMMARY:

US Provisional Patent Application 63/934,761 filed December 9, 2025.

LICENSING STATUS:

Available for licensing or collaboration.

RELEVANT PUBLICATIONS:

Synthesis, Characterization, and In Vitro Properties of Zwitterionic Dendrimers with a Reactive Focal Functionality for Biomedical Applications | Langmuir