I-Corps: Translation potential of a plant-derived nanocarrier platform for improving the stability, dispersion, and controlled delivery of bioactive compounds

Award ID: 2638478

This I-Corps project is based on the development of a nanosized transport system using plant materials to stabilize and deliver active substances such as drugs. Current delivery systems often suffer from poor stability, limited bioavailability, rapid degradation, and reliance on synthetic materials, which reduces effectiveness. This technology protects sensitive bioactive molecules, enhances formulation stability, and enables controlled release, improving product performance. The technology has application in personal care products, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, agricultural, food, and biomedical applications. Results show that it may improve the stability, dispersion, and controlled release of ultraviotlet (UV) filters for sunscreen and personal care formulations. This I-Corps project utilizes experiential learning coupled with first-hand investigation of the industry ecosystem to assess the translation potential of a nanocarrier platform engineered for the encapsulation, stabilization, and controlled release of bioactive molecules. Existing delivery systems often address only one limitation, such as stability or dispersion. This technology is biodegradable and uses naturally plant-derived lipid nanostructured carriers to improve encapsulation efficiency, bioavailability, release kinetics, and protection of sensitive compounds. It is designed as a modular platform that can be adapted to different bioactive compounds and has potential applications in sunscreen and personal care, cosmetics, dermatology, agriculture, biotechnology, and other healthcare products. The initial focus is use in sunscreen and personal care, where challenges related to active ingredient stability, photodegradation, dispersion, and formulation compatibility represent significant industry needs. This approach may reduce formulation complexity, enhances product performance, and extends the functional lifespan of bioactive molecules while maintaining compatibility with biodegradable materials. 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.

NSF Program Director: Ruth Shuman