Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for delivering lutein or other antioxidant to target tissues such as the eye, in bioactive form, while protecting the antioxidant from degradation. The antioxidant is encapsulated in nanoparticles comprising a protein such as zein or a polymer such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). Preferably a surfactant is associated with the nanoparticles as well, further helping to protect the antioxidant. After the nanoparticles are administered to the target tissue, bioactive antioxidant is released to the tissue over time. Optionally, the nanoparticles are admixed with a thermosensitive, bioadhesive gel to promote slow release of antioxidant. The methods and compositions are useful for treating or preventing conditions such as age-related macular degeneration or cataracts.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for delivering lutein or other antioxidant to target tissues such as the eye, in bioactive form, while protecting the antioxidant from degradation. The antioxidant is encapsulated in nanoparticles comprising a protein such as zein or a polymer such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). Preferably a surfactant is associated with the nanoparticles as well, further helping to protect the antioxidant. After the nanoparticles are administered to the target tissue, bioactive antioxidant is released to the tissue over time. Optionally, the nanoparticles are admixed with a thermosensitive, bioadhesive gel to promote slow release of antioxidant. The methods and compositions are useful for treating or preventing conditions such as age-related macular degeneration or cataracts.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for delivering lutein or other antioxidant to target tissues such as the eye, in bioactive form, while protecting the antioxidant from degradation. The antioxidant is encapsulated in nanoparticles comprising a protein such as zein or a polymer such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). Preferably a surfactant is associated with the nanoparticles as well, further helping to protect the antioxidant. After the nanoparticles are administered to the target tissue, bioactive antioxidant is released to the tissue over time. Optionally, the nanoparticles are admixed with a thermosensitive, bioadhesive gel to promote slow release of antioxidant. The methods and compositions are useful for treating or preventing conditions such as age-related macular degeneration or cataracts.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for delivering lutein or other antioxidant to target tissues such as the eye, in bioactive form, while protecting the antioxidant from degradation. The antioxidant is encapsulated in nanoparticles comprising a protein such as zein or a polymer such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). Preferably a surfactant is associated with the nanoparticles as well, further helping to protect the antioxidant. After the nanoparticles are administered to the target tissue, bioactive antioxidant is released to the tissue over time. Optionally, the nanoparticles are admixed with a thermosensitive, bioadhesive gel to promote slow release of antioxidant. The methods and compositions are useful for treating or preventing conditions such as age-related macular degeneration or cataracts.

Abstract: Nanoparticles with entrapped, nonpolar compounds are disclosed, and a method for their synthesis. The nanoparticles are readily dissolved or dispersed in water. For example, the entrapped nonpolar compounds may include pharmaceutically-active compounds, or natural colorants. The nanoparticles have a nonpolar compound core, an intermediate surfactant layer, and an outer crosslinked polymeric protective layer. In a prototype example, alginic acid nanoparticles were prepared with beta-carotene entrapped in the core, with lecithin as the intermediate surfactant layer. In an alternative embodiment, a layer-by-layer assembly technique may be used to entrap the colorant within nanoparticles.

Abstract: Tocopherol conjugates are disclosed that are useful as antioxidants or as pro-drug delivery vehicles. The conjugates are amphiphilic, and tend to localize at the interface between water domains and lipid domains. A prototype embodiment disclosed is an alpha tocopherol-linker-carnosine conjugate that has been designated VECAR.

Abstract: Tocopherol conjugates are disclosed that are useful as antioxidants or as pro-drug delivery vehicles. The conjugates are amphiphilic, and tend to localize at the interface between water domains and lipid domains. A prototype embodiment disclosed is an alpha tocopherol-linker-carnosine conjugate that has been designated VECAR.

Abstract: Nanoparticles with entrapped, nonpolar compounds are disclosed, and a method for their synthesis. The nanoparticles are readily dissolved or dispersed in water. For example, the entrapped nonpolar compounds may include pharmaceutically-active compounds, or natural colorants. The nanoparticles have a nonpolar compound core, an intermediate surfactant layer, and an outer crosslinked polymeric protective layer. In a prototype example, alginic acid nanoparticles were prepared with beta-carotene entrapped in the core, with lecithin as the intermediate surfactant layer. In an alternative embodiment, a layer-by-layer assembly technique may be used to entrap the colorant within nanoparticles.