Methods And Products For Delivering Biological Molecules To Cells Using Multicomponent Nanostructures

Abstract

This invention is predicated on the present applicants' discovery that nanostructures comprising discrete regions of different composition can be used to deliver to a biological cell a desired combination of molecules in close proximity. Different molecules can be selectively bonded to discrete regions of different composition in sufficiently close physical relationship to enhance delivery or effectiveness within the cell. The preferred nanostructures are multicomponent nanorods. Important applications include delivery of missing DNA sequences for gene therapy and delivery of antigens or DNA encoding antigens for vaccination.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A device for delivering biological molecules to a cell comprising:
 a nanostructure comprising a plurality of discrete regions of respectively different materials; and   a plurality of molecules of different composition bound to the respectively different discrete regions.   
     
     
         22 . The device of  claim 21  wherein the nanostructure comprises a nanotube or nanowire having a plurality of axial segments of respectively different materials. 
     
     
         23 . The device of  claim 21  wherein the materials comprise different metals. 
     
     
         24 . The device of  claim 21  wherein the molecules include at least one material from the group consisting of DNA, RNA, proteins, antigens, adjuvants endosomylytic agents and cytokines. 
     
     
         25 . The device of  claim 21  wherein the different materials include at least one material from the group consisting of metals and semiconductors. 
     
     
         26 . The device of  claim 21  wherein at least one of the different materials comprises a material selected from the group consisting of nickel, gold and platinum. 
     
     
         27 . The device of  claim 21  wherein at least one of the molecules is bound by a linkage from the group consisting of thiol linkages, isonitrile linkages and carboxylate linkages. 
     
     
         28 . The device of  claim 21  wherein at least one of the molecules comprises compacted DNA.