Polysaccharide-containing block copolymer particles and uses thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to new amphiphilic linear block copolymers of polysaccharides and polymers. The amphiphilic linear block copolymers do not form a true solution in water and are able to form micelles in selective solvents. Also disclosed are particles, each of which has a shell and a core, and a diameter of about 1 to 1,000 nanometers, and methods of delivering agents or removing substances, e.g., undesirable substances, from a subject or environment, by using these particles.

1 - 47 . (canceled) 
     
     
         48 . A method comprising administering to a subject one or more particles, wherein the particles comprise: an amphiphilic linear block copolymer, wherein the block copolymer comprises a first polymer block and a second polymer block, and wherein the first polymer block comprises a polysaccharide or derivative thereof, and an agent to be delivered to the subject. 
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 48 , wherein the particle has a diameter of 1-1000 nanometers. 
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 48 , wherein the particle has a diameter of 15-100 nanometers. 
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 48 , wherein the particle has a diameter of about 1-200 nanometers. 
     
     
         52 . The method of  claim 48 , wherein the polysaccharide comprises pullulan. 
     
     
         53 . The method of  claim 48 , wherein the polysaccharide comprises hyaluronic acid. 
     
     
         54 . The method of  claim 48 , wherein the agent is
 a) encapsulated within the particle;   b) directly infused into the particle;   c) bound to the surface of the particle; or,   
       any combination thereof. 
     
     
         55 . The method of  claim 48 , wherein the agent comprises a biologically active substance. 
     
     
         56 . The method of  claim 55 , wherein the biologically active substance is selected from the group consisting of an antibacterial agent, an antiviral agent, an anticoagulant, an anticancer agent, an anti-proliferative agent, an anti-metastatic agent, an anti-atherosclerotic agent, an anti-angiogenic agent, an anti-inflammatory agent, a contraceptive, an anti-depressive agent, insulin, or cholesterol lowering agent. 
     
     
         57 . The method of  claim 55 , wherein the biologically active substance is selected from the group consisting of: a vaccine, a nutraceutical, a protein or peptide, a nucleic acid and a small molecule. 
     
     
         58 . The method of  claim 48 , wherein the agent comprises an imaging or diagnostic agent. 
     
     
         59 . The method of  claim 48 , wherein the particle further comprises a sustained release agent for controlled release of the agent. 
     
     
         60 . The method of  claim 48 , wherein the subject is a mammal. 
     
     
         61 . The method of  claim 48 , wherein the agent is delivered by systemic administration. 
     
     
         62 . The method of  claim 48 , wherein the agent is delivered by systemic administration for delivery to the brain across the blood-brain-barrier. 
     
     
         63 . The method of  claim 48 , wherein the particles are administered orally, topically, transdermally, subcutaneously, intraperitoneally, intramuscularly, intravenously, nasally, rectally, vaginally, or opthalmically. 
     
     
         64 . The method of  claim 48 , wherein the particles are administered directly to the skin of the subject.