Engineered Bio-Sono-Piezo-Chemical Platform for Precision Gene Expression Control

# Record card
328
Thematic areas
Health & Biotech
Health & Biotech / Bio-medicals
Health & Biotech / New therapies
Health & Biotech / Nanomedicine
Health & Biotech / Medical Device
Description

The technology we have developed consists of a method capable of modulating the expression of specific target genes in deep-tissue cells from an exogenous signal of high safety and precision. The present invention is composed by: 1. a nanoparticle capable of converting the ultrasonic signal into a chemical signal: 2. an energy system, capable of stimulating the nanoparticle to produce Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), and 3. a system of ROS-responsive gene constructs (ROS-ATF) capable of finely modulating the expression of key genes associated with chronic inflammatory diseases, such as chronic degenerative spine disease (LBP). Our technology may provide a new therapeutic strategy to counter chronic degenerative diseases through the modulation of the expression of key mediators involved in inflammatory “pathways.”

Type of innovation
Product innovation
Description of innovative features / Competitive advantages

This technology enables manipulation of the gene regulatory network (GRN) with high spatial precision—down to single-cell level—and fully predetermined timing. It relies on three components: (1) nanoparticles (NPs), (2) acoustic pressure waves, and (3) engineered gene constructs (ROS-ATFs), which together act as a logical AND gate to activate the target gene. NPs and constructs are delivered to the target organ, and ultrasound stimulation triggers transcription under strict control. Spatial precision prevents off-target effects, while temporal control minimizes interference in complex biological networks, allowing clinically meaningful modulation of gene activation—a key factor in chronic degenerative diseases.

Reference market
Impacts on existing markets
Development stage
Feasibility
TRL
2
Advantages
New product/process/service/technology
Patentable technology
Yes
Patented technology
Yes
Country/ies

Italy

Publication of technology
No
Technology validation/demonstration
Internal validation
Market positioning
Italian
European
International
Partner required
Private research center
Cooperation in national /european / international project

Information
For more information and/or to be put in contact with the Research Team, please contact the Project Manager:

Barbara Angelini - Project Manager
CNR - Unità Valorizzazione della Ricerca
Phone number 06.49932415
E-mail barbara.angelini@cnr.it