Collagen-targeted nanoparticles

Abstract

This invention relates to compositions comprising collagen binding peptides coupled to nanoparticles. The invention also relates to a method of imaging a collagenous matrix using a composition comprising collagen binding peptides coupled to nanoparticles.

1 .- 37 . (canceled) 
     
     
         38 . A composition comprising a) a plurality of nanoparticles wherein each nanoparticle is covalently bound to at least one collagen binding polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide contains from 7 amino acids to 40 amino acids and wherein the polypeptide does not form a triple helix and b) a drug. 
     
     
         39 . The composition of  claim 38 , wherein the drug is encapsulated into the nanoparticle. 
     
     
         40 . The composition of  claim 38  wherein the nanoparticle further comprises a stabilizer. 
     
     
         41 . The composition of  claim 40  wherein the stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of a polyethylene glycol (PEG), a dextran, a peptide, an alkane-thiol, and an oligonucleotide-thiol. 
     
     
         42 . The composition of  claim 41  wherein the stabilizer is PEG. 
     
     
         43 . The composition of  claim 38  wherein the polypeptide contains from 9 amino acids to 40 amino acids. 
     
     
         44 . The composition of  claim 38  wherein the polypeptide contains from 9 amino acids to 30 amino acids. 
     
     
         45 . The composition of  claim 38  wherein the polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of RRANAALKAGELYKSILY (SEQ ID NO: 1), RRANAALKAGELYKCILY (SEQ ID NO: 2), GELYKSILY (SEQ ID NO: 3), GELYKCILY (SEQ ID NO: 4), SYIRIADTNIT (SEQ ID NO: 5), TKKTLRT (SEQ ID NO: 6), SQNPVQP (SEQ ID NO: 7), RLDGNEIKR (SEQ ID NO: 8), KELNVYT (SEQ ID NO: 9), KLWVLPK (SEQ ID NO: 10), CQDSETRTFY (SEQ ID NO: 11), AHEEISTTNEGVM (SEQ ID NO: 12), GLRSKSKKFRRPDIQYPDATDEDITSHM (SEQ ID NO: 13), GSITTIDVPWNV (SEQ ID NO: 14), and NGVFKYRPRYFLYKHAYFYPPLKRFPVQ (SEQ ID NO: 15). 
     
     
         46 . The composition of  claim 38  wherein the polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of RRANAALKAGELYKSILY (SEQ ID NO: 1), RRANAALKAGELYKCILY (SEQ ID NO: 2), GELYKSILY (SEQ ID NO: 3), GELYKCILY (SEQ ID NO: 4), SYIRIADTNIT (SEQ ID NO: 5), TKKTLRT (SEQ ID NO: 6), SQNPVQP (SEQ ID NO: 7), and RLDGNEIKR (SEQ ID NO: 8). 
     
     
         47 . The composition of  claim 38  wherein the polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence GELYKXILY, wherein X is serine, cysteine, or threonine (SEQ ID NO: 16). 
     
     
         48 . The composition of  claim 38  wherein the polypeptide is RRANAALKAGELYKSILY (SEQ ID NO: 1). 
     
     
         49 . The composition of  claim 38  wherein the polypeptide is RRANAALKAGELYKCILY (SEQ ID NO: 2). 
     
     
         50 . The composition of  claim 49  further comprising a spacer. 
     
     
         51 . The composition of  claim 50  wherein the spacer comprises at least one glycine. 
     
     
         52 . The composition of  claim 38  further comprising a peptide sequence selected from the group consisting of GC, CG, and GCG. 
     
     
         53 . The composition of  claim 38  further comprising a carrier. 
     
     
         54 . The composition of  claim 38  wherein the nanoparticle is a core plus shell nanoparticle. 
     
     
         55 . A method for targeted delivery of a drug to a patient in need thereof, comprising administering to the patient a composition of  claim 38 .