Developing next generation eutectic solvents for biomedical applications - the utilization of protein- and enzyme-based drugs and products has experienced a substantial surge within the biomedical…

Federal Grant Award Summary

Kennesaw State University received a $529,359 Project Grant award from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) under the Biomedical Research and Research Training program (CFDA 93.859), effective September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2028. The award supports fundamental research to develop next-generation deep eutectic solvents (DESs) for biomedical applications, specifically focusing on the stabilization and preservation of protein- and enzyme-based pharmaceutical products. The research will advance molecular-level understanding of DESs through experimental characterization and analysis, with the goal of establishing effective stabilization techniques for secure storage of pharmaceuticals, biological tissues, organs, and other medical products used in treatment, biobanking, and transplantation procedures.

The project will investigate how proteins and biological molecules are stabilized within DESs by elucidating nanostructure properties and examining the impact of solvent composition on protein and enzyme preservation. Unlike traditional solvents, DESs offer distinct advantages including cost-effectiveness, low toxicity, biodegradability, and tunable properties through combinations of hydrogen bond acceptors and donors. This research addresses a critical need in the biomedical industry, where the growing utilization of complex protein and enzyme-based therapeutics requires enhanced preservation methods to maintain molecular integrity and biological function across storage, handling, and clinical applications.

Developing next generation eutectic solvents for biomedical applications - the utilization of protein- and enzyme-based drugs and products has experienced a substantial surge within the biomedical industry. The preservation of the integrity and stability of these drugs and products containing larger and more intricate molecules is vital over prolonged periods, presenting new challenges. An effective stabilizing cosolvent is crucial for maintaining the integrity of proteins and enzymes by minimizing their movement and preserving their native states and functions, even after repeated thawing or hydration. In this regard, deep eutectic solvents (dess) can be used as potential stabilizing agents for proteins and enzymes. Dess are one of the most versatile alternative solvents with prevalent applications in extraction, biocatalysis, and drug delivery. Dess share many characteristics of ionic liquids (ILS), yet they are more synthetically accessible, economical, typically nontoxic, biodegradable, and potentials for biological applications. Unlike traditional solvents, dess comprise two components, generally hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) and hydrogen bond donor (HBD), can be tuned for diverse applications using various types of components combining ionic/non-ionic, polar/non-poplar, acidic/basic, and viscous/fluid. The proposed work will focus on advancing our molecular level understanding of dess, and their application for protein stabilizing, protease activation and enzyme therapy. Understanding how proteins and other biological molecules are stabilized in dess is vital for advancing preservation techniques. This knowledge is crucial for ensuring the secure storage of pharmaceuticals, sperm, tissue, and organs, enabling safe treatment, biobanking, reproduction, and transplantation. Specifically, we seek to elucidate nanostructure, tune properties of dess and investigate the impact of dess on protein/enzyme stabilization. Various experimental (IR, raman, DSC, MS, CD, NMR, x-RAY and neutron scattering) and computational (MD and DFT) tools will be used to elucidate the nanostructure, properties of dess and their impact on protein/enzyme conformational dynamics and structure. This project will also provide learning and professional development opportunities for a large number of undergraduate students at kennesaw state university (KSU) over three years. The current student enrollment at KSU is over 45,000, of which around 3000 students are majoring in chemistry and biology. The proposed research and educational plan will provide opportunities for large groups of chemistry and biology students to build capabilities and achievements that propel them to and through graduate school, industry, and beyond.