# Synthetic mucus for local therapeutic delivery

> **NIH NIH R21** · UNIV OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK · 2021 · $193,125

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Mucus in our body naturally serves as a reservoir for antimicrobial peptides and antibodies. Inspired by this, the
overall objective in this application is to develop synthetic mucus as a biomaterial platform for local delivery of
biologics to mucosal tissues. Recently, we have engineered synthetic mucus (SM) biomaterials with properties
comparable to natural mucus. The central hypothesis is these SM biomaterials can be used for local biologic
drug delivery at mucosal sites. The central hypothesis will be tested by pursuing two specific aims: (1) Formulate
therapeutic loaded SM and characterize their therapeutic effect in vitro and (2) Assess in vivo biodistribution and
efficacy of SM mediated local therapeutic delivery. In the 1st aim, we will formulate SM with antimicrobial peptides
and FDA-approved monoclonal antibodies. We will next confirm if these therapeutics can be loaded and retain
their activity in vitro. In the 2nd aim, we will examine the distribution of biologic drugs in the colorectal and vaginal
tract in mice following local SM mediated delivery. The efficacy of SM loaded with a TNF-targeting monoclonal
antibody, clinically used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases, will be evaluated in a mouse model of
ulcerative colitis. The research proposed in this application is innovative as it offers a novel approach to deliver
protein-based therapies to mucosal tissues. If successful, the results of this work will be significant as it may
offer a safe and highly efficacious means to address infectious and inflammatory mucosal diseases.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10109588
- **Project number:** 1R21EB030834-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK
- **Principal Investigator:** Gregg Duncan
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $193,125
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-09-16 → 2023-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10109588

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10109588, Synthetic mucus for local therapeutic delivery (1R21EB030834-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10109588. Licensed CC0.

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