# Expanding the design space of polyelectrolyte complex micelles

> **NIH NIH R35** · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN · 2024 · $381,616

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Polyelectrolyte complex micelles (PCMs) are a unique class of self-assembled nanoparticles that
form with a core of associated polycations and polyanions surrounded by a neutral corona. The
hydrated nature and structural and chemical versatility make PCMs an attractive system for
delivering hydrophilic payloads while controlling carrier size and stability. While recent studies
have shown PCMs are effective at delivering nucleic acids, the design process has largely been
trial-and-error to this point with few systematic studies focused on defining and predicting PCM
properties and behavior in physiological conditions. By leveraging polymer design, controlled self-
assembly, and materials characterization techniques, the goal of this proposal, and of our
research group, is to develop design rules quantifying the relationships between polymer
and nucleic acid structure and PCM assembly, physical properties, delivery, and dynamic
behavior. We will use small-angle X-ray scattering, electron microscopy, and fluorescence
imaging to accomplish three broad goals: 1) develop structure-property relationships based on
polymer and nucleic acid structure, chemistry, size, and charge density, 2) quantify the effect of
PCM component structure on cellular uptake and cargo release, and 3) uncover the mechanism,
kinetics, and factors that control nucleic acid exchange between PCMs. As each area progresses
we will use computational methods to analyze our vast PCM characterization database and
establish the scaling laws and relationships driving PCM assembly and function. The proposed
work will build the foundation for a new class of PCMs with predictive properties tailored to each
treatment, aligning our lab goals with the overarching mission of NIGMS.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10941677
- **Project number:** 1R35GM154984-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN
- **Principal Investigator:** Alexander Edison Marras
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $381,616
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-09-01 → 2029-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10941677

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10941677, Expanding the design space of polyelectrolyte complex micelles (1R35GM154984-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10941677. Licensed CC0.

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