EP1525890A1 — Protein-Proteophore complexes

USPTO Abstract

The present invention relates to a protein encapsulated by an encapsulating organic compound (EOC) or proteophore wherein the protein and the encapsulating organic compound are present in 1:1 stoichiometry. In one embodiment of the present invention, the encapsulation is realized by an EOC protein inclusion compound EPIC according to the formula (I) in which the EMCs are connected to each other by one branching unit B under formation of a cavity which is vertically and horizontally open    and wherein the symbols have the following meanings: B: branching unit containing at least one branching center Bc and at least two branching functional groups Bfg connected to or capable of reacting with an encapsulating molecular chain EMC; EMC: encapsulating molecular chain; L: linker containing at least one functional group Lfg which is connected to the protein P or capable of connecting with functional groups present on the protein P under the formation of a chemical bond; 1: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9; P: pharmacologically active protein. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the encapsulation is realized by a macrocycle-protein inclusion compound MPIC according to the formula (IX) containing a protein P and a macrocyclic structure, and wherein the symbols have the meanings given above for formula (I). The EMCs can comprise substituents (capping groups), which can result in dendritic structures. The encapsulation assures a controlled release of a protein.