Title : Facilitated Self-Assembling Technology (FAST): A green nanotechnology approach for public health, bioavailability, and therapeutic innovation
Abstract:
Facilitated Self-Assembling Technology (FAST®) is a novel green nanotechnology platform designed to improve the bioavailability, stability, and functional performance of poorly water-soluble or unstable bioactive compounds under mild, aqueous, and scalable manufacturing conditions. Unlike conventional nanotechnology approaches that rely on synthetic carriers, surfactants, organic solvents, or high-energy processing, FAST® enables amphipathic or hydrophobic molecules to self-assemble into stable nanoscale structures through a clean-label, carrier-free process. Our NIH supported studies demonstrated that FAST® can generate nanoparticles from a wide range of nutraceutical and therapeutic compounds, including EC16 (epigallocatechin-3-gallate palmitate), curcumin, resveratrol, coenzyme Q10, lutein, and lycopene. These formulations often exhibit reduced particle size, improved zeta potential, enhanced aqueous dispersion, and increased stability under simulated gastric conditions. In oral health applications, EC16-based nanoparticles have shown promising antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. EC16 oral formulations have demonstrated potential for managing oral dryness, improving oral comfort, and supporting oral mucosal and periodontal health. In vitro and translational studies suggest applications in oral care products such as oral rinses, lozenges, and other preventive formulations. Beyond oral care, FAST® nanoparticles have shown promise in systemic and neurological applications. Our in vivo pilot studies demonstrated that orally administered EC16 nanoparticles produced detectable brain exposure over 24 hours post-administration, representing the first evidence that an orally delivered EGCG derivative nanoparticle may cross the blood–brain barrier. Furthermore, treated animals showed modulation of neuroinflammatory and senescence-related gene expression in brain tissue, suggesting therapeutic potential in brain health, neuroinflammation, and neurodegenerative disorders. FAST® also supports intranasal and mucosal delivery strategies, creating opportunities for non-invasive delivery to the central nervous system and rapid systemic uptake. Collectively, these findings suggest that FAST® represents a versatile platform with broad applications across public health, oral care, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and next-generation therapeutic innovation. This keynote will highlight the scientific basis, translational opportunities, and future potential of FAST® in improving human health through green nanotechnology.
