Fine tuning of vesicle assembly and properties using dual hydrophilic triblock copolypeptides

The design, synthesis, and self-assembly of the first dual hydrophilic triblock copolypeptide vesicles, R(H)(m)E(n)L(o) and K(P)(m)R(H)(n)L(o), is reported. Variation of the two distinct hydrophilic domains is used to tune cellular interactions without disrupting the self-assembled structure. The aqueous self-assemblies of these triblock copolypeptides in water are characterized using microscopy and DLS. Cell culture studies are used to evaluate cytotoxicity as well as intracellular uptake of the vesicles. The ability of polypeptides to incorporate ordered chain conformations that direct self-assembly, combined with the facile preparation of functional, multiblock copolypeptide sequences of defined lengths, allow the design of vesicles attractive for development as drug carriers.