Programmed hydrolysis of nanoassemblies by electrostatic interaction-mediated enzymatic-degradation

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Enzyme Kinetics

Background:

• Polymer degradation is crucial for biomedical applications.
• Controlling enzymatic hydrolysis of polymers remains a challenge.
• Nanoscale assembly offers a platform for precise material manipulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe electrostatic interaction-mediated enzymatic hydrolysis.
• To investigate the role of charged nanoscale assemblies in poly(lactide) degradation.
• To demonstrate tunable enzyme-polymer interactions.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of degradable core-shell nanoscale assemblies.
• Surface charge modification of the assemblies.
• Enzymatic hydrolysis assays at physiological pH.
• Analysis of electrostatic interactions between charged shells and enzymes.

Main Results:

• Charged shells on nanoscale assemblies modulate enzyme attraction/repulsion.
• Core-shell morphologies with opposite charges attract enzymes.
• Assemblies with similar charges repel enzymes.
• Electrostatic interactions significantly influence hydrolysis rates.

Conclusions:

• Electrostatic interactions provide a mechanism to control enzyme activity at the nanoscale.
• Charged nanoscale assemblies offer a tunable platform for enzymatic degradation of poly(lactide).
• This approach has potential for controlled drug delivery and tissue engineering.