pH-sensitive tubular polymersomes: formation and applications in cellular delivery

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery

Background:

• Block copolymer amphiphiles self-assemble into spherical vesicles or micelles for drug delivery.
• Current self-assembled nanostructures are limited in shape diversity.
• Nanovector shape significantly impacts cellular interaction and internalization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To achieve controlled formation and purification of tubular polymersomes.
• To investigate the influence of biocompatible membrane components on tubular polymersome formation.
• To compare the cellular internalization kinetics of tubular versus spherical polymersomes.

Main Methods:

• Controlled self-assembly of block copolymers.
• Purification techniques to isolate tubular polymersomes.
• Incorporation of cholesterol and phospholipids into vesicle membranes.
• Cellular uptake studies using fluorescently labeled proteins.

Main Results:

• Successfully formed and purified long, cylindrical tubular polymersomes.
• Demonstrated that cholesterol and phospholipids modulate tubular polymersome formation.
• Observed distinct cellular internalization kinetics for tubular polymersomes compared to spherical ones.
• Showcased successful intracellular encapsulation and delivery of bovine serum albumin protein.

Conclusions:

• Tubular polymersomes represent a novel and promising nanostructure for drug delivery.
• The shape of polymersomes significantly influences their interaction with cells.
• Controlled formation and purification enable the study and application of specific nanovector morphologies.