Dynamic Docking and Undocking Processes Addressing Selectively the Outside and Inside of Polymersomes

Area of Science:

• Biomimetic chemistry
• Synthetic biology
• Materials science

Background:

• Mimicking cellular functions requires complex polymersomes with tunable properties.
• Controlling membrane permeability and diffusion is crucial for dynamic functionality and docking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop polymersomes with pH-tunable membrane permeability.
• To enable sequential, controlled docking and undocking of molecules and protein mimics.
• To advance intelligent multifunctional compartments for synthetic biology and protocells.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing host-guest interactions (adamantane-β-cyclodextrin) for molecular recognition.
• Employing noncovalent interactions (poly(ethylene glycol)-β-cyclodextrin) for dynamic functionalization.
• Engineering polymersome membranes with pH-responsive permeability.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated pH-tunable membrane permeability in polymersomes.
• Achieved selective and dynamic functionalization on both inner and outer surfaces.
• Showcased sequential docking and undocking of small molecules and protein mimics.

Conclusions:

• Polymersomes with pH-tunable permeability offer precise control over molecular interactions.
• This approach facilitates the design of advanced, stimuli-responsive compartments.
• Significant step towards creating sophisticated protocells and synthetic biological systems.