Permeable Protein-Loaded Polymersome Cascade Nanoreactors by Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Polymersomes often require complex modifications to achieve permeability for enzyme loading.
• Existing methods for creating permeable polymersomes can be intricate and less efficient.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop intrinsically permeable polymersomes for efficient protein and enzyme encapsulation.
• To demonstrate the utility of these polymersomes in biological and catalytic applications.

Main Methods:

• Utilized initiator-free visible light-mediated polymerization-induced self-assembly (photo-PISA) under mild, aqueous conditions.
• Employed a commercial monomer for synthesis.
• Demonstrated protein functionality using green fluorescent protein and catalytic activity with horseradish peroxidase and glucose oxidase.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized intrinsically permeable polymersomes loaded with functional proteins.
• Confirmed compartmentalization and retention of protein functionality.
• Showcased the permeability of the polymersome membrane to small molecule substrates for the first time.
• Validated enzyme interaction between separate vesicles via an enzymatic cascade reaction.

Conclusions:

• The developed photo-PISA method offers a straightforward route to intrinsically permeable, protein-loaded polymersomes.
• This methodology is broadly applicable for encapsulating macromolecules, advancing nanotechnology, biomimicry, and nanomedicine.