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ATP-Driven Temporal Control over Structure Switching of Polymeric Micelles
Bingyang Dong1, Li Liu1, Cong Hu1
1Key Laboratory of Functional Polymer Materials, Ministry of Education, Institute of Polymer Chemistry, College of Chemistry , Nankai University , Tianjin 300071 , People's Republic of China.
Biomacromolecules
|August 3, 2018
Summary
Researchers developed an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-fueled micellar system using a novel block copolymer. This system exhibits dynamic self-assembly and ATP-responsive drug release, paving the way for biomimetic chemistry and therapeutics.
Area of Science:
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Biomimetic Systems
Background:
- Block copolymers can self-assemble into various nanostructures.
- Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a key energy source in biological systems.
- Controlling self-assembly dynamics is crucial for advanced materials and drug delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To construct an out-of-equilibrium micellar system fueled by ATP.
- To investigate the self-assembly and disassembly behavior of DAT-containing block copolymers.
- To explore the potential of this system for drug delivery and biomimetic applications.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of a 4,5-diamino-1,3,5-triazine (DAT)-containing block copolymer.
- Characterization of micelle formation and disruption in response to ATP.
- Investigation of ATP hydrolysis-driven dynamic assembly cycles.
- Evaluation of drug loading and ATP-responsive release.
Main Results:
- Block copolymer self-assembled into spherical micelles at pH > pKa.
- DAT residues effectively captured and responded to ATP fuel.
- ATP activation induced micelle disruption and reversible reassembly.
- The system demonstrated autonomous division-fusion motion and sustained structural switching.
- Drug-loaded micelles showed ATP-responsive release behavior.
Conclusions:
- An ATP-fueled, dynamic supramolecular assembly system was successfully created.
- The system exhibits biocompatibility and responsive drug release capabilities.
- This platform holds promise for biomimetic chemistry and therapeutic applications.
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