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Preparation and 3D Tracking of Catalytic Swimming Devices

Preparation and 3D Tracking of Catalytic Swimming Devices

Published on: July 1, 2016

Spatial control over catalyst positioning on biodegradable polymeric nanomotors.

B Jelle Toebes¹, F Cao¹, Daniela A Wilson²

¹Systems Chemistry Department, Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

Nature Communications

|November 24, 2019

Summary

Researchers developed biodegradable polymeric nanomotors using poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(D,L-lactide) stomatocytes. This novel design allows for spatial control of catalysts, enabling targeted applications in fields like nanomedicine.

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Area of Science:

Biomaterials Science
Nanotechnology
Polymer Chemistry

Background:

Biological nanomotors inspire synthetic counterparts for diverse applications.
Existing synthetic nanomotors often feature simple designs.
Tailored size, shape, and material properties are crucial for nanomotor functionality.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop biodegradable polymeric nanomotors with a multivalent design.
To achieve spatial control over catalyst positioning on nanomotors.
To create a versatile platform for functionalizing nanomotors internally and externally.

Main Methods:

Synthesis of poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(D,L-lactide) (PEG-PDLLA) stomatocytes with azide handles.
Selective reduction of the outer stomatocyte surface using tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP) functionalized beads.
Differential functionalization of inner and outer surfaces with enzymes, fluorophores, or other molecules.

Main Results:

Creation of biodegradable stomatocyte-shaped nanomotors.
Establishment of distinct functional handles on both inner and outer surfaces.
Demonstration of spatial control for catalyst and molecule attachment.

Conclusions:

The developed PEG-PDLLA stomatocytes offer a novel biodegradable platform for synthetic nanomotors.
This approach enables precise spatial positioning of functional elements, enhancing nanomotor capabilities.
The multivalent design opens possibilities for advanced applications in areas such as drug delivery and environmental sensing.