Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 22, 2025
07:10
Author Spotlight: Photo Switchable Protein Recruitment for Reversible Patterning in Artificial Cellular Systems
Published on: February 23, 2024
1.3K
Light-Responsive Polyion Complex Micelles with Switchable Surface Charge for Efficient Protein Delivery
Qiao Jin1, Tongjiang Cai1, Yin Wang1
1MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecule Synthesis and Functionalization of Ministry of Education, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China.
ACS Macro Letters
|May 20, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed light-responsive protein-encapsulated polyion complex (PIC) micelles for enhanced intracellular protein delivery. UV irradiation triggers micelle disassembly, accelerating protein release while preserving protein structure.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Protein-based therapeutics require efficient and targeted delivery systems.
- Polyion complex (PIC) micelles offer a versatile platform for encapsulating biomolecules.
- Controlling micelle stability and protein release is crucial for therapeutic efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize light-responsive PIC micelles for protein encapsulation and delivery.
- To investigate the effect of pH on PIC micelle properties for enhanced intracellular delivery.
- To demonstrate UV-triggered disassembly of PIC micelles for accelerated protein release.
Main Methods:
- Self-assembly of a cationic block copolymer (PDMNBMA-b-PCBMA) with bovine serum albumin (BSA).
- Characterization using dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and zeta potential measurements.
- Assessment of BSA secondary structure integrity using circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- Successfully formed stable PIC micelles encapsulating BSA.
- Observed increased zeta potential with decreasing pH (7.4 to 6.5), suggesting improved intracellular delivery potential.
- Demonstrated UV-induced transformation of PDMNBMA blocks and accelerated BSA release, with preserved BSA structure.
Conclusions:
- Light-responsive PIC micelles are effective for protein encapsulation and pH-sensitive delivery.
- UV irradiation provides a controllable trigger for accelerated protein release without compromising protein integrity.
- This system holds promise for advanced protein-based therapeutic delivery strategies.
