Spontaneous Formation of Giant Bioactive Protein-Block Copolymer Vesicles in Water

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Proteopolymersomes offer a versatile platform for drug delivery and biomimetic systems.
• Traditional methods often rely on organic solvents, limiting biocompatibility and environmental sustainability.
• Developing solvent-free synthesis routes for complex biomolecular assemblies is a key challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel, solvent-free strategy for forming stable giant proteopolymersomes.
• To create bioactive proteopolymersomes with a streptavidin-functionalized membrane.
• To investigate the formation mechanism and structural characteristics of these novel vesicles.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a triblock copolymer (poly(2,3-dihydroxypropyl methacrylate)-*b*-poly(propylene oxide)-*b*-poly(2,3-dihydroxypropyl methacrylate)) and streptavidin (SAv)-biotin-bovine serum albumin.
• Employed a water-based self-assembly process, avoiding organic solvents.
• Investigated vesiculation and membrane composition using confocal laser scanning microscopy and molecular dynamic simulations.

Main Results:

• Successfully formed stable giant proteopolymersomes in the tens of micrometers range.
• Achieved SAv-functionalized membranes, providing binding sites for biotin conjugates.
• Elucidated the vesiculation mechanism and protein-polymer distribution within the membrane.

Conclusions:

• The presented method offers a sustainable and efficient route to produce bioactive proteopolymersomes.
• These proteopolymersomes serve as a promising platform for applications requiring specific molecular recognition and high payload capacity.
• The solvent-free approach enhances the biocompatibility and potential therapeutic applications of these advanced biomaterials.