1
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Wong CK, Lai RY, Stenzel MH. Polymersomes with micellar patches. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 671:449-456. [PMID: 38815380 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.05.177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Hollow block copolymer particles called polymer vesicles (polymersomes) serve as versatile containers for compartmentalization in synthetic biology and drug delivery. Recently, there has been growing interest in using polymersomes as colloidal building blocks for creating higher-order clustered structures. Most reports thus far rely on the use of DNA base-pairing interactions to "glue" polymersomes with other colloidal components. In this study, we present two alternative electrostatically driven approaches to assemble polymersomes and model colloids (micelles) into hybrid clusters. The first approach uses pH to manipulate electrostatic interactions and effectively control the clustering extent of micellar subunits on polymersomes, while the second approach relies on the hydrolysis of an acid trigger, glucono delta-lactone (GDL), to introduce temporal control over clustering. We envisage our approaches and structures reported herein will help inspire the creation of new prospects for materials science and biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin Ken Wong
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia.
| | - Rebecca Y Lai
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia
| | - Martina H Stenzel
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney 2052, NSW, Australia.
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2
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Li W, Zhang S, Sun M, Kleuskens S, Wilson DA. Shape Transformation of Polymer Vesicles. ACCOUNTS OF MATERIALS RESEARCH 2024; 5:453-466. [PMID: 38694189 PMCID: PMC11059097 DOI: 10.1021/accountsmr.3c00253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Life activities, such as respiration, are accomplished through the continuous shape modulation of cells, tissues, and organs. Developing smart materials with shape-morphing capability is a pivotal step toward life-like systems and emerging technologies of wearable electronics, soft robotics, and biomimetic actuators. Drawing inspiration from cells, smart vesicular systems have been assembled to mimic the biological shape modulation. This would enable the understanding of cellular shape adaptation and guide the design of smart materials with shape-morphing capability. Polymer vesicles assembled by amphiphilic molecules are an example of remarkable vesicular systems. The chemical versatility, physical stability, and surface functionality promise their application in nanomedicine, nanoreactor, and biomimetic systems. However, it is difficult to drive polymer vesicles away from equilibrium to induce shape transformation due to the unfavorable energy landscapes caused by the low mobility of polymer chains and low permeability of the vesicular membrane. Extensive studies in the past decades have developed various methods including dialysis, chemical addition, temperature variation, polymerization, gas exchange, etc., to drive shape transformation. Polymer vesicles can now be engineered into a variety of nonspherical shapes. Despite the brilliant progress, most of the current studies regarding the shape transformation of polymer vesicles still lie in the trial-and-error stage. It is a grand challenge to predict and program the shape transformations of polymer vesicles. An in-depth understanding of the deformation pathway of polymer vesicles would facilitate the transition from the trial-and-error stage to the computing stage. In this Account, we introduce recent progress in the shape transformation of polymer vesicles. To provide an insightful analysis, the shape transformation of polymer vesicles is divided into basic and coupled deformation. First, we discuss the basic deformation of polymer vesicles with a focus on two deformation pathways: the oblate pathway and the prolate pathway. Strategies used to trigger different deformation pathways are introduced. Second, we discuss the origin of the selectivity of two deformation pathways and the strategies used to control the selectivity. Third, we discuss the coupled deformation of polymer vesicles with a focus on the switch and coupling of two basic deformation pathways. Last, we analyze the challenges and opportunities in the shape transformation of polymer vesicles. We envision that a systematic understanding of the deformation pathway would push the shape transformation of polymer vesicles from the trial-and-error stage to the computing stage. This would enable the prediction of deformation behaviors of nanoparticles in complex environments, like blood and interstitial tissue, and access to advanced architecture desirable for man-made applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Shaohua Zhang
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mingchen Sun
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra Kleuskens
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Daniela A. Wilson
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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3
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Avalos E, Teramoto T, Hirai Y, Yabu H, Nishiura Y. Controlling the Formation of Polyhedral Block Copolymer Nanoparticles: Insights from Process Variables and Dynamic Modeling. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:17276-17288. [PMID: 38645350 PMCID: PMC11025090 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c10302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
This study delves into the formation of nanoscale polyhedral block copolymer particles (PBCPs) exhibiting cubic, octahedral, and variant geometries. These structures represent a pioneering class that has never been fabricated previously. PBCP features distinct variations in curvature on the outer surface, aligning with the edges and corners of polyhedral shapes. This characteristic sharply contrasts with previous block copolymers (BCPs), which displayed a smooth spherical surface. The emergence of these cornered morphologies presents an intriguing and counterintuitive phenomenon and is linked to process parameters, such as evaporation rates and initial concentration, while keeping other variables constant. Using a system of coupled Cahn-Hillard (CCH) equations, we uncover the mechanisms driving polyhedral particle formation, emphasizing the importance of controlling relaxation parameters for shape variable u and microphase separation v. This unconventional approach, differing from traditional steepest descent method, allows for precise control and diverse polyhedral particle generation. Accelerating the shape variable u proves crucial for expediting precipitation and aligns with experimental observations. Employing the above theoretical model, we achieve shape predictions for particles and the microphase separation within them, which overcomes the limitations of ab initio computations. Additionally, a numerical stability analysis discerns the transient nature versus local minimizer characteristics. Overall, our findings contribute to understanding the complex interplay between process variables and the morphology of polyhedral BCP nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar Avalos
- Advanced
Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR), Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
| | - Takashi Teramoto
- Faculty
of Data Science, Kyoto Women’s University, 35 Kitahiyoshi-cho, Imakumano, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-8501, Japan
| | - Yutaro Hirai
- Advanced
Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR), Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yabu
- Advanced
Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR), Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
| | - Yasumasa Nishiura
- Advanced
Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR), Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
- Research
Center of Mathematics for Social Creativity, Research Institute for
Electronic Science, Hokkaido University, N12W7, Kita-Ward, Mid-Campus Open
Laboratory Building No. 2, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
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4
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Yang H, Luo Y, Jin B, Chi S, Li X. Convoluted micellar morphological transitions driven by tailorable mesogenic ordering effect from discotic mesogen-containing block copolymer. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2968. [PMID: 38580629 PMCID: PMC10997646 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47312-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Solution-state self-assemblies of block copolymers to form nanostructures are tremendously attractive for their tailorable morphologies and functionalities. While incorporating moieties with strong ordering effects may introduce highly orientational control over the molecular packing and dictate assembly behaviors, subtle and delicate driving forces can yield slower kinetics to reveal manifold metastable morphologies. Herein, we report the unusually convoluted self-assembly behaviors of a liquid crystalline block copolymer bearing triphenylene discotic mesogens. They undergo unusual multiple morphological transitions spontaneously, driven by their intrinsic subtle liquid crystalline ordering effect. Meanwhile, liquid crystalline orderedness can also be built very quickly by doping the mesogens with small-molecule dopants, and the morphological transitions are dramatically accelerated and various exotic micelles are produced. Surprisingly, with high doping levels, the self-assembly mechanism of this block copolymer is completely changed from intramolecular chain shuffling and rearrangement to nucleation-growth mode, based on which self-seeding experiments can be conducted to produce highly uniform fibrils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanzhi Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering. Beijing Institute of Technology, 100081, Beijing, China
| | - Yunjun Luo
- School of Materials Science and Engineering. Beijing Institute of Technology, 100081, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of High Energy Density Materials, MOE. Beijing Institute of Technology, 100081, Beijing, China
| | - Bixin Jin
- School of Materials Science and Engineering. Beijing Institute of Technology, 100081, Beijing, China.
| | - Shumeng Chi
- School of Materials Science and Engineering. Beijing Institute of Technology, 100081, Beijing, China
- Experimental Center of Advanced Materials, Beijing Institute of Technology, 100081, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering. Beijing Institute of Technology, 100081, Beijing, China.
- Key Laboratory of High Energy Density Materials, MOE. Beijing Institute of Technology, 100081, Beijing, China.
- Experimental Center of Advanced Materials, Beijing Institute of Technology, 100081, Beijing, China.
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5
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Thomas M, Varlas S, Wilks TR, Fielden SDP, O'Reilly RK. Controlled node growth on the surface of polymersomes. Chem Sci 2024; 15:4396-4402. [PMID: 38516085 PMCID: PMC10952076 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc05915d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Incorporating nucleobases into synthetic polymers has proven to be a versatile method for controlling self-assembly. The formation of strong directional hydrogen bonds between complementary nucleobases provides a driving force that permits access to complex particle morphologies. Here, nucleobase pairing was used to direct the formation and lengthening of nodes on the outer surface of vesicles formed from polymers (polymersomes) functionalised with adenine in their membrane-forming domains. Insertion of a self-assembling short diblock copolymer containing thymine into the polymersome membranes caused an increase in steric crowding at the hydrophilic/hydrophobic interface, which was relieved by initial node formation and subsequent growth. Nano-objects were imaged by (cryo-)TEM, which permitted quantification of node coverage and length. The ability to control node growth on the surface of polymersomes provides a new platform to develop higher-order nanomaterials with tailorable properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjolaine Thomas
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham B15 2TT UK
| | - Spyridon Varlas
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham B15 2TT UK
| | - Thomas R Wilks
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham B15 2TT UK
| | - Stephen D P Fielden
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham B15 2TT UK
| | - Rachel K O'Reilly
- School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham B15 2TT UK
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6
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Li W, Zhang S, Kleuskens S, Portale G, Engelkamp H, Christianen PCM, Wilson DA. Programmable Compartment Networks by Unraveling the Stress-Dependent Deformation of Polymer Vesicles. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2306219. [PMID: 37803926 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202306219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Nanocontainers that can sense and respond to environmental stimuli like cells are desirable for next-generation delivery systems. However, it is still a grand challenge for synthetic nanocontainers to mimic or even surpass the shape adaption of cells, which may produce novel compartments for cargo loading. Here, this work reports the engineering of compartment network with a single polymer vesicle by unraveling osmotic stress-dependent deformation. Specifically, by manipulating the way in exerting the stress, sudden increase or gradual increase, polymer vesicles can either undergo deflation into the stomatocyte, a bowl-shaped vesicle enclosing a new compartment, or tubulation into the tubule of varied length. Such stress-dependent deformation inspired us to program the shape transformation of polymer vesicles, including tubulation, deflation, or first tubulation and then deflation. The coupled deformation successfully transforms the polymer vesicle into the stomatocyte with tubular arms and a network of two or three small stomatocytes connected by tubules. To the author's knowledge, these morphologies are still not accessed by synthetic nanocontainers. This work envisions that the network of stomatocytes may enable the loading of different catalysts to construct novel motile systems, and the well-defined morphology of vesicles helps to define the effect of morphology on cellar uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, Nijmegen, 6525AJ, The Netherlands
| | - Shaohua Zhang
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, Nijmegen, 6525AJ, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra Kleuskens
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, Nijmegen, 6525AJ, The Netherlands
- High Field Magnet Laboratory (HFML-EMFL), Radboud University, Toernooiveld 7, Nijmegen, 6525ED, The Netherlands
| | - Giuseppe Portale
- Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, Groningen, 9747AG, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Engelkamp
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, Nijmegen, 6525AJ, The Netherlands
- High Field Magnet Laboratory (HFML-EMFL), Radboud University, Toernooiveld 7, Nijmegen, 6525ED, The Netherlands
| | - Peter C M Christianen
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, Nijmegen, 6525AJ, The Netherlands
- High Field Magnet Laboratory (HFML-EMFL), Radboud University, Toernooiveld 7, Nijmegen, 6525ED, The Netherlands
| | - Daniela A Wilson
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, Nijmegen, 6525AJ, The Netherlands
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7
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Fonseca M, Jarak I, Victor F, Domingues C, Veiga F, Figueiras A. Polymersomes as the Next Attractive Generation of Drug Delivery Systems: Definition, Synthesis and Applications. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 17:319. [PMID: 38255485 PMCID: PMC10817611 DOI: 10.3390/ma17020319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Polymersomes are artificial nanoparticles formed by the self-assembly process of amphiphilic block copolymers composed of hydrophobic and hydrophilic blocks. They can encapsulate hydrophilic molecules in the aqueous core and hydrophobic molecules within the membrane. The composition of block copolymers can be tuned, enabling control of characteristics and properties of formed polymersomes and, thus, their application in areas such as drug delivery, diagnostics, or bioimaging. The preparation methods of polymersomes can also impact their characteristics and the preservation of the encapsulated drugs. Many methods have been described, including direct hydration, thin film hydration, electroporation, the pH-switch method, solvent shift method, single and double emulsion method, flash nanoprecipitation, and microfluidic synthesis. Considering polymersome structure and composition, there are several types of polymersomes including theranostic polymersomes, polymersomes decorated with targeting ligands for selective delivery, stimuli-responsive polymersomes, or porous polymersomes with multiple promising applications. Due to the shortcomings related to the stability, efficacy, and safety of some therapeutics in the human body, polymersomes as drug delivery systems have been good candidates to improve the quality of therapies against a wide range of diseases, including cancer. Chemotherapy and immunotherapy can be improved by using polymersomes to deliver the drugs, protecting and directing them to the exact site of action. Moreover, this approach is also promising for targeted delivery of biologics since they represent a class of drugs with poor stability and high susceptibility to in vivo clearance. However, the lack of a well-defined regulatory plan for polymersome formulations has hampered their follow-up to clinical trials and subsequent market entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Fonseca
- Univ. Coimbra, Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (M.F.); (I.J.); (C.D.); (F.V.)
| | - Ivana Jarak
- Univ. Coimbra, Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (M.F.); (I.J.); (C.D.); (F.V.)
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Francis Victor
- Department of Pharmacy, University Chenab Gujarat, Punjab 50700, Pakistan;
| | - Cátia Domingues
- Univ. Coimbra, Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (M.F.); (I.J.); (C.D.); (F.V.)
- Univ. Coimbra, REQUIMTE/LAQV, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ. Coimbra, Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Area of Environment Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Francisco Veiga
- Univ. Coimbra, Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (M.F.); (I.J.); (C.D.); (F.V.)
- Univ. Coimbra, REQUIMTE/LAQV, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Figueiras
- Univ. Coimbra, Laboratory of Drug Development and Technologies, Faculty of Pharmacy, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (M.F.); (I.J.); (C.D.); (F.V.)
- Univ. Coimbra, REQUIMTE/LAQV, Group of Pharmaceutical Technology, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
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8
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Wong CK, Lai RY, Stenzel MH. Dynamic metastable polymersomes enable continuous flow manufacturing. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6237. [PMID: 37802997 PMCID: PMC10558441 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41883-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Polymersomes are polymeric analogues of liposomes with exceptional physical and chemical properties. Despite being dubbed as next-generation vesicles since their inception nearly three decades ago, polymersomes have yet to experience translation into the clinical or industrial settings. This is due to a lack of reliable methods to upscale production without compromising control over polymersome properties. Herein we report a continuous flow methodology capable of producing near-monodisperse polymersomes at scale (≥3 g/h) with the possibility of performing downstream polymersome manipulation. Unlike conventional polymersomes, our polymersomes exhibit metastability under ambient conditions, persisting for a lifetime of ca. 7 days, during which polymersome growth occurs until a dynamic equilibrium state is reached. We demonstrate how this metastable state is key to the implementation of downstream processes to manipulate polymersome size and/or shape in the same continuous stream. The methodology operates in a plug-and-play fashion and is applicable to various block copolymers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin Ken Wong
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
| | - Rebecca Y Lai
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Martina H Stenzel
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
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9
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Sun H, Gao Y, Fan Y, Du J, Jiang J, Gao C. Polymeric Bowl-Shaped Nanoparticles: Hollow Structures with a Large Opening on the Surface. Macromol Rapid Commun 2023; 44:e2300196. [PMID: 37246639 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202300196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Polymeric bowl-shaped nanoparticles (BNPs) are anisotropic hollow structures with large openings on the surface, which have shown advantages such as high specific area and efficient encapsulation, delivery and release of large-sized cargoes on demand compared to solid nanoparticles or closed hollow structures. Several strategies have been developed to prepare BNPs based on either template or template-free methods. For instance, despite the widely used self-assembly strategy, alternative methods including emulsion polymerization, swelling and freeze-drying of polymeric spheres, and template-assisted approaches have also been developed. It is attractive but still challenging to fabricate BNPs due to their unique structural features. However, there is still no comprehensive summary of BNPs up to now, which significantly hinders the further development of this field. In this review, the recent progress of BNPs will be highlighted from the perspectives of design strategies, preparation methods, formation mechanisms, and emerging applications. Moreover, the future perspectives of BNPs will also be proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Sun
- State Key Laboratory of High-efficiency Coal Utilization and Green Chemical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China
| | - Yaning Gao
- State Key Laboratory of High-efficiency Coal Utilization and Green Chemical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China
| | - Yirong Fan
- State Key Laboratory of High-efficiency Coal Utilization and Green Chemical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China
| | - Jianzhong Du
- Department of Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 4800 Caoan Road, Shanghai, 201804, China
| | - Jinhui Jiang
- Department of Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 4800 Caoan Road, Shanghai, 201804, China
| | - Chenchen Gao
- State Key Laboratory of High-efficiency Coal Utilization and Green Chemical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China
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10
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Zhu Y, Cao S, Huo M, van Hest JCM, Che H. Recent advances in permeable polymersomes: fabrication, responsiveness, and applications. Chem Sci 2023; 14:7411-7437. [PMID: 37449076 PMCID: PMC10337762 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc01707a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Polymersomes are vesicular nanostructures enclosed by a bilayer-membrane self-assembled from amphiphilic block copolymers, which exhibit higher stability compared with their biological analogues (e.g. liposomes). Due to their versatility, polymersomes have found various applications in different research fields such as drug delivery, nanomedicine, biological nanoreactors, and artificial cells. However, polymersomes prepared with high molecular weight components typically display low permeability to molecules and ions. It hence remains a major challenge to balance the opposing features of robustness and permeability of polymersomes. In this review, we focus on the design and strategies for fabricating permeable polymersomes, including polymersomes with intrinsic permeability, the formation of nanopores in the membrane bilayers by protein insertion, and the construction of stimuli-responsive polymersomes. Then, we highlight the applications of permeable polymersomes in the fields of biomimetic nanoreactors, artificial cells and organelles, and nanomedicine, to underline the challenges in the development of polymersomes as soft matter with biomedical utilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Zhu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineerin, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
| | - Shoupeng Cao
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research Mainz 55128 Germany
| | - Meng Huo
- Department of Chemistry, Key Laboratory of Surface & Interface Science of Polymer Materials of Zhejiang, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University Hangzhou 310018 China
| | - Jan C M van Hest
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology Eindhoven 5600 MB The Netherlands
| | - Hailong Che
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Environmental and Chemical Engineerin, Shanghai University Shanghai 200444 China
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11
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Sun J, Kleuskens S, Luan J, Wang D, Zhang S, Li W, Uysal G, Wilson DA. Morphogenesis of starfish polymersomes. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3612. [PMID: 37330564 PMCID: PMC10276845 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39305-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The enhanced membrane stability and chemical versatility of polymeric vesicles have made them promising tools in micro/nanoreactors, drug delivery, cell mimicking, etc. However, shape control over polymersomes remains a challenge and has restricted their full potential. Here we show that local curvature formation on the polymeric membrane can be controlled by applying poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) as a responsive hydrophobic unit, while adding salt ions to modulate the properties of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and its interaction with the polymeric membrane. Polymersomes with multiple arms are fabricated, and the number of arms could be tuned by salt concentration. Furthermore, the salt ions are shown to have a thermodynamic effect on the insertion of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) into the polymeric membrane. This controlled shape transformation can provide evidence for studying the role of salt ions in curvature formation on polymeric membranes and biomembranes. Moreover, potential stimuli-responsive non-spherical polymersomes can be good candidates for various applications, especially in nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Sun
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Sandra Kleuskens
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jiabin Luan
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Danni Wang
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Shaohua Zhang
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Wei Li
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Gizem Uysal
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Daniela A Wilson
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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12
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Bian J, Gobalasingham N, Purchel A, Lin J. The Power of Field-Flow Fractionation in Characterization of Nanoparticles in Drug Delivery. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28104169. [PMID: 37241911 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28104169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Asymmetric-flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) is a gentle, flexible, and powerful separation technique that is widely utilized for fractionating nanometer-sized analytes, which extend to many emerging nanocarriers for drug delivery, including lipid-, virus-, and polymer-based nanoparticles. To ascertain quality attributes and suitability of these nanostructures as drug delivery systems, including particle size distributions, shape, morphology, composition, and stability, it is imperative that comprehensive analytical tools be used to characterize the native properties of these nanoparticles. The capacity for AF4 to be readily coupled to multiple online detectors (MD-AF4) or non-destructively fractionated and analyzed offline make this technique broadly compatible with a multitude of characterization strategies, which can provide insight on size, mass, shape, dispersity, and many other critical quality attributes. This review will critically investigate MD-AF4 reports for characterizing nanoparticles in drug delivery, especially those reported in the last 10-15 years that characterize multiple attributes simultaneously downstream from fractionation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Bian
- Genentech Research and Early Development, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Nemal Gobalasingham
- Wyatt Technology Corporation, 6330 Hollister Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93117, USA
| | - Anatolii Purchel
- Wyatt Technology Corporation, 6330 Hollister Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93117, USA
| | - Jessica Lin
- Genentech Research and Early Development, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
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13
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Zhang X, Chen G, Zheng B, Wan Z, Liu L, Zhu L, Xie Y, Tong Z. Uniform Two-Dimensional Crystalline Platelets with Tailored Compositions for pH Stimulus-Responsive Drug Release. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:1032-1041. [PMID: 36700709 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c01481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Two-dimensional, size-tunable, water-dispersible particle micelles with spatially defined chemistries can be obtained by using "living" crystallization-driven self-assembly (CDSA) approach. Nevertheless, a major obstacle of crystalline particles in drug delivery application is the difficulty in accessing to cargo within crystalline cores. In the present work, we design four different types of biocompatible two-dimensional platelets with a crystalline poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) core, a hydrophobic poly(4-vinylprydine) (P4VP) segment, and a water dispersible poly(N,N-dimethyl acrylamide) (PDMA) block in ethanol by seeded growth method. Transferring those uniform platelets with tailored compositions to an aqueous solution in the presence of a hydrophobic drug leads to efficient encapsulation of the cargo in the P4VP segments via hydrophobic interactions. These drug-loaded platelets exhibit pH-responsive release behavior in aqueous media due to the protonated-deprotonated process of P4VP blocks in acidic and neutral solutions. This work provides initial insight into biocompatible PCL platelets with low dispersity and precise chemistry control in stimulus-responsive drug delivery fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering and Institute of Smart Biomedical Materials, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Guanhao Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering and Institute of Smart Biomedical Materials, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Bowen Zheng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering and Institute of Smart Biomedical Materials, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Zhengwei Wan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering and Institute of Smart Biomedical Materials, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Liping Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering and Institute of Smart Biomedical Materials, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Lingyuan Zhu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering and Institute of Smart Biomedical Materials, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
| | - Yujie Xie
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Zaizai Tong
- School of Materials Science and Engineering and Institute of Smart Biomedical Materials, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou 310018, China
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14
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Gouveia MG, Wesseler JP, Ramaekers J, Weder C, Scholten PBV, Bruns N. Polymersome-based protein drug delivery - quo vadis? Chem Soc Rev 2023; 52:728-778. [PMID: 36537575 PMCID: PMC9890519 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00106c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Protein-based therapeutics are an attractive alternative to established therapeutic approaches and represent one of the fastest growing families of drugs. While many of these proteins can be delivered using established formulations, the intrinsic sensitivity of proteins to denaturation sometimes calls for a protective carrier to allow administration. Historically, lipid-based self-assembled structures, notably liposomes, have performed this function. After the discovery of polymersome-based targeted drug-delivery systems, which offer manifold advantages over lipid-based structures, the scientific community expected that such systems would take the therapeutic world by storm. However, no polymersome formulations have been commercialised. In this review article, we discuss key obstacles for the sluggish translation of polymersome-based protein nanocarriers into approved pharmaceuticals, which include limitations imparted by the use of non-degradable polymers, the intricacies of polymersome production methods, and the complexity of the in vivo journey of polymersomes across various biological barriers. Considering this complex subject from a polymer chemist's point of view, we highlight key areas that are worthy to explore in order to advance polymersomes to a level at which clinical trials become worthwhile and translation into pharmaceutical and nanomedical applications is realistic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micael G Gouveia
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Thomas Graham Building, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, UK
| | - Justus P Wesseler
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Thomas Graham Building, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, UK
| | - Jobbe Ramaekers
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Thomas Graham Building, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, UK
| | - Christoph Weder
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.
| | - Philip B V Scholten
- Adolphe Merkle Institute, Chemin des Verdiers 4, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.
| | - Nico Bruns
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Thomas Graham Building, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, UK
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Straße 4, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany.
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15
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Quintieri G, Schlattmann D, Schönhoff M, Gröschel AH. Fabrication of diverse multicompartment micelles by redispersion of triblock terpolymer bulk morphologies. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:12658-12667. [PMID: 36018306 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr03874a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Redispersing block copolymer (BCP) bulk films in selective solvents is a simple and efficient method to prepare BCP micelles and polymersomes. While ABC triblock terpolymers are known to form multicompartment micelles (MCMs) with intricate nanoarchitecture, this is typically done by solvent exchange instead of redispersion of bulk films despite obvious advantages of greatly reduced solvent usage. Here, we provide guidelines on how to form MCMs with defined shapes and inner structure through direct redispersion of terpolymer bulk morphologies in selective plasticizing solvents. For this purpose, we redisperse a series of polystyrene-b-polybutadiene-b-poly(tert-butyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PB-b-PT) triblock terpolymers in acetone/isopropanol mixtures, where PT is always soluble, PB always insoluble, and PS will range from soft (high acetone content) to kinetically frozen (high isopropanol content). We investigate the effect of solvent mixtures, block composition, and thermal annealing on MCM shape and core morphology. Additionally, we performed terpolymer blend experiments to open up a simple route to further diversify the range of accessible MCM morphologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Quintieri
- Physical Chemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstr. 28-30, 48149 Münster, Germany.
- Center for Soft Nanoscience (SoN), University of Münster, Busso-Peus-Str. 10, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Daniel Schlattmann
- Physical Chemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstr. 28-30, 48149 Münster, Germany.
- Center for Soft Nanoscience (SoN), University of Münster, Busso-Peus-Str. 10, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Monika Schönhoff
- Physical Chemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstr. 28-30, 48149 Münster, Germany.
- Center for Soft Nanoscience (SoN), University of Münster, Busso-Peus-Str. 10, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - André H Gröschel
- Physical Chemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstr. 28-30, 48149 Münster, Germany.
- Center for Soft Nanoscience (SoN), University of Münster, Busso-Peus-Str. 10, 48149 Münster, Germany
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16
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Baghbanbashi M, Yong HW, Zhang I, Lotocki V, Yuan Z, Pazuki G, Maysinger D, Kakkar A. Stimuli-Responsive Miktoarm Polymer-Based Formulations for Fisetin Delivery and Regulatory Effects in Hyperactive Human Microglia. Macromol Biosci 2022; 22:e2200174. [PMID: 35817026 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202200174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Branched star polymers offer exciting opportunities in enhancing the efficacy of nanocarriers in delivering biologically active lipophilic agents. We demonstrate that the star polymeric architecture can be leveraged to yield soft nanoparticles of vesicular morphology with precisely located stimuli-sensitive chemical entities. Amphiphilic stars of AB2 (A = PEG, B = PCL) composition with/without oxidative stress or reduction responsive units at the core junction of A and B arms, are constructed using synthetic articulation. Fisetin, a natural flavonoid with remarkable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but of limited clinical value due to its poor aqueous solubility, was physically encapsulated into miktoarm star-derived aqueous polymersomes. We evaluated polymersomes and fisetin separately, and in combination, in human microglia (HMC3), to show if (i) polymersomes are toxic; (ii) fisetin reduces the abundance of reactive oxygen species (ROS); and (iii) fisetin modulates the activation of ERK1/2. These signaling molecules and pathways are implicated in inflammatory processes and cell survival. Fisetin, both incorporated and non-incorporated into polymersomes, reduced ROS and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in lipopolysaccharide-treated human microglia, normalizing excessive oxidative stress and ERK-mediated signaling. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojhdeh Baghbanbashi
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. West, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 0B8, Canada.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Hafez Avenue, Tehran, 1591634311, Iran
| | - Hui Wen Yong
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. West, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Issan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, 3655 Promenade Sir-William-Osler, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Victor Lotocki
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. West, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 0B8, Canada
| | - Zhuoer Yuan
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, 3655 Promenade Sir-William-Osler, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Gholamreza Pazuki
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Hafez Avenue, Tehran, 1591634311, Iran
| | - Dusica Maysinger
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, 3655 Promenade Sir-William-Osler, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Ashok Kakkar
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. West, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 0B8, Canada
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17
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Houston JE, Fruhner L, de la Cotte A, Rojo González J, Petrunin AV, Gasser U, Schweins R, Allgaier J, Richtering W, Fernandez-Nieves A, Scotti A. Resolving the different bulk moduli within individual soft nanogels using small-angle neutron scattering. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn6129. [PMID: 35776796 PMCID: PMC10883365 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn6129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The bulk modulus, K, quantifies the elastic response of an object to an isotropic compression. For soft compressible colloids, knowing K is essential to accurately predict the suspension response to crowding. Most colloids have complex architectures characterized by different softness, which additionally depends on compression. Here, we determine the different values of K for the various morphological parts of individual nanogels and probe the changes of K with compression. Our method uses a partially deuterated polymer, which exerts the required isotropic stress, and small-angle neutron scattering with contrast matching to determine the form factor of the particles without any scattering contribution from the polymer. We show a clear difference in softness, compressibility, and evolution of K between the shell of the nanogel and the rest of the particle, depending on the amount of cross-linker used in their synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lisa Fruhner
- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH Jülich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS-1) and Institute for Biological Information Processing (IBI-8), 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Alexis de la Cotte
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Rojo González
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Urs Gasser
- Laboratory for Neutron Scattering and Imaging, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland
| | - Ralf Schweins
- Institut Laue-Langevin ILL DS/LSS, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, F-38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Jürgen Allgaier
- Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH Jülich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS-1) and Institute for Biological Information Processing (IBI-8), 52425 Jülich, Germany
| | - Walter Richtering
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, 52056 Aachen, Germany
- JARA-SOFT, 52056 Aachen, Germany
| | - Alberto Fernandez-Nieves
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
- ICREA-Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avancats, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrea Scotti
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University, 52056 Aachen, Germany
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18
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Taffetani M, Walker MG. Axisymmetric ridges and circumferential buckling of indented shells of revolution. Phys Rev E 2022; 105:065003. [PMID: 35854603 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.105.065003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
When poking a thin shell-like structure, like a plastic water bottle, experience shows that an initial axisymmetric dimple forms around the indentation point. The ridge of this dimple, with increasing indentation, eventually buckles into a polygonal shape. The polygon order generally continues to increase with further indentation. In the case of spherical shells, both the underlying axisymmetric deformation and the buckling evolution have been studied in detail. However, little is known about the behavior of general geometries. In this work we describe the geometrical and mechanical features of the axisymmetric ridge that forms in indented general shells of revolution with non-negative Gaussian curvature and the conditions for circumferential buckling of this ridge. We show that under the assumption of "mirror buckling," a single unified description of this ridge can be written if the problem is nondimensionalized using the local slope of the undeformed shell midprofile at the ridge radial location. However, in dimensional form the ridge properties evolve in quite different ways for different midprofiles. Focusing on the indentation of shallow shells of revolution with constant Gaussian curvature, we use our theoretical framework to study the properties of the ridge at the circumferential buckling threshold and evaluate the validity of the mirror buckling assumption against a linear stability analysis on the shallow shell equations, showing very good agreement. Our results highlight that circumferential buckling in indented thin shells is controlled by a complex interplay between the geometry and the stress state in the ridge. The results of our study will provide greater insight into the mechanics of thin shells. This could enable indentation to be used as a means to measure the mechanical properties of a wide range of shell geometries or used to design shells with specific mechanical behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Taffetani
- Department of Engineering Mathematics, University of Bristol, Ada Lovelace Building, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TW, England
| | - M G Walker
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH, England
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19
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Zhang J, Jiang J, Lin S, Cornel EJ, Li C, Du J. Polymersomes: from macromolecular self‐assembly to particle assembly. CHINESE J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/cjoc.202200182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jiamin Zhang
- Department of Polymeric Materials School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University 4800 Caoan Road Shanghai 201804 China
| | - Jinhui Jiang
- Department of Polymeric Materials School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University 4800 Caoan Road Shanghai 201804 China
| | - Sha Lin
- Department of Polymeric Materials School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University 4800 Caoan Road Shanghai 201804 China
| | - Erik Jan Cornel
- Department of Polymeric Materials School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University 4800 Caoan Road Shanghai 201804 China
| | - Chang Li
- Department of Polymeric Materials School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University 4800 Caoan Road Shanghai 201804 China
| | - Jianzhong Du
- Department of Polymeric Materials School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University 4800 Caoan Road Shanghai 201804 China
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine Tongji University Shanghai 200434 China
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20
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Baghbanbashi M, Kakkar A. Polymersomes: Soft Nanoparticles from Miktoarm Stars for Applications in Drug Delivery. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:1687-1703. [PMID: 35157463 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.1c00928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembly of amphiphilic macromolecules has provided an advantageous platform to address significant issues in a variety of areas, including biology. Such soft nanoparticles with a hydrophobic core and hydrophilic corona, referred to as micelles, have been extensively investigated for delivering lipophilic therapeutics by physical encapsulation. Polymeric vesicles or polymersomes with similarities in morphology to liposomes continue to play an essential role in understanding the behavior of cell membranes and, in addition, have offered opportunities in designing smart nanoformulations. With the evolution in synthetic methodologies to macromolecular precursors, the construction of such assemblies can now be modulated to tailor their properties to match desired needs. This review brings into focus the current state-of-the-art in the design of polymersomes using amphiphilic miktoarm star polymers through a detailed analysis of the synthesis of miktoarm star polymers with tuned lengths of varied polymeric arms, their self-assembly, and applications in drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mojhdeh Baghbanbashi
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. West, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B8, Canada.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran 1591634311, Iran
| | - Ashok Kakkar
- Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke St. West, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0B8, Canada
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21
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Wachlmayr J, Hannesschlaeger C, Speletz A, Barta T, Eckerstorfer A, Siligan C, Horner A. Scattering versus fluorescence self-quenching: more than a question of faith for the quantification of water flux in large unilamellar vesicles? NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2021; 4:58-76. [PMID: 35028506 PMCID: PMC8691418 DOI: 10.1039/d1na00577d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The endeavors to understand the determinants of water permeation through membrane channels, the effect of the lipid or polymer membrane on channel function, the development of specific water flow inhibitors, the design of artificial water channels and aquaporins for the use in industrial water filtration applications all rely on accurate ways to quantify water permeabilities (P f). A commonly used method is to reconstitute membrane channels into large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) and to subject these vesicles to an osmotic gradient in a stopped-flow device. Fast recordings of either scattered light intensity or fluorescence self-quenching signals are taken as a readout for vesicle volume change, which in turn can be recalculated to accurate P f values. By means of computational and experimental data, we discuss the pros and cons of using scattering versus self-quenching experiments or subjecting vesicles to hypo- or hyperosmotic conditions. In addition, we explicate for the first time the influence of the LUVs size distribution, channel distribution between vesicles and remaining detergent after protein reconstitution on P f values. We point out that results such as the single channel water permeability (p f) depend on the membrane matrix or on the direction of the applied osmotic gradient may be direct results of the measurement and analysis procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johann Wachlmayr
- Institute of Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz Gruberstr. 40 4020 Linz Austria
| | | | - Armin Speletz
- Institute of Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz Gruberstr. 40 4020 Linz Austria
| | - Thomas Barta
- Institute of Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz Gruberstr. 40 4020 Linz Austria
| | - Anna Eckerstorfer
- Institute of Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz Gruberstr. 40 4020 Linz Austria
| | - Christine Siligan
- Institute of Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz Gruberstr. 40 4020 Linz Austria
| | - Andreas Horner
- Institute of Biophysics, Johannes Kepler University Linz Gruberstr. 40 4020 Linz Austria
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22
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Cao S, Wu H, Pijpers IAB, Shao J, Abdelmohsen LKEA, Williams DS, van Hest JCM. Cucurbit-Like Polymersomes with Aggregation-Induced Emission Properties Show Enzyme-Mediated Motility. ACS NANO 2021; 15:18270-18278. [PMID: 34668368 PMCID: PMC8613902 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c07343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Polymersomes that incorporate aggregation-induced emission (AIE) moieties are attractive inherently fluorescent nanoparticles with biomedical application potential for cell/tissue imaging and tracking, as well as phototherapeutics. An intriguing feature that has not been explored yet is their ability to adopt a range of asymmetric morphologies. Structural asymmetry allows nanoparticles to be exploited as active (motile) systems. Here, we present the design and preparation of AIE fluorophore integrated (AIEgenic) cucurbit-shaped polymersome nanomotors with enzyme-powered motility. The cucurbit scaffold was constructed via morphology engineering of biodegradable fluorescent AIE-polymersomes, followed by functionalization with enzymatic machinery via a layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly process. Because of the enzyme-mediated decomposition of chemical fuel on the cucurbit-like nanomotor surface, enhanced directed motion was attained, when compared with the spherical counterparts. These cucurbit-shaped biodegradable AIE-nanomotors provide a promising platform for the development of active delivery systems with potential for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoupeng Cao
- Bio-Organic
Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Hanglong Wu
- Bio-Organic
Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Imke A. B. Pijpers
- Bio-Organic
Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jingxin Shao
- Bio-Organic
Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Loai K. E. A. Abdelmohsen
- Bio-Organic
Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - David S. Williams
- School
of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University
of Bristol, University
Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, U.K.
| | - Jan C. M. van Hest
- Bio-Organic
Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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23
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Interplay of distributions of multiple guest molecules in block copolymer micelles: A dissipative particle dynamics study. J Colloid Interface Sci 2021; 607:1142-1152. [PMID: 34571301 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2021.09.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
HYPOTHESIS Delivery of multiple payloads using the same micelle is of significance to achieve multifunctional or synergistic effects. The interacting distribution of different payloads in micelles is expected to influence the loading stability and capacity. It is highly desirable to explore how intermolecular interactions affect the joint distribution of multi-payloads. EXPERIMENTS Dissipative Particle Dynamics simulations were performed to probe the loading of three payloads: decane with a linear carbon chain, butylbenzene with an aromatic ring connected to carbon chain, and naphthalene with double aromatic rings, within poly(β-amino ester)-b-poly(ethylene glycol) micelles. Properties of core-shell micelles, e.g., morphological evolution, radial density distribution, mean square displacement, and contact statistics, were analyzed to reveal payloads loading stability and capacity. Explorations were extended to vesicular, multi-compartment, double helix, and layer-by-layer micelles with more complex inner structures. FINDINGS Different payloads have their own preferred locations. Decane locates at the hydrophilic/hydrophobic interface, butylbenzene occupies both the hydrophilic/hydrophobic interface and the hydrophobic core, while naphthalene enters the hydrophobic core. More efficient delivery of multi-payloads is achieved since the competition of payloads occupying preferred locations is minimized. The fusion of micelles encapsulating different payloads suggests that specific payloads will move to their preferred positions without interfering other payloads.
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24
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Ren K, Blosser MC, Malmstadt N. Light-Triggered Unique Shape Transformation of Giant Polymersomes with Tubular Protrusions. Macromol Rapid Commun 2021; 42:e2100474. [PMID: 34553805 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202100474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Light-triggered unique shape transformation of calcein-loaded giant polymersomes with tubular protrusions, which serve as a reservoir membrane area during the shape transformation, is reported here. Under irradiation at the excitation wavelength of calcein, the tubular protrusions form strings of budded vesicles and then reintegrate into the mother vesicle. The initial giant polymersomes transform to two connected spherical vesicles via two pathways to alleviate the osmotic pressure imbalance across the vesicle membrane. The two connected spherical vesicles further transform to a mother vesicle with an inner daughter vesicle after switching off the light to relieve the bending energy. The finding provides a promising platform to mimic cell morphology changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaixuan Ren
- Department of Polymer Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China.,Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, 925 Bloom Walk, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-1211, USA
| | - Matthew C Blosser
- Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, 925 Bloom Walk, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-1211, USA
| | - Noah Malmstadt
- Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, 925 Bloom Walk, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-1211, USA.,Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, 840 Downey Way, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-0744, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, 3650 McClintock Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90089-1111, USA
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25
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Ganda S, Wong CK, Stenzel MH. Corona-Loading Strategies for Crystalline Particles Made by Living Crystallization-Driven Self-Assembly. Macromolecules 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.1c00643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia Ganda
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Chin Ken Wong
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Martina H. Stenzel
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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26
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Somuncuoğlu B, Lee YL, Constantinou AP, Poussin DL, Georgiou TK. Ethyl methacrylate diblock copolymers as polymeric surfactants: Effect of molar mass and composition. Eur Polym J 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2021.110537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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27
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Ferulic Acid-Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles for Potential Ocular Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13050687. [PMID: 34064572 PMCID: PMC8150711 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13050687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ferulic acid (FA) is an antioxidant compound that can prevent ROS-related diseases, but due to its poor solubility, therapeutic efficacy is limited. One strategy to improve the bioavailability is nanomedicine. In the following study, FA delivery through polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) consisting of polylactic acid (NPA) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (NPB) is proposed. To verify the absence of cytotoxicity of blank carriers, a preliminary in vitro assay was performed on retinal pericytes and endothelial cells. FA-loaded NPs were subjected to purification studies and the physico-hemical properties were analyzed by photon correlation spectroscopy. Encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release studies were assessed through high performance liquid chromatography. To maintain the integrity of the systems, nanoformulations were cryoprotected and freeze-dried. Morphology was evaluated by a scanning electron microscope. Physico-chemical stability of resuspended nanosystems was monitored during 28 days of storage at 5 °C. Thermal analysis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were performed to characterize drug state in the systems. Results showed homogeneous particle populations, a suitable mean size for ocular delivery, drug loading ranging from 64.86 to 75.16%, and a controlled release profile. The obtained systems could be promising carriers for ocular drug delivery, legitimating further studies on FA-loaded NPs to confirm efficacy and safety in vitro.
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28
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Perera RM, Gupta S, Li T, Bleuel M, Hong K, Schneider GJ. Influence of NaCl on shape deformation of polymersomes. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:4452-4463. [PMID: 33908443 DOI: 10.1039/d0sm02271c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Polymersomes frequently appear in the literature as promising candidates for a wide range of applications from targeted drug delivery to nanoreactors. From a cell mimetic point of view, it is important to understand the size and shape changes of the vesicles in the physiological environment since that can influence the drug delivery mechanism. In this work we studied the structural features of polymersomes consisting of poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(dimethylsiloxane)-poly(ethylene glycol) at the nanoscopic length scale in the presence of NaCl, which is a very common molecule in the biotic aqueous environment. We used dynamic light scattering (DLS), cryo-TEM, small angle neutron scattering (SANS) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). We observed transformation of polymersomes from spherical to elongated vesicles at low salt concentration and into multivesicular structures at high salt concentration. Model fitting analysis of SANS data indicated a reduction of vesicle radius up to 47% and from the SAXS data we observed an increase in membrane thickness up to 8% and an increase of the PDMS hydrophobic segment up to 11% indicating stretching of the membrane due to osmotic imbalance. Also, from the increase in the interlamellar repeat distance up to 98% under high salt concentrations, we concluded that the shape and structural changes observed in the polymersomes are a combined result of osmotic pressure change and ion-membrane interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasangi M Perera
- Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA.
| | - Sudipta Gupta
- Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA.
| | - Tianyu Li
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Markus Bleuel
- NIST Center for Neutron Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8562, USA and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742-2115, USA
| | - Kunlun Hong
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA and Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA
| | - Gerald J Schneider
- Department of Chemistry, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA. and Department of Physics & Astronomy, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA.
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29
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Bhushan V, Heitz MP, Baker GA, Pandey S. Ionic Liquid-Controlled Shape Transformation of Spherical to Nonspherical Polymersomes via Hierarchical Self-Assembly of a Diblock Copolymer. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2021; 37:5081-5088. [PMID: 33845575 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c00821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Here, we report the self-assembly of poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether-block-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PEG-b-PCL) copolymer in three ionic liquids (ILs) possessing different cations with common bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anion. The observed polymeric nanostructures in ILs were directly visualized by room temperature conventional transmission and field emission scanning electron microscopy and were further examined for their size and shape by dynamic light scattering technique. The results show that through changes in the concentration of PEG-b-PCL and/or changing the solvent by using a different IL, we can effectively induce shape transformation of self-assembled PEG-b-PCL nanostructures in order to generate nonspherical polymersomes, such as worm-like aggregates, stomatocytes, nanotubes, large hexagonal and tubular-shaped polymersomes. These findings provide a promising platform for the design of biodegradable soft dynamic systems in the micro-/nano-motor field for cancer-targeted delivery, diagnosis and imaging-guided therapy, and controlled release of therapeutic drugs for treatment of many diseases. Non-spherical polymersome-based vaccines may be taken up more efficiently, especially against viruses for pulmonary drug delivery than the spherical polymersomes-based.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidiksha Bhushan
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Mark P Heitz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, State University of New York at Brockport, Brockport, New York, New York 14420, United States
| | - Gary A Baker
- Department of Chemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211, United States
| | - Siddharth Pandey
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
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30
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Sun J, Rijpkema SJ, Luan J, Zhang S, Wilson DA. Generating biomembrane-like local curvature in polymersomes via dynamic polymer insertion. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2235. [PMID: 33854061 PMCID: PMC8046815 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22563-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Biomembrane curvature formation has long been observed to be essential in the change of membrane morphology and intracellular processes. The significant importance of curvature formation has attracted scientists from different backgrounds to study it. Although magnificent progress has been achieved using liposome models, the instability of these models restrict further exploration. Here, we report a new approach to mimic biomembrane curvature formation using polymersomes as a model, and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) to induce the local curvature based on its co-nonsolvency phenomenon. Curvatures form when poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) becomes hydrophobic and inserts into the membrane through solvent addition. The insertion area can be fine-tuned by adjusting the poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) concentration, accompanied by the formation of new polymersome-based non-axisymmetric shapes. Moreover, a systematic view of curvature formation is provided through investigation of the segregation, local distribution and dissociation of inserted poly(N-isopropylacrylamide). This strategy successfully mimicks biomembrane curvature formation in polymersomes and a detailed observation of the insertion can be beneficial for a further understanding of the curvature formation process. Furthermore, polymer insertion induced shape changing could open up new routes for the design of non-axisymmetric nanocarriers and nanomachines to enrich the boundless possibilities of nanotechnology. Investigating biomembrane curvature formation is important for studying intracellular processes, but the instability of liposome models mimicking these membranes restricts exploration of membrane processes. Here, the authors demonstrate control over the curvature formation in polymersome membranes by insertion of PNIPAm as stimuli responsive polymer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Sun
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd J Rijpkema
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jiabin Luan
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Shaohua Zhang
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Daniela A Wilson
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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31
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Górecki R, Antenucci F, Norinkevicius K, Elmstrøm Christiansen L, Myers ST, Trzaskuś K, Hélix-Nielsen C. Effect of Detergents on Morphology, Size Distribution, and Concentration of Copolymer-Based Polymersomes. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2021; 37:2079-2090. [PMID: 33534599 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.0c03044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Polymersomes made of amphiphilic diblock copolymers are generally regarded as having higher physical and chemical stability than liposomes composed of phospholipids. This enhanced stability arises from the higher molecular weight of polymer constituents. Despite their increased stability, polymer bilayers are solubilized by detergents in a similar manner to lipid bilayers. In this work, we evaluated the stability of poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(ε-caprolactone) (PEG-PCL)-based polymersomes exposed to three different detergents: N-octyl-β-d-glucopyranoside (OG), lauryldimethylamine N-oxide (LDAO), and Triton X-100 (TX-100). Changes in morphology, particle size distribution, and concentrations of the polymersomes were evaluated during the titration of the detergents into the polymersome solutions. Furthermore, we discussed the effect of detergent features on the solubilization of the polymeric bilayer and compared it to the results reported in the literature for liposomes and polymersomes. This information can be used for tuning the properties of PEG-PCL polymersomes for use in applications such as drug delivery or protein reconstitution studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radosław Górecki
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet 115, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Aquaporin A/S, Nymøllevej 78, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Fabio Antenucci
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Dyrlægevej 88, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Karolis Norinkevicius
- Aquaporin A/S, Nymøllevej 78, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads 228A, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | | | | | | | - Claus Hélix-Nielsen
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet 115, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
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32
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Wang WL, Jin RH. Synthesis and self-assembly of amphiphilic comb-copolymers possessing polyethyleneimine and its derivatives: Site-selective formation of loop-cluster covered vesicles and flower micelles. POLYMER 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2020.123289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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33
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Li L, Li Y, Wang S, Ye L, Zhang W, Zhou N, Zhang Z, Zhu X. Morphological modulation of azobenzene-containing tubular polymersomes. Polym Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d1py00099c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Several external factors influencing the formation and morphologic transition of tubular vesicles were carefully investigated, including the initial polymer concentration, solvent, temperature, water adding rate, and light irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lishan Li
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application
- College of Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering and Materials Science
- Soochow University
| | - Yiwen Li
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu
- P. R. China
| | - Shuyuan Wang
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application
- College of Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering and Materials Science
- Soochow University
| | - Liandong Ye
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application
- College of Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering and Materials Science
- Soochow University
| | - Wei Zhang
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application
- College of Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering and Materials Science
- Soochow University
| | - Nianchen Zhou
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application
- College of Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering and Materials Science
- Soochow University
| | - Zhengbiao Zhang
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application
- College of Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering and Materials Science
- Soochow University
| | - Xiulin Zhu
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application
- College of Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering and Materials Science
- Soochow University
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34
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Pan X, Mei S, Lu Y, Yuan J. Synthetic advances of internally nanostructured polymer particles: From and beyond block copolymer. NANO SELECT 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/nano.202000110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xuefeng Pan
- Department for Electrochemical Energy Storage Helmholtz‐Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie Hahn‐Meitner‐Platz 1 Berlin 14109 Germany
| | - Shilin Mei
- Department for Electrochemical Energy Storage Helmholtz‐Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie Hahn‐Meitner‐Platz 1 Berlin 14109 Germany
| | - Yan Lu
- Department for Electrochemical Energy Storage Helmholtz‐Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie Hahn‐Meitner‐Platz 1 Berlin 14109 Germany
- Institute of Chemistry University of Potsdam Potsdam 14476 Germany
| | - Jiayin Yuan
- Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry Stockholm University Stockholm 10691 Sweden
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35
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36
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Brodszkij E, Westensee IN, Bertelsen M, Gal N, Boesen T, Städler B. Polymer-Lipid Hybrid Vesicles and Their Interaction with HepG2 Cells. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2020; 16:e1906493. [PMID: 32468702 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201906493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Polymer-lipid hybrid vesicles are an emerging type of nano-assemblies that show potential as artificial organelles among others. Phospholipids and poly(cholesteryl methacrylate)-block-poly(methionine methacryloyloxyethyl ester (METMA)-random-2-carboxyethyl acrylate (CEA)) labeled with a Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) reporter pair are used for the assembly of small and giant hybrid vesicles with homogenous distribution of both building blocks in the membrane as confirmed by the FRET effect. These hybrid vesicles have no inherent cytotoxicity when incubated with HepG2 cells up to 1.1 × 1011 hybrid vesicles per mL, and they are internalized by the cells. In contrast to the fluorescent signal originating from the block copolymer, the fluorescent signal coming from the lipids is barely detectable in cells incubated with hybrid vesicles for 6 h followed by 24 h in cell media, suggesting that the two building blocks have a different intracellular fate. These findings provide important insight into the design criteria of artificial organelles with potential structural integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edit Brodszkij
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
| | - Isabella N Westensee
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
| | - Mathias Bertelsen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
| | - Noga Gal
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
| | - Thomas Boesen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
| | - Brigitte Städler
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
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37
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Tjandra KC, Forest CR, Wong CK, Alcantara S, Kelly HG, Ju Y, Stenzel MH, McCarroll JA, Kavallaris M, Caruso F, Kent SJ, Thordarson P. Modulating the Selectivity and Stealth Properties of Ellipsoidal Polymersomes through a Multivalent Peptide Ligand Display. Adv Healthc Mater 2020; 9:e2000261. [PMID: 32424998 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202000261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
There is a need for improved nanomaterials to simultaneously target cancer cells and avoid non-specific clearance by phagocytes. An ellipsoidal polymersome system is developed with a unique tunable size and shape property. These particles are functionalized with in-house phage-display cell-targeting peptide to target a medulloblastoma cell line in vitro. Particle association with medulloblastoma cells is modulated by tuning the peptide ligand density on the particles. These polymersomes has low levels of association with primary human blood phagocytes. The stealth properties of the polymersomes are further improved by including the peptide targeting moiety, an effect that is likely driven by the peptide protecting the particles from binding blood plasma proteins. Overall, this ellipsoidal polymersome system provides a promising platform to explore tumor cell targeting in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristel C. Tjandra
- School of ChemistryThe University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
- Australian Centre for NanomedicineThe University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio‐Nano Science and Technology Australia
| | - Chelsea R. Forest
- School of ChemistryThe University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
- Australian Centre for NanomedicineThe University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio‐Nano Science and Technology Australia
| | - Chin Ken Wong
- School of ChemistryThe University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
- Australian Centre for NanomedicineThe University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio‐Nano Science and Technology Australia
| | - Sheilajen Alcantara
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio‐Nano Science and Technology Australia
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyThe University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity Parkville VIC 3000 Australia
| | - Hannah G. Kelly
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio‐Nano Science and Technology Australia
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyThe University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity Parkville VIC 3000 Australia
| | - Yi Ju
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio‐Nano Science and Technology Australia
- Department of Chemical EngineeringThe University of Melbourne Parkville VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Martina H. Stenzel
- School of ChemistryThe University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
- School of ChemistryCentre for Advanced Macromolecular Design (CAMD)The University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Joshua A. McCarroll
- Australian Centre for NanomedicineThe University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio‐Nano Science and Technology Australia
- Translational Cancer Nanomedicine ThemeChildren's Cancer InstituteLowy Cancer Research CentreThe University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2031 Australia
- School of Women's and Children's HealthFaculty of MedicineThe University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Maria Kavallaris
- Australian Centre for NanomedicineThe University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio‐Nano Science and Technology Australia
- Translational Cancer Nanomedicine ThemeChildren's Cancer InstituteLowy Cancer Research CentreThe University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2031 Australia
- School of Women's and Children's HealthFaculty of MedicineThe University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Frank Caruso
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio‐Nano Science and Technology Australia
- Department of Chemical EngineeringThe University of Melbourne Parkville VIC 3010 Australia
| | - Stephen J. Kent
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio‐Nano Science and Technology Australia
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyThe University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity Parkville VIC 3000 Australia
| | - Pall Thordarson
- School of ChemistryThe University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
- Australian Centre for NanomedicineThe University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio‐Nano Science and Technology Australia
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38
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Li L, Cui S, Hu A, Zhang W, Li Y, Zhou N, Zhang Z, Zhu X. Smart azobenzene-containing tubular polymersomes: fabrication and multiple morphological tuning. Chem Commun (Camb) 2020; 56:6237-6240. [PMID: 32373820 DOI: 10.1039/d0cc01934h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
A fundamental challenge in nanomaterial science is to facilely fabricate nonspherical polymersomes. Here, several kinds of novel tubular polymersomes were fabricated via self-assembly of amphiphilic azobenzene-containing block copolymers. Besides, their shape could be tuned by multiple approaches including changes in the chemical structure, self-assembly conditions and external stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lishan Li
- State and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Novel Functional Polymeric Materials, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Design and Application, College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China.
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39
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Kim J, Kim KT. Polymersome-Based Modular Nanoreactors with Size-Selective Transmembrane Permeability. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:23502-23513. [PMID: 32320196 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c05637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Polymersome nanoreactors encapsulating the enzymes or particulate catalysts attract interest because of their potential use as modular reactors to synthesize complex compounds via a cascade of chemical reactions in a single batch. To achieve these goals, a key requirement is the tunable permeability of the polymersome membrane, which allows the size-selective transportation of reagents and products while protecting the encapsulated catalysts during the chemical reaction. We report here a stimuli-responsive route for controlling the permeability of the polymersomes of the binary blend of poly(ethylene glycol)-b-polystyrene (PEG-b-PS) and poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(acrylbenzylborate) (PEG-b-PABB). The presence of H2O2 (1 mM) in the medium (0.1 M PBS, pH 7.4) triggers the oxidation of benzyl borate pendants of PABB to form poly(acrylic acid) (PAA). This transformation results in the perforation of the compartmentalizing membrane of polymersomes by the dissolution of PEG-b-PAA domains embedded in the inert PEG-b-PS matrix. By controlling the composition of the stimuli-responsive block copolymer, the polymersomes of the binary blend exhibit size-selective permeability without losing the structural integrity. Release of fluorescent guests with different sizes (fluorescein, PEG2k-Cm, PEG5k-Rho) can be controlled by tuning the composition (PEG-b-PS/PEG-b-PABB = 100/0-80/20) of blended polymersomes. Selective permeability of the membrane provides protection of the encapsulated enzymes from external proteases present in the medium, resulting in the one-pot synthesis of small molecules via cascades of chemical reactions. The nanoparticular catalysts are also encapsulated within the permeable polymersomes, serving as modular reactors for the conversion of organic compounds via a cascade of reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyoung Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung Taek Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
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40
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Gröschel TI, Wong CK, Haataja JS, Dias MA, Gröschel AH. Direct Observation of Topological Defects in Striped Block Copolymer Discs and Polymersomes. ACS NANO 2020; 14:4829-4838. [PMID: 32243133 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c00718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Topology and defects are of fundamental importance for ordered structures on all length scales. Despite extensive research on block copolymer self-assembly in solution, knowledge about topological defects and their effect on nanostructure formation has remained limited. Here, we report on the self-assembly of block copolymer discs and polymersomes with a cylinder line pattern on the surface that develops specific combinations of topological defects to satisfy the Euler characteristics for closed spheres as described by Gauss-Bonnet theorem. The dimension of the line pattern allows the direct visualization of defect emergence, evolution, and annihilation. On discs, cylinders either form end-caps that coincide with λ+1/2 disclinations or they bend around τ+1/2 disclinations in 180° turns (hairpin loops). On polymersomes, two λ+1/2 defects connect into three-dimensional (3D) Archimedean spirals, while two τ+1/2 defects form 3D Fermat spirals. Electron tomography reveals two complementary line patterns on the inside and outside of the polymersome membrane, where λ+1/2 and τ+1/2 disclinations always eclipse on opposing sides ("defect communication"). Attractive defects are able to annihilate with each other into +1 disclinations and stabilize anisotropic polymersomes with sharp tips through screening of high-energy curvature. This study fosters our understanding of the behavior of topological defects in self-assembled polymer materials and aids in the design of polymersomes with preprogrammed shapes governed by synthetic block length and topological rules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina I Gröschel
- Center for Nanointegration (CENIDE), University of Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Duisburg, Germany
| | - Chin Ken Wong
- Physical Chemistry and Center for Soft Nanoscience (SoN), University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Johannes S Haataja
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, CB2 1EW Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Marcelo A Dias
- Department of Engineering, Aarhus University, Inge Lehmanns Gade 10, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Andre H Gröschel
- Center for Nanointegration (CENIDE), University of Duisburg-Essen, 47057 Duisburg, Germany
- Physical Chemistry and Center for Soft Nanoscience (SoN), University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
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41
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Iqbal S, Blenner M, Alexander-Bryant A, Larsen J. Polymersomes for Therapeutic Delivery of Protein and Nucleic Acid Macromolecules: From Design to Therapeutic Applications. Biomacromolecules 2020; 21:1327-1350. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.9b01754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shoaib Iqbal
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, United States
| | - Mark Blenner
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, United States
| | - Angela Alexander-Bryant
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, United States
| | - Jessica Larsen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634, United States
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42
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Yang YL, Tsao HK, Sheng YJ. Morphology and Wetting Stability of Nanofilms of ABC Miktoarm Star Terpolymers. Macromolecules 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.9b02621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ling Yang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan 106, R.O.C
| | - Heng-Kwong Tsao
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering and Department of Physics, National Central University, Jhongli, Taiwan 320, R.O.C
| | - Yu-Jane Sheng
- Department of Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan 106, R.O.C
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43
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Abstract
From drug delivery to nanoreactors and protocells, polymersomes have gained considerable interest from researchers due to their novel applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Lefley
- Department of Chemistry
- University of Warwick
- Coventry
- UK
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44
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Che H, de Windt LNJ, Zhu J, Pijpers IAB, Mason AF, Abdelmohsen LKEA, van Hest JCM. Pathway dependent shape-transformation of azide-decorated polymersomes. Chem Commun (Camb) 2020; 56:2127-2130. [DOI: 10.1039/c9cc08944f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Here we report the shape transformation of poly(ethylene glycol)–polystyrene (PEG–PS) polymersomes into ordered inverse morphologies, directed by the salt concentration of the medium and the presence of azide groups on the polymersome surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailong Che
- Eindhoven University of Technology
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems
- 5600MB Eindhoven
- The Netherlands
| | - Lafayette N. J. de Windt
- Eindhoven University of Technology
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems
- 5600MB Eindhoven
- The Netherlands
| | - Jianzhi Zhu
- Eindhoven University of Technology
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems
- 5600MB Eindhoven
- The Netherlands
| | - Imke A. B. Pijpers
- Eindhoven University of Technology
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems
- 5600MB Eindhoven
- The Netherlands
| | - Alexander F. Mason
- Eindhoven University of Technology
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems
- 5600MB Eindhoven
- The Netherlands
| | - Loai K. E. A. Abdelmohsen
- Eindhoven University of Technology
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems
- 5600MB Eindhoven
- The Netherlands
| | - Jan C. M. van Hest
- Eindhoven University of Technology
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems
- 5600MB Eindhoven
- The Netherlands
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45
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Varlas S, Keogh R, Xie Y, Horswell SL, Foster JC, O’Reilly RK. Polymerization-Induced Polymersome Fusion. J Am Chem Soc 2019; 141:20234-20248. [PMID: 31782652 PMCID: PMC6935865 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.9b10152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The dynamic interactions of membranes, particularly their fusion and fission, are critical for the transmission of chemical information between cells. Fusion is primarily driven by membrane tension built up through membrane deformation. For artificial polymersomes, fusion is commonly induced via the external application of a force field. Herein, fusion-promoted development of anisotropic tubular polymersomes (tubesomes) was achieved in the absence of an external force by exploiting the unique features of aqueous ring-opening metathesis polymerization-induced self-assembly (ROMPISA). The out-of-equilibrium tubesome morphology was found to arise spontaneously during polymerization, and the composition of each tubesome sample (purity and length distribution) could be manipulated simply by targeting different core-block degrees of polymerization (DPs). The evolution of tubesomes was shown to occur via fusion of "monomeric" spherical polymersomes, evidenced most notably by a step-growth-like relationship between the fraction of tubular to spherical nano-objects and the average number of fused particles per tubesome (analogous to monomer conversion and DP, respectively). Fusion was also confirmed by Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) studies to show membrane blending and confocal microscopy imaging to show mixing of the polymersome lumens. We term this unique phenomenon polymerization-induced polymersome fusion, which operates via the buildup of membrane tension exerted by the growing polymer chains. Given the growing body of evidence demonstrating the importance of nanoparticle shape on biological activity, our methodology provides a facile route to reproducibly obtain samples containing mixtures of spherical and tubular polymersomes, or pure samples of tubesomes, of programmed length. Moreover, the capability to mix the interior aqueous compartments of polymersomes during polymerization-induced fusion also presents opportunities for its application in catalysis, small molecule trafficking, and drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spyridon Varlas
- School
of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Keogh
- School
of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Yujie Xie
- School
of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah L. Horswell
- School
of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Jeffrey C. Foster
- School
of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel K. O’Reilly
- School
of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
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46
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Men Y, Li W, Tu Y, Peng F, Janssen GJA, Nolte RJM, Wilson DA. Nonequilibrium Reshaping of Polymersomes via Polymer Addition. ACS NANO 2019; 13:12767-12773. [PMID: 31697471 PMCID: PMC6887890 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.9b04740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Polymersomes are a class of artificial liposomes, assembled from amphiphilic synthetic block copolymers, holding great promise toward applications in nanomedicine. The diversity in polymersome morphological shapes and, in particular, the precise control of these shapes, which is an important aspect in drug delivery studies, remains a great challenge. This is due to a lack of general methodologies that can be applied and the inability to capture the morphologies at the nanometer scale. Here, we present a methodology that can accurately control the shape of polymersomes via the addition of polyethylene glycol (PEG) under nonequilibrium conditions. Various shapes including spheres, ellipsoids, tubes, discs, stomatocytes, nests, stomatocyte-in-stomatocytes, disc-in-discs, and large compound vesicles (LCVs) can be uniformly captured by adjusting the water content and the PEG concentration. Moreover, these shapes undergo nonequilibrium changes in time, which is reflected in their phase diagram changes. This research provides a universal tool to fabricate all shapes of polymersomes by controlling three variables: water content, PEG concentration, and time. The use of the biofriendly polymer PEG enables the application of this methodology in the field of nanomedicine.
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