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Polymersomes are self-assembled shells of amphiphilic block copolymers that are currently being developed by many groups for fundamental insights into the nature of self-assembled states as well as for a variety of potential applications. While recent reviews have highlighted distinctive properties - particularly stability - that are strongly influenced by both copolymer type and polymer molecular weight, here we first review some of the more recent developments in computational molecular dynamics (MD) schemes that lend insight into assembly. We then review polymersome loading, in vivo stealthiness, degradation-based disassembly for controlled release, and even tumor-shrinkage in vivo. Comparisons of polymersomes with viral capsids are shown to encompass and inspire many aspects of current designs.

Polymersomes are self-assembled polymer shells composed of block copolymer amphiphiles. These synthetic amphiphiles have a similar amphiphilicity to lipids, but they have much larger molecular weights and so for this reason, plus many others reviewed here, comparisons of polymersomes to viral capsids composed of large polypeptide chains seem increasingly more appropriate. The wide range of polymers being used to make polymersomes is summarized together with descriptions of physical properties such as stability and permeability. Emerging studies of in vivo stealthiness and programmed disassembly for controlled release are also elaborated here together with a summary of targeting in vitro. Comparisons of polymersomes to viral capsids are shown to encompass many aspects of current designs. Drug Dev.

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