Organelles, i.e., internal subcompartments of cells, are fundamental to spatially separate cellular processes, while controlled intercompartment communication is essential for signal transduction. Furthermore, dynamic remodeling of the cytoskeleton provides the mechanical basis for cell shape transformations and mobility. In a quest to develop cell‐like smart synthetic materials, exhibiting functional flexibility, a self‐assembled vesicular multicompartment system, comprised of a polymeric membrane (giant unilamellar vesicle, GUV) enveloping polymeric artificial organelles (vesicles, nanoparticles), is herein presented. Such multicompartment assemblies respond to an external stimulus that is transduced through a precise sequence. Stimuli‐triggered communication between two types of internal artificial organelles induces and localizes an enzymatic reaction and allows ion‐channel mediated release from storage vacuoles. Moreover, cytoskeleton formation in the GUVs' lumen can be triggered by addition of ionophores and ions. An additional level of control is achieved by signal‐triggered ionophore translocation from organelles to the outer membrane, triggering cytoskeleton formation. This system is further used to study the diffusion of various cytoskeletal drugs across the synthetic outer membrane, demonstrating potential applicability, e.g., anticancer drug screening. Such multicompartment assemblies represent a robust system harboring many different functionalities and are a considerable leap in the application of cell logics to reactive and smart synthetic materials.

Compartmentalization is fundamental in nature, where the spatial segregation of biochemical reactions within and between cells ensures optimal conditions for the regulation of cascade reactions.

Carbon-based nanomaterials functionalized with fluorescent and water-soluble groups have emerged as platforms for biological imaging because of their low toxicity and ability to be internalized by cells. The development of imaging probes based on carbon nanomaterials for biomedical studies requires the understanding of their biological response as well as the efficient and safety exposition of the nanomaterial to the cell compartment where it is designed to operate. Here, we present a fluorescent probe based on surface functionalized carbon nano-onions (CNOs) for biological imaging. The modification of CNOs by chemical oxidation of the defects on the outer shell of these carbon nanoparticles results in an extensive surface functionalization with carboxyl groups. We have obtained fluorescently labelled CNOs by a reaction involving the amide bond formation between fluoresceinamine and the carboxylic acids groups on the surface of the CNOs. The functionalized CNOs display high emission properties and dispersability in water due to the presence of high surface coverage of carboxylic acid groups that translate in an efficient fluorescent probe for in vitro imaging of HeLa cells, without significant cytotoxicity. The resulting nanomaterial represents a promising platform for biological imaging applications due to the high dispersability in water, its efficient internalization by cancer cells and localization in specific cell compartments.

Biomembranes play a crucial role in a multitude of biological processes, where high selectivity and efficiency are key points in the reaction course. The outstanding performance of biological membranes is based on the coupling between the membrane and biomolecules, such as membrane proteins. Polymer‐based membranes and assemblies represent a great alternative to lipid ones, as their presence not only dramatically increases the mechanical stability of such systems, but also opens the scope to a broad range of chemical functionalities, which can be fine‐tuned to selectively combine with a specific biomolecule. Tethering the membranes or nanoassemblies on a solid support opens the way to a class of functional surfaces finding application as sensors, biocomputing systems, molecular recognition, and filtration membranes. Herein, the design, physical assembly, and biomolecule attachment/insertion on/within solid‐supported polymeric membranes and nanoassemblies are presented in detail with relevant examples. Furthermore, the models and applications for these materials are highlighted with the recent advances in each field.

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Carbon nano-onions (CNOs) possess favorable properties that make them suitable for biomedical applications, including their small size, ready surface modification, and good biocompatibility. Here, we report the covalent immobilization of a synthetic glycopeptide and the protein bovine serum albumin (BSA) onto the surface of carbon nano-onions using the maleimide–thiol “addition reaction”. The glycopeptide and BSA are readily transported inside different cell lines, together with carbon nano-onions, through the endocytosis pathway. Our results show that carbon nano-onions are excellent scaffolds for glycopeptides and proteins immobilization and act as intracellular carriers for these biomolecules. These findings open new perspectives in the application of carbon nano-onions as intracellular transporters in diverse biomedical applications.

: The development of nanoscale materials is an important area of research as it provides access to materials with unique properties that can be applied to improve quality of life. Multi-layer fullerenes, also known as carbon nano-onions (CNOs) are an exciting class of nanostructures which show great versatility and applicability. They find applications in several fields of technology and biomedicine. This review highlights the potential advantages of CNOs for biomedical applications, which include but are not limited to bioimaging and sensing. Their good biocompatibility renders them promising platforms for the development of novel healthcare devices.

Glucuronidation is a metabolic pathway that inactivates many drugs including hymecromone. Adverse effects of glucuronide metabolites include a reduction of half-life circulation times and rapid elimination from the body. Herein,...