Membrane and Lumen-Compartmentalized Polymersomes for Biocatalysis and Cell Mimics

Abstract

Compartmentalization is a crucial feature of a natural cell, manifested in cell membrane and inner lumen. Inspired by the cellular structure, multicompartment polymersomes (MCPs), including membrane-compartmentalized polymersomes and lumen-compartmentalized polymersomes (polymersomes-in-polymersomes), have aroused great expectations for biological applications such as biocatalysis and cell mimics in the past decades. Compared with traditional polymersomes, MCPs have advantages in encapsulating multiple enzymes separately for multistep enzymatic cascade reactions. In this review, first, the design principles and preparation methods of membrane-compartmentalized and lumen-compartmentalized polymersomes are summarized. Next, recent advances of MCPs as nanoreactors and cell mimics to mimic subcellular organelles or artificial cells are discussed. Finally, the future research directions of MCPs are prospected.

Stimuli-Responsive Polymersomes: Reshaping the Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment

“…Hence, the targeted delivery of immunomodulatory therapeutics with less off-targeting effect could not only improve the therapeutic efficacy but also reduce the risk of occurrence of side effects. Polymersomes with superior advantages, which can carry multiple therapeutics at once and exhibit actively targeting capacity, provide the feasibility to meet the multifaceted needs and modulate the heterogeneous cell types within the TME simultaneously. ,− …”

Physically and Chemically Compartmentalized Polymersomes for Programmed Delivery and Biological Applications

“…MCPs with physical compartmentalization usually contain several compartments in the cavity. − There are several types of physical compartmentalization including vesicles-in-vesicles, , onion-like vesicles, , capsosomes, large compound vesicles (LCV), , as shown in Scheme . Compared with conventional polymersomes with single compartment, MCPs with physical compartmentalization contain more than one distinct compartments in the cavity, which brings new opportunities in programmed loading and delivery of cargoes, ,, antimicrobial, biocatalysis and cell mimics. ,, Theoretically, each compartment can load one kind of component or be endowed with one function. As a whole, a complicated functionality can be realized.…”

Structure-Controllable and Mass-Produced Glycopolymersomes as a Template of the Carbohydrate@Ag Nanobiohybrid with Inherent Antibacteria and Biofilm Eradication

“…Lectins are a kind of protein distributed on the surface of cells and perform functions by binding the specific carbohydrates. , The multivalency of glyconanomaterials can be more inclined to adhere to the cell surface of bacteria compared to the molecular glycopolymers through multivalent carbohydrate–protein recognitions (CPRs). , Besides, the formulation of glycopolymers into glyconanostructures with good biocompatibility and low toxicity is capable of encapsulating antibacterial/antibiofilm agents for targeted delivery and enhanced antibacterial activity, as well as improved biofilm dispersal efficacy. − To date, a wide dimension of glyconanostructures with different sizes and shapes, including micelles, cylinders, and polymersomes, have been developed for the disease treatment caused by bacteria and biofilms. , Among these nanostructures, polymersomes have received particular attention for biological applications due to their capability of encapsulating both hydrophobic and hydrophilic guests. Meanwhile, polymersomes were designed to mimic biological liposomes, which showed different functions in the organism, such as intercellular and intracellular transport substances and communications. , However, the polymersomes possess a more stable structure and more accessible functionalization than biological liposomes. − Functionalized polymersomes have been used for the treatment of various diseases caused by bacteria and biofilms with satisfying outcomes. , It remains a huge potential to develop glycopolymersomes to eradicate the pathogens and biofilms, which cause various diseases, such as dental caries.…”