Polymeric vesicles or polymersomes are one of the supramolecular entities at the leading edge of synthetic biology. These small compartments have shown to be feasible candidates as nanoreactors, especially for enzymatic reactions. Once cross-linked and equipped with a pH sensitive material, the reaction can be switched off (pH 8) and on (pH 6) in accordance with the increased permeability of th...

We introduce an approach that combines the concepts of emulsiontemplating and dewetting for fabricating polymersomes with a large number of compartments. The resultant polymersome gel behaves as a gel-like solid, but is a true vesicle suspended in an aqueous environment. Due to the thin membranes that separate the compartments, the polymersome gels have a high volume fraction of internal phase ...

Polystyrene-polyisocyanopeptide (PS-PIAT) polymersomes containing CALB in two different locations, one in the aqueous inner compartment and one in the bilayer, were investigated for enzymatic ring-opening polymerization of lactones in water. It is shown that the monomers 8-octanolactone and dodecalactone yield oligomers with this polymersome system. It is also observed that the polymerization a...

Biodegradable polymersomes are promising vehicles for a range of applications. Their stabilization would improve many properties, including the retention and controlled release of polymersome contents, yet this has not been previously accomplished. Here, we present the first example of stabilizing fully biodegradable polymersomes through acrylation of the hydrophobic terminal end of polymersome...

We report a new crosslinked polymersome with pH-responsive swelling properties through acidic hydrolysis of hydrophobic contents from the amphiphilic polymer chains. Its unique stability under physiological conditions and large swelling capability under low pH conditions give this polymersome promising potential for anticancer drug delivery.

Abtract We introduce an approach that combines the concepts of emulsion-templating and dewetting for fabricating polymersomes with a large number of compartments. The resultant polymersome gel behaves as a gel-like solid, but is a true vesicle suspended in an aqueous environment. Due to the thin membranes that separate the compartments, the polymersome gels have a high volume fraction of intern...

In this study we report the immobilization of enzyme-containing polymersomes into a macromolecular hydrogel. Whereas free enzyme shows progressive leakage from the hydrogel in a period of days, leakage of the polymersome-protected enzyme is virtually absent. The preparation of the hydrogel occurs under mild conditions and does not inhibit the activity of the encapsulated enzymes nor does it aff...

Schematic overview of the thiol assisted polymersome attachment and formation solid supported planar polymer membranes.

Polymersome-based bioluminescent nanocompartment to achieve enzyme protection and switch kinetics produce a persistent light signal.