Work

Triggered Inversion of Dual Responsive Diblock Copolypeptide Vesicles

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide We report the synthesis of amphiphilic poly( l -methionine sulfoxide) x - b -poly(dehydroalanine) y, diblock copolypeptides, M O x A DH y, and their self-assembly into submicrometer-diameter unilamellar vesicles in aqueous media. The formation of vesicles was observed over an unprecedented range of copolypeptide compositions due to the unique properties and chain conformations of A DH hydrophobic segments. These copolypeptides incorporate two distinct thiol reactive components where each segment can respond differently to a single thiol stimulus. Incubation of M O 35 A DH 30 vesicles with glutathione under intracellular mimetic conditions resulted in vesicle disruption and release of cargo. Further, incubation of M O 35 A DH 30 vesicles with thiolglycolic acid resulted in a reversal of amphipilicity and successful in situ inversion of the vesicle assemblies. This conversion of biomimetic polymer vesicles into stable inverted vesicles using a biologically relevant stimulus at physiological pH and temperature is unprecedented. These results provide insights toward the development of advanced functional synthetic assemblies with potential uses in biology and medicine.

Source: Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c17033

Authors: Casey A. Morrison, Ethan P. Chan, Timothy J. Deming

Institution: University of California, Los Angeles

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Polymer Synthesis and Characterization

Subfield: Organic Chemistry

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500

Funder: Division of Chemistry