Janus Polymeric Giant Vesicles on Demand: A Predictive Phase Separation Approach for Efficient Formation
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Janus particles, with their intrinsic asymmetry, are attracting major interest in various applications, including emulsion stabilization, micro/nanomotors, imaging, and drug delivery. In this context, Janus polymersomes are particularly attractive for synthetic cell development and drug delivery systems. While they can be achieved by inducing a phase separation within their membrane, their fabrication method remains largely empirical. Here, we propose a rational approach, using Flory-Huggins theory, to predict the self-assembly of amphiphilic block copolymers into asymmetric Janus polymersomes. Our predictions are experimentally validated by forming highly stable Janus giant unilamellar vesicles (JGUVs) with a remarkable yield exceeding 90% obtained from electroformation of various biocompatible block copolymers. We also present a general phase diagram correlating mixing energy with polymersome morphology, offering a valuable tool for JGUV design. These polymersomes can be extruded to achieve quasi-monodisperse vesicles while maintaining their Janus-like morphology, paving the way for their asymmetric functionalization and use as active carriers.
DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c18003
Language: English
Subfield: Organic Chemistry
Field: Chemistry
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funders: Ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur, de la Recherche et de l'Innovation, Agence Nationale de la Recherche, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Bordeaux, Ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur, de la Recherche et de l'Innovation, HORIZON EUROPE Framework Programme, Institut polytechnique de Bordeaux
OpenAlex ID: W4408339286