Membrane Manipulation of Giant Unilamellar Polymer Vesicles with a Temperature‐Responsive Polymer. (23rd August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: de Souza Melchiors, Marina; Ivanov, Tsvetomir; Harley, Iain; Sayer, Claudia; Araújo, Pedro H. H.; Caire da Silva, Lucas; Ferguson, Calum T. J.; Landfester, Katharina
• Is Part Of: Angewandte Chemie. Volume 134:Number 39(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-08-23
• Subjects: Biomimetic Membranes -- Block Copolymers -- Membrane Manipulation -- Phase Separation -- Polymersomes; Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540
• DOI: 10.1002/ange.202207998
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0044-8249

Abstract

Abstract: Understanding the complex behavior and dynamics of cellular membranes is integral to gain insight into cellular division and fusion processes. Bottom‐up synthetic cells are as a platform for replicating and probing cellular behavior. Giant polymer vesicles are more robust than liposomal counterparts, as well as having a broad range of chemical functionalities. However, the stability of the membrane can prohibit dynamic processes such as membrane phase separation and division. Here, we present a method for manipulating the membrane of giant polymersomes using a temperature responsive polymer. Upon elevation of temperature deformation and phase separation of the membrane was observed. Upon cooling, the membrane relaxed and became homogeneous again, with infrequent division of the synthetic cells. Abstract : Membrane manipulation of giant polymers using a temperature‐responsive polymer is reported. The strategy makes it possible to develop materials and create compartmentalized systems that can mimic the adaptive properties of biomembranes.