Engineering polymersome protocells

Neha P. Kamat, Joshua S. Katz, Daniel A. Hammer*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

127 Scopus citations

Abstract

The field of biomimicry is embracing the construction of complex assemblies that imitate both biological structure and function. Advancements in the design of these mimetics have generated a growing vision for creating an artificial cell or protocell. Polymersomes are vesicles that can be made from synthetic, biological, or hybrid polymers and can be used as a model template to build cell-like structures. In this perspective, we discuss various areas where polymersomes have been used to mimic cell functions as well as areas in which the synthetic flexibility of polymersomes would make them ideal candidates for a biomembrane mimetic. Designing a polymersome that comprehensively displays the behaviors discussed herein has the potential to lead to the development of an autonomous, responsive particle that resembles the intelligence of a biological cell.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1612-1623
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Physical Chemistry Letters
Volume2
Issue number13
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 7 2011

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Engineering polymersome protocells'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this