The morphology of nanoscale particles can strongly influence their physical and functional properties. Of great interest in our research is how morphology may be utilized to influence, switch and optimize the in vivo properties of nanoscale delivery vehicles for imaging and therapeutics applications. It is known that the shape of a particle can greatly influence circulation times in vivo. Therefore, we have set about developing a range of soft materials capable of switching morphology in response to specific biochemical stimuli. We aim to develop switchable morphology as a tool for the manipulation of nanoparticle pharmacokinetics, accumulation, toxicity and clearance within in vivo applications. Herein, we present an approach that blends synthetic polymers with biopolymers such as DNA, peptide and proteins to construct materials that respond very selectively to particular biochemical stimuli including nucleases, proteases, kinases and phosphatases. We describe approaches for assembling and manipulating the morphology and pharmacokinetics of micellar nanoparticles in vitro and in vivo, toward the development of novel imaging probes that rely on biochemically directed supramolecular assembly processes to generate selective, amplified signals. Enzyme-directed supramolecular assembly is expected to yield exciting advances in biomedical applications, and further our understanding of how known, evolved, selective biochemical processes may be harnessed to aid in the synthesis of complex soft matter.

Programming nanoparticle morphology with DNA, peptides, and enzymes

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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