Coordinated biochemical processes are inherent to the biological machinery of the cell. The complexity of this system processes encourages the formulation of simplified and controllable synthetic models that can mimic functions of cells and organelles of nature. The bioluminescence of dinoflagellates, a type of marine plankton, is triggered by mechanical perturbations in the surrounding water. These mechanotransducing properties may be replicated through the self-assembly of functionalised amphiphilic block copolymers into polymersomes. The chemical versatility of block copolymers allows to insert chemical motifs of interest into the membrane. Our work focuses on the formulation of stimuli-responsive polymersomes capable of reversible changes in membrane permeability when subject to shear stress or temperature, as well as on the modulation of permeability thresholds in those conditions. Induced permeation of water-soluble substrates across the membrane was achieved via complementary nucleobase (un)pairing occurring within the hydrophobic leaflet. Mechanically active polymersomes display desirable characteristics that find use in applications such as drug delivery, bionanoreactors, and curing agents for 3D printing.

Force-responsive polymersomes inspired by marine bioluminescence of dinoflagellates

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

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