Stabilization of liposomes through enzymatic polymerization of DNA.

Combining supramolecular self-assembly of lipids with enzymatic triggered DNA interfacial polymerization allows construction of composite nanocapsules. Covalent grafting of oligonucleotides functionalizes the surface of liposomes. Subsequent addition of an enzyme called terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase elongates the single-stranded DNA. The elongated DNA hybridizes, creating a random network. The short segments of double-stranded DNA provides a substrate for the Klenow fragment of E. coli DNA polymerase, which synthesizes a double-strand DNA, reinforcing the network. Alternate action of both enzymes leads to a three-dimensional network anchored on the liposome surface.