Pierce Christopher, Katterman Cara, Larsen Jessica
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Clemson University.
Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University.
J Vis Exp. 2021 Apr 21(170). doi: 10.3791/62548.
Polymersomes are membrane-bound, bilayer vesicles created from amphiphilic block copolymers that can encapsulate both hydrophobic and hydrophilic payloads for drug delivery applications. Despite their promise, polymersomes are limited in application due to their spherical shape, which is not readily taken up by cells, as demonstrated by solid nanoparticle scientists. This article describes a salt-based method for increasing the aspect ratios of spherical poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)- based polymersomes. This method can elongate polymersomes and ultimately control their final shape by adding sodium chloride in post-formation dialysis. Salt concentration can be varied, as described in this method, based on the hydrophobicity of the block copolymer being used as the base for the polymersome and the target shape. Elongated nanoparticles have the potential to better target the endothelium in larger diameter blood vessels, like veins, where margination is observed. This protocol can expand therapeutic nanoparticle applications by utilizing elongation techniques in tandem with the dual-loading, long-circulating benefits of polymersomes.
聚合物囊泡是由两亲性嵌段共聚物形成的膜结合双层囊泡，可封装疏水性和亲水性药物用于药物递送应用。尽管聚合物囊泡前景广阔，但正如固体纳米颗粒科学家所证明的那样，由于其球形形状不易被细胞摄取，聚合物囊泡在应用中受到限制。本文描述了一种基于盐的方法来增加基于聚乙二醇（PEG）的球形聚合物囊泡的纵横比。该方法可以通过在形成后透析中添加氯化钠来拉长聚合物囊泡并最终控制其最终形状。根据用作聚合物囊泡基础的嵌段共聚物的疏水性和目标形状，盐浓度可以如该方法中所述进行变化。细长的纳米颗粒有可能更好地靶向较大直径血管（如静脉）中的内皮，在这些血管中会观察到边缘化现象。该方案可以通过将拉长技术与聚合物囊泡的双重负载、长循环优势相结合来扩展治疗性纳米颗粒的应用。
