Cell-specific integration of artificial organelles based on functionalized polymer vesicles.
Cell organelles are subcellular structures characterized by specific functionalities. They often consist of membrane-delineated microcompartments with a unique set of enzymes. Here we report the design of synthetic organelles based on nanometer-sized polymer vesicles, show their introduction into cells in a target-specific fashion, document their intact biochemical functionality in the cellular environment, and study their intracellular trafficking. This novel paradigm of introducing polymer-based artificial organelles to specific target cells for expansion of their biochemical capabilities appears suited for biomedical applications such as enzyme replacement in genetic diseases or, more generically, to add a desired biochemical function to a cell.
Ben-Haim
Nadav
N
Medical Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland.
Broz
Pavel
P
Marsch
Stephan
S
Meier
Wolfgang
W
Hunziker
Patrick
P
D000818:Animals; D040761:Biomimetic Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry / Q000648:ultrastructure; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D013347:Subcellular Fractions / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D053835:Unilamellar Liposomes / Q000737:chemistry*
D011108:Polymers; D053835:Unilamellar Liposomes