title: Cell-specific integration of artificial organelles based on functionalized polymer vesicles.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Medical Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, 4031 Basel, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Nadav
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ben-Haim
authors.forename: Pavel
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Broz
authors.forename: Stephan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Marsch
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Meier
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Hunziker
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D011108:Polymers; D053835:Unilamellar Liposomes