Enzymatically triggered self-assembly of block copolymers.
The polymerization of vinyl monomers with cleavable enzymatic substrates has been shown to lead to water-soluble double-hydrophilic block copolymers which, upon enzymatic activation of the diblock copolymers, become amphiphilic and undergo self-assembly into colloidal nanostructures. The ability to change the chemical and physical characteristics of polymeric materials by an enzymatic reaction opens the way for novel and exciting applications such as enzymatic-triggered activation of surfaces and formation of nanostructures in vivo in a highly controlled manner.
Amir
Roey J
RJ
Materials Research Laboratory and Department of Materials, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA. ramir@mrl.ucsb.edu
Zhong
Sheng
S
Pochan
Darrin J
DJ
Hawker
Craig J
CJ
D000135:Acid Phosphatase / Q000378:metabolism*; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D049329:Nanostructures; D019906:Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry; D011721:Pyrenes / Q000737:chemistry; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000737:chemistry; D014753:Vinyl Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*
D011108:Polymers; D011721:Pyrenes; D013501:Surface-Active Agents; D014753:Vinyl Compounds; D000135:Acid Phosphatase