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Ordered Conformation‐Regulated Vesicular Membrane Permeability
Author(s) -
Zheng Yi,
Wang Zuojie,
Li Zifen,
Liu Hang,
Wei Jing,
Peng Chuan,
Zhou Yeqiang,
Li Jianshu,
Fu Qiang,
Tan Hong,
Ding Mingming
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
angewandte chemie international edition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.831
H-Index - 550
eISSN - 1521-3773
pISSN - 1433-7851
DOI - 10.1002/anie.202109637
Subject(s) - polymersome , nanoreactor , vesicle , biophysics , microbiology and biotechnology , membrane permeability , membrane curvature , chemistry , membrane , nanotechnology , biochemistry , biology , amphiphile , materials science , catalysis , organic chemistry , copolymer , polymer
Abstract In nature, the folding and conformation of proteins can control the cell or organelle membrane permeability and regulate the life activities. Here we report the first example of synthetic polypeptide vesicles that regulate their permeability via ordered transition of secondary conformations, in a manner similar to biological systems. The polymersomes undergo a β‐sheet to α‐helix transition in response to reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to wall thinning without loss of vesicular integrity. The change of membrane structure increases the vesicular permeability and enables specific transport of payloads with different molecular weights. As a proof‐of‐concept, the polymersomes encapsulating enzymes could serve as nanoreactors and carries for glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion in vivo inspired by human glucokinase, resulting in safe and effective treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus in mouse models. This study will help understand the biology of biomembranes and facilitate the engineering of nanoplatforms for biomimicry, biosensing, and controlled delivery applications.