Functionalization of block copolymer vesicle surfaces
Egli, Stefan and Schlaad, Helmut and Bruns, Nico and Meier, Wolfgang (2011) Functionalization of block copolymer vesicle surfaces. Polymers, 3 (1). pp. 252-280. ISSN 2073-4360 (https://doi.org/10.3390/polym3010252)
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Abstract
In dilute aqueous solutions certain amphiphilic block copolymers self-assemble into vesicles that enclose a small pool of water with a membrane. Such polymersomes have promising applications ranging from targeted drug-delivery devices, to biosensors, and nanoreactors. Interactions between block copolymer membranes and their surroundings are important factors that determine their potential biomedical applications. Such interactions are influenced predominantly by the membrane surface. We review methods to functionalize block copolymer vesicle surfaces by chemical means with ligands such as antibodies, adhesion moieties, enzymes, carbohydrates and fluorophores. Furthermore, surface-functionalization can be achieved by self-assembly of polymers that carry ligands at their chain ends or in their hydrophilic blocks. While this review focuses on the strategies to functionalize vesicle surfaces, the applications realized by, and envisioned for, such functional polymersomes are also highlighted.
ORCID iDs
Egli, Stefan, Schlaad, Helmut, Bruns, Nico ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6199-9995 and Meier, Wolfgang;-
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Item type: Article ID code: 67557 Dates: DateEvent11 January 2011Published20 December 2010AcceptedSubjects: Science > Chemistry Department: Faculty of Science > Pure and Applied Chemistry Depositing user: Pure Administrator Date deposited: 12 Apr 2019 09:00 Last modified: 11 Nov 2024 12:17 Related URLs: URI: https://strathprints.strath.ac.uk/id/eprint/67557