Polymer-based microreactors
We have created giant vesicles, microscopic cell-like structures that function as tiny reaction containers. These vesicles are made using a method called double emulsification, combining amphiphilic block copolymers, some of which respond to changes in acidity (pH), while others do not. The resulting vesicles range in size from 2.9 to 9.3 micrometers, with pH-responsive ones tending to be larger due to structural changes under varying pH conditions. These vesicles can encapsulate large molecules, such as proteins, demonstrating their potential as microreactors. We tested this by loading an enzyme called horseradish peroxidase (HRP) into the vesicles. When exposed to hydrogen peroxide, the enzyme catalyzed a reaction producing a colored product. The pH-responsive vesicles allowed reactants to enter, enabling the reaction, while non-responsive vesicles remained mostly impermeable, even under optimal conditions. This technology highlights the potential of pH-responsive vesicles for controlled molecular transport and catalytic applications. By mimicking natural cellular compartments, these vesicles offer promising opportunities in drug delivery, synthetic biology, and biocatalysis, where precise control over chemical reactions is essential. Their ability to selectively permit or block molecular movement makes them valuable tools for designing advanced biochemical systems.
Related publications
- Rosso, A. P.; Vragovic, M.; Konefal, R.; Jager, E.; Guégan, P.; Tresset, G.; Giacomelli, F. C. Polymer Vesicle Microreactors Produced Using Permeable Polymer Blocks: Circumventing Complex Functionality to Impart Membrane Permeability. J. Colloid Interface Sci. 2026, 702, 139004. DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2025.139004. HAL: hal-05262659.