Leuko-polymersomes.
Journal Article (Review;Journal Article)
Polymersomes are vesicles whose membranes are comprised of self-assembled amphiphilic block co-polymers. Synthetic control of block co-polymer chemistry provides an advantageous diversity of polymersome functions, ranging from tunable materials strength, superior encaspulation of hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs and optical dyes, and facile functionalization. We have exploited polymersome tunability to make leuko-polymersomes: polymersomes with the adhesive properties of leukocytes. By functionalizing the terminal groups on the outer shell of the vesicle with biotin, we have used modular avidin-biotin chemistry to attach adhesion ligands that mimic the two critical adhesion pathways that leukocytes utilize to achieve adhesion in the fast fluid flow of blood vessels--selectins and integrins. We demonstrate that adhesion is specific and is supported at hydrodynamic flow rates at which leukocytes adhere. We envision the use of such particles for monitoring or treating inflammation, cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Hammer, DA; Robbins, GP; Haun, JB; Lin, JJ; Qi, W; Smith, LA; Ghoroghchian, PP; Therien, MJ; Bates, FS
Published Date
- January 2008
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 139 /
Start / End Page
- 129 - 420
PubMed ID
- 19048993
Pubmed Central ID
- PMC2714229
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1364-5498
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 1359-6640
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1039/b717821b
Language
- eng