POLYMERSOMES CONTANING BIOMIMETIC NANOCHANNELS FOR CONFINED ENZYMATIC REACTIONS

• Grant number: 23/00558-3
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: July 01, 2023
• End date: June 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Agreement: CNRS
• Mobility Program: SPRINT - Projetos de pesquisa - Mobilidade
• Principal Investigator: Fernando Carlos Giacomelli
• Grantee: Fernando Carlos Giacomelli
• Principal researcher abroad: Philippe Guégan
• Institution abroad: Université Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris 6), France
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Ministério da Educação (Brasil). Santo André , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/12071-6 - Tailoring colloids through supramolecular interactions: from fundamentals to applications, AP.TEM

Abstract

Polymersomes for applications in therapeutic and synthesis in confined environment is a very active field of research. In this framework, the membrane permeability is an issue to control the exchange between the inner and outer compartments. The use of biological nanopores in this regard is the most common strategy nevertheless, with important drawbacks reported. We propose the synthesis of a new polymersome family with controlled exchanges with the external media thanks to the insertion of b-cyclodextrin-based artificial channels directly into the polymer chains. Polymers forming the polymersomes and the arms grafted onto the b-cyclodextrins nanopores will have similar chemical units to ensure the insertion. Formation conditions of polymersome, insertion of the nanopores and the exchange processes will be investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy and black membrane conductance. Enzyme encapsulation will be carried out to provide a proof of concept of chemical reactions within these assemblies. (AU)