Topologically controlled polymer assemblies with life-like behavior

Abstract：Polymer vesicles, or polymersomes, are versatile compartments which we explore for usage in nanomedicine and artificial cell research. By controlling the features of the block copolymers and their assembly process, we are able to construct nanoparticles with a wide variety of topologies. These different shapes allow us to introduce unique properties into these particles that can be regarded as lifelike features. In this lecture I will discuss three specific topics. In a first example I will demonstrate the usefulness of topological control in the development of artificial antigen presenting cells, or aapcs. Aapcs are synthetic particles that fulfil the role of naturally occurring dendritic cells in activating T cells. They have become popular in immunotherapy, which is directed to activating the immune system of patients to combat cancer. Although a range of different particles have been developed for this purpose, it is still not very clear which particle features are critical for an efficient T cell activation. With our topological control we have now been able to systematically vary the main parameters that have an influence. In the second topic, I will discuss the construction of polymersome-based nanoreactors that show transient, out-of-equilibrium behavior, which is typically associated with processes occurring in living cells. By employing enzyme-filled polymersome nanoreactors that have a pH dependent permeability, we have been able to create particles that can autonomously control their catalytic properties. Finally, topological control is also of great importance for the construction of asymmetric particles that can be employed as nanomotors. Here will show different nanomotor concepts are their potential applicability in nanomedicine, with a focus on photodynamic therapy and cellular delivery.

报告人简介：

Jan C.M. van Hest教授，荷兰皇家艺术与科学学院院士，埃因霍温理工大学教授。于1996年在埃因霍温理工大学获得有机化学博士学位，师从E.W. Meijer教授，主要从事高分子化学与生物医学的前沿研究。在Nature、Nature Chemistry、Nature Nanotechnology、Nature Communication、Angew. Chem. Int. Ed.等国际顶级化学期刊上发表论文400多篇，是Encapson、FutureChemistry、Noviosense和Noviotech等企业的联合创始人。Jan C.M. van Hest教授目前担任《Bioconjugate Chemistry》期刊副主编，《Macromolecular Bioscience》、《Biomacromolecules》、《Journal of Materials Chemistry》、《Chemical Science》、《ACS central Science》等期刊的顾问委员会成员。