Toward Enzyme-Responsive Polymersome Drug Delivery

Abstract

In drug delivery, enzyme-responsive drug carriers are becoming increasingly relevant because of the growing association of disease pathology with enzyme overexpression. Polymersomes are of interest to such applications because of their tunable properties. While polymersomes open up a wide range of chemical and physical properties to explore, they also present a challenge in developing generalized rules for the synthesis of novel systems. Motivated by this issue, in this perspective, we summarize the existing knowledge on enzyme-responsive polymersomes and outline the main design choices. Then, we propose heuristics to guide the design of novel systems. Finally, we discuss the potential of an integrated approach using computer simulations and experimental studies to streamline this design process and close the existing knowledge gaps.

Tweetable abstract

How can we optimize the design of enzyme-responsive polymersomes to better treat disease? In this perspective, three common modes of enzymatic action in these nanoparticles are identified.

Keywords::

• computer simulations
• drug delivery
• enzyme responsiveness
• morphology phase diagrams
• nanomedicine
• nanoparticles
• polymersomes
• stimuli responsiveness

Financial & competing interests disclosure

This work was supported primarily by the National Science Foundation EPSCoR Program under NSF Award #OIA-1655740. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Science Foundation. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported primarily by the National Science Foundation EPSCoR Program under NSF Award #OIA-1655740. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Science Foundation. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.