Polymer nanocontainers

Abstract

Amphiphilic block copolymers and polyelectrolytes are used to prepare stimuli-sensitive nanocontainers that can be regarded as model systems for host-guest encapsulation and controlled release. Interestingly it is possible to incorporate functional membrane proteins into the walls of these artificial polymer containers. This method can be used to control the exchange of substrates and products of encapsulated enzymes with the external solution, to control virus-assisted loading of the containers with DNA, to apply them as confined reaction vessels for biomimetic mineralization, as nanometer-sized batteries or as molecular motor-driven actuators. This is documented by some representative examples.