6 research outputs found
Interaction and complexation of phospholipid vesicles and triblock copolymers
10.1021/jp906929uJournal of Physical Chemistry B1134514934-14942JPCB
Biomimetic block copolymer membranes
Amphiphilic block copolymer membranes, classified as vesicles, are nano-aggregates receiving a lot of scientific interest due to their wide range of potential applications extending from biomedicine (e.g., drug delivery, imaging, nanoreactors) to material science (biosensors, electronics). This chapter summarizes the principles of vesicle formation, various membrane-forming copolymer systems and their properties as well as common techniques for vesicle preparation and characterization. Copolymer membranes with responsiveness to external stimuli are particularly attractive for use in drug delivery and are, therefore, also discussed. In addition, the chapter reviews recent examples of vesicles encapsulating proteins, enzymes and therapeutics as prospective systems for bio-applications