Block copolymer crystalsomes with an ultrathin shell to extend blood circulation time

Hao Qi, Hao Zhou, Qiyun Tang, Jee Young Lee, Zhiyuan Fan, Seyong Kim, Mark C. Staub, Tian Zhou, Shan Mei, Lin Han, Darrin J. Pochan, Hao Cheng (), Wenbing Hu and Christopher Y. Li ()
Additional contact information
Hao Qi: Drexel University
Hao Zhou: Drexel University
Qiyun Tang: Universität Göttingen
Jee Young Lee: University of Delaware
Zhiyuan Fan: Drexel University
Seyong Kim: Drexel University
Mark C. Staub: Drexel University
Tian Zhou: Drexel University
Shan Mei: Drexel University
Lin Han: Drexel University
Darrin J. Pochan: University of Delaware
Hao Cheng: Drexel University
Wenbing Hu: Nanjing University
Christopher Y. Li: Drexel University

Nature Communications, 2018, vol. 9, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract In water, amphiphilic block copolymers (BCPs) can self-assemble into various micelle structures depicting curved liquid/liquid interface. Crystallization, which is incommensurate with this curved space, often leads to defect accumulation and renders the structures leaky, undermining their potential biomedical applications. Herein we report using an emulsion-solution crystallization method to control the crystallization of an amphiphilic BCP, poly (l-lactide acid)-b-poly (ethylene glycol) (PLLA-b-PEG), at curved liquid/liquid interface. The resultant BCP crystalsomes (BCCs) structurally mimic the classical polymersomes and liposomes yet mechanically are more robust thanks to the single crystal-like crystalline PLLA shell. In blood circulation and biodistribution experiments, fluorophore-loaded BCCs show a 24 h circulation half-life and a 8% particle retention in the blood even at 96 h post injection. We further demonstrate that this good performance can be attributed to controlled polymer crystallization and the unique BCC nanostructure.

Date: 2018
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05396-x

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