Biomimetic Block Copolymer Membranes

Kita-Tokarczyk, Katarzyna; Meier, Wolfgang

doi:10.2533/chimia.2008.820

Cited by 22 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 66 publications

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“…The most prominent approach involves the incorporation of aquaporin into vesicles [20][21][22][23][24] and flat-sheet membranes 25 , as shown in Figure 2, with the expectation of achieving exceptional high water fluxes, similar to those obtained in biological systems. However there are still many issues to be solved.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 94%

Block Copolymer Membranes for Aqueous Solution Applications

2016

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Block copolymers are known for their intricate morphology. We review the state of the art of block copolymer membranes and discuss perspectives in this field. The main focus is on pore morphology tuning with a short introduction on non-porous membranes. The two main strategies for pore formation in block copolymer membranes are (i) film casting and selective block sacrifice and (ii) self-assembly and non-solvent induced phase separation (SNIPS). Different fundamental aspects involved in the manufacture of block copolymer membranes are considered, including factors affecting the equilibrium morphology in solid films, self-assembly of copolymer in solutions and macrophase separation by solvent-non-solvent exchange. Different mechanisms are proposed for different depths of the SNIPS membrane. Block copolymer membranes can be prepared with much narrower pore size distribution than homopolymer membranes. Open questions and indications of what we consider the next development steps are finally discussed. They include the synthesis and application of new copolymers and specific functionalization, adding characteristics to respond to stimuli and chemical environment, polymerization-induced phase separation, and the manufacture of organic-inorganic hybrids.3

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 94%

Block Copolymer Membranes for Aqueous Solution Applications

2016

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“…Studies on monolayers with biomolecules provide an understanding of their interactions, which affect the combination of artificial membranes with biomolecules. 197 Decreasing the thickness of copolymer membranes is important for the realization of biomimetic membranes. In this respect it is essential to define the composite film fabrication parameters for the optimization of protein insertion.…”

Section: Monolayers At the Air−water Interfacementioning

confidence: 99%

Bioinspired polymer vesicles and membranes for biological and medical applications

et al. 2016

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Biological membranes play an essential role in living organisms by providing stable and functional compartments, preserving cell architecture, whilst supporting signalling and selective transport that are mediated by a variety of proteins embedded in the membrane. However, mimicking cell membranes - to be applied in artificial systems - is very challenging because of the vast complexity of biological structures. In this respect a highly promising strategy to designing multifunctional hybrid materials/systems is to combine biological molecules with polymer membranes or to design membranes with intrinsic stimuli-responsive properties. Here we present supramolecular polymer assemblies resulting from self-assembly of mostly amphiphilic copolymers either as 3D compartments (polymersomes, PICsomes, peptosomes), or as planar membranes (free-standing films, solid-supported membranes, membrane-mimetic brushes). In a bioinspired strategy, such synthetic assemblies decorated with biomolecules by insertion/encapsulation/attachment, serve for development of multifunctional systems. In addition, when the assemblies are stimuli-responsive, their architecture and properties change in the presence of stimuli, and release a cargo or allow "on demand" a specific in situ reaction. Relevant examples are included for an overview of bioinspired polymer compartments with nanometre sizes and membranes as candidates in applications ranging from drug delivery systems, up to artificial organelles, or active surfaces. Both the advantages of using polymer supramolecular assemblies and their present limitations are included to serve as a basis for future improvements.

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“…In addition, the vast number of available blocks make it possible to tune membrane properties, such as membrane thickness, polarity, toxicity or sensor-responsivity [15,16]. The membrane thickness plays an important role [17] in membrane-crossing biomolecules. Compared to lipids, which do not allow a significant change in bilayer thickness [2], polymers are flexible to the extent that, when a biomolecule is inserted, a thinner membrane can form in that specific area, allowing for proper biomolecule functioning.…”

Section: Polymeric Membranesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Bio-Decorated Polymer Membranes: A New Approach in Diagnostics and Therapeutics

et al. 2011

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Today, demand exists for new systems that can meet the challenges of identifying biological entities rapidly and specifically in diagnostics, developing stable and multifunctional membranes, and engineering devices at the nanometer scale. In this respect, bio-decorated membranes combine the specificity and efficacy of biological entities, such as peptides, proteins, and DNA, with stability and the opportunity to chemically tailor the properties of polymeric membranes. A smart strategy that serves to fulfill biological criteria is required, whereby polymer membranes come to mimic biological membranes and do not disturb but rather enhance the functioning and activity of a biological entity. Different approaches have been developed, exemplified by either planar or vesicular membranes, allowing insertion inside the polymer membrane or anchoring via functionalization of the membrane surface. Inspired by nature, but incorporating the strength provided by chemical design, bio-decorated polymer membranes represent a novel concept with great potential in diagnostics and therapeutics.

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Biomimetic Block Copolymer Membranes

Cited by 22 publications

References 66 publications

Block Copolymer Membranes for Aqueous Solution Applications

Block Copolymer Membranes for Aqueous Solution Applications

Bioinspired polymer vesicles and membranes for biological and medical applications

Bio-Decorated Polymer Membranes: A New Approach in Diagnostics and Therapeutics

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