Specific Interactions of Complementary Mono- and Multivalent Guests with Recognition-Induced Polymersomes

• Published in: Journal of the American Chemical Society Vol. 124; no. 51; pp. 15249 - 15254
• Main Authors: Thibault, Raymond J, Galow, Trent H, Turnberg, Erik J, Gray, Mark, Hotchkiss, Peter J, Rotello, Vincent M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC American Chemical Society 25-12-2002
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Artificial membranes and reconstituted systems; Binding, Competitive; Biological and medical sciences; Biomimetic Materials - chemistry; Exact sciences and technology; Flavins - chemistry; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Gold - chemistry; Imides - chemistry; Membrane physicochemistry; Microscopy, Confocal; Molecular biophysics; Nanotechnology - methods; Organic polymers; Particle Size; Physicochemistry of polymers; Polymers - chemistry; Properties and characterization; Pyridines - chemistry; Special properties (catalyst, reagent or carrier); Substrate Specificity; Thymine - chemistry; Vesicle; Random copolymer; Optical microscopy; Transmission electron microscopy; Nitrogen heterocycle copolymer; Aromatic copolymer; Pyridine derivative copolymer; Molecular recognition; Molecular interaction; Confocal microscopy; Artificial membrane
• ISSN: 0002-7863; 1520-5126
• DOI: 10.1021/ja026418+

We have explored the interactions of mono- and multivalent guests with Recognition-Induced Polymersomes (RIPs) formed from complementary random copolymers featuring diamidopyridine and thymine functionality. Addition of monovalent guests featuring imide functionality to these RIPs induced a temporary swelling of the vesicles, followed by dissociation of the vesicles due to competitive binding of the guest. Conversely, multivalent thymine-functionalized nanoparticle guests were rapidly incorporated into the RIPs, inducing a contraction of RIP diameter over time. These mono- and multivalent interactions were extremely specific:  highly analogous control systems showed no interaction with the RIP structures. Taken together, these studies demonstrate highly selective molecular “lock and key” control over higher-order assembly and recognition processes.