Polymersomes: From Macromolecular Self-Assembly to Particle Assembly†

Comprehensive Summary Polymersomes, or polymer vesicles, have attracted a tremendous amount of interest over the last decade. This led to the development of polymer vesicles that are suitable for various biomedical applications, including blood sugar regulation, cancer theranostics, and antibacterial agents. This review mainly describes the research from our group on macromolecular self-assembly of polymersomes and emerging particle assembly methods. First, the building blocks and general principles for the design of functional polymersomes are introduced. Thereafter, we present three polymersomes with various membrane structures: polymersomes with inhomogeneous membranes, asymmetrical coronas, and membranes that are fused with the coronas. Furthermore, given that N-carboxyanhydrides-induced self-assembly (NCA-PISA) is a convenient method for the large-scale production of biodegradable polymersomes, recent advances in self-assembly methods based on ring-opening polymerization of NCA-PISA are discussed. Finally, the mechanism of particle assembly and recent advances in producing higher-order polymer vesicles, including tetrapod polymersomes and giant polymer vesicles with a latticelike membrane (GVLM), are discussed. What is the most favorite and original chemistry developed in your research group? Ring-opening polymerization-induced self-assembly of N-carboxyanhydrides (NCA-PISA), and fusion-induced particle assembly (FIPA). How do you get into this specific field? Could you please share some experiences with our readers? NCA-PISA was developed to solve the biodegradability problem of nanoparticles by traditional PISA, while FIPA was inspired by nature. What is the most important personality for scientific research? The spirit of putting forward scientific problems. What are your hobbies? Driving, badminton, jogging, and music. What are your favorite journals? J. Am. Chem. Soc. and Macromolecules. Who influences you mostly in your life? My family and my Ph.D. and postdoctoral supervisors.