Toward intelligent nanosize bioreactors: a pH-switchable, channel-equipped, functional polymer nanocontainer.

Broz, Pavel; Driamov, Sergey; Ziegler, Joerg; Ben-Haim, Nadav; Marsch, Stephan; Meier, Wolfgang; Hunziker, Patrick · Nano Lett · 2006

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

To develop an intelligent sensor-effector functionality on the nanoscale, a pH-switchable, controlled nanoreactor based on amphiphilic copolymer membranes was built. The nanovesicles were equipped with bacterial transmembrane ompF pore proteins and the pH-sensitive enzyme acid phosphatase, resulting in a switchable substrate processing at pH 4-6.5. Ideal pH and substrate concentrations for the reaction were determined experimentally. In future, the reactor might be used for self-regulating targeted diagnostic and therapeutic applications in medicine.

Medical subject headings