Protein nanocapsule weaved with enzymatically degradable polymeric network.

Gu, Zhen; Yan, Ming; Hu, Biliang; Joo, Kye-Il; Biswas, Anuradha; Huang, Yu; Lu, Yunfeng; Wang, Pin et al. · Nano Lett · 2009

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Target proteins can be functionally encapsulated using a cocoon-like polymeric nanocapsule formed by interfacial polymerization. The nanocapsule is cross-linked by peptides that can be proteolyzed by proteases upon which the protein cargo is released. The protease-mediated degradation process can be controlled in a spatiotemporal fashion through modification of the peptide cross-linker with photolabile moieties. We demonstrate the utility of this approach through the cytoplasmic delivery of the apoptosis inducing caspase-3 to cancer cells.

Medical subject headings