Weaving Enzymes with Polymeric Shells for Biomedical Applications

Adv Mater. 2021 Aug;33(34):e2008438. doi: 10.1002/adma.202008438. Epub 2021 Jul 1.

Abstract

Enzyme therapeutics have received increasing attention due to their high biological specificity, outstanding catalytic efficiency, and impressive therapeutic outcomes. Protecting and delivering enzymes into target cells while retaining enzyme catalytic efficiency is a big challenge. Wrapping of enzymes with rational designed polymer shells, rather than trapping them into large nanoparticles such as liposomes, have been widely explored because they can protect the folded state of the enzyme and make post-functionalization easier. In this review, the methods for wrapping up enzymes with protective polymer shells are mainly focused on. It is aimed to provide a toolbox for the rational design of polymeric enzymes by introducing methods for the preparation of polymeric enzymes including physical adsorption and chemical conjugation with specific examples of these conjugates/hybrid applications. Finally, a conclusion is drawn and key points are emphasized.

Keywords: bioactivity; chemical conjugation; enzyme; physical adsorption; polymer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adsorption
  • Animals
  • Biomedical Technology / instrumentation*
  • Biomedical Technology / methods
  • Cross-Linking Reagents / chemistry
  • Cytochromes c / chemistry
  • Enzymes / chemistry*
  • Equipment Design
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Kinetics
  • Liposomes / chemistry
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry
  • Nanostructures / chemistry
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Static Electricity
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Cross-Linking Reagents
  • Enzymes
  • Liposomes
  • Polymers
  • Cytochromes c