Biomimetic pH sensitive polymersomes for efficient DNA encapsulation and delivery

A novel gene delivery vector based on the ability of a synthetic amphiphilic block copolymer to mimic biological phospholipids by forming membrane-enclosed structures, specifically nanometer-sized vesicles, is presented. A pH-sensitive diblock copolymer forms vesicles (polymersomes) at neutral pH, and dissolves completely as unimers at endocytic pH (see figure). GFP-encoding plasmid DNA are successfully encapsulated inside the polymer vesicles, and delivered intracellularly.