Gas-Responsive Self-Assemblies for Mimicking the Alveoli.
Macromol Rapid Commun
; 42(18): e2100019, 2021 Sep.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-33715233
ABSTRACT
In human body, alveoli are the primary sites for gas exchange which are formed by the dilation and protrusion of bronchioles at the end of the lung, and the rapid gas-exchanging process in the alveoli ensures normal life activities. Based on the unique structures and functions of alveoli, it is necessary to study the regulation mechanism of its formation, respiration, and apoptosis. Herein, a class of reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT)-derived amphiphilic triblock copolymers, PEO-b-P(DEAEMA-co-FMA)-b-PS is designed and synthesized. Due to the amphiphilic and gas-responsive segments, these triblock copolymers can self-assemble in aqueous solution and undergo the morphological transition from nanotubes to vesicles under gas stimulation; meanwhile, in the cycles of CO2 /O2 stimulation, these vesicles can further realize the volume expansion and contraction, eventually rupture. The gas-driven morphological transformations of these aggregates successfully imitate the formation, respiration, and apoptosis of alveoli, and provide an essential basis for revealing the life phenomena.
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Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Polímeros
/
Micelas
Limite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2021
Tipo de documento:
Article