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Abstract Cell‐based therapies are gaining prominence in treating a wide variety of diseases and using synthetic polymers to manipulate these cells provides an opportunity to impart function that could not be achieved using solely genetic means. Herein, we describe the utility of functional block copolymers synthesized by ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) that can insert directly into the cell membrane via the incorporation of long alkyl chains into a short polymer block leading to non‐covalent, hydrophobic interactions with the lipid bilayer. Furthermore, we demonstrate that these polymers can be imbued with advanced functionalities. A photosensitizer was incorporated into these polymers to enable spatially controlled cell death by the localized generation of1O2at the cell surface in response to red‐light irradiation. In a broader context, we believe our polymer insertion strategy could be used as a general methodology to impart functionality onto cell‐surfaces.
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Applications of synthetic polymers directed toward living cells
Cells execute remarkable functions using biopolymers synthesized from natural building blocks. Engineering cells to leverage the vast array of synthesizable abiotic polymers could provide enhanced or entirely new cellular functions. Here we discuss the applications of in situ-synthesized abiotic polymers in three distinct domains: intracellular polymerization, cell-surface polymerization and extracellular polymerization. These advances have led to novel applications in various areas, such as cancer therapy, cell imaging, cellular activity manipulation, cell protection and electrode assembly. Examples of these synthetic approaches can be applied across all domains of life, ranging from microbes and cultured mammalian cells to plants and animals. Finally, we discuss challenges and future opportunities in this emerging field, which could enable new synthetic approaches to influence biological processes and functions.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2037164
- PAR ID:
- 10535726
- Publisher / Repository:
- Nature Publishing Group
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Nature Synthesis
- Volume:
- 3
- Issue:
- 8
- ISSN:
- 2731-0582
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 943 to 957
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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- Free Publicly Accessible Full Text
-
Accepted Manuscript1.0
- Journal Article:
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s44160-024-00560-2
