Programming sequential multi-step phase transitions of enzyme-responsive polymeric assemblies
2The Center for Physics and Chemistry of Living Systems, Tel Aviv University, Israel
3Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Israel
4The ADAMA Center for Novel Delivery Systems in Crop Protection, Tel Aviv University, Israel
The ability of supramolecular assemblies in Nature to alter their structure and function in response to multiple cues in their environment has inspired the development of stimuli-responsive polymeric amphiphiles and assemblies. Among the different types of stimuli, the overexpression of various disease-associated enzymes, makes them highly promising for biomedical applications. Building on our previous research of enzyme-responsive amphiphiles, we will demonstrate that polymeric architecture can be used as a tool for programming formulations to undergo multiple sequential enzymatically induced transition from: (i) micelles to (ii) hydrogel and finally to (iii) dissolved polymers. The reported results demonstrate the ability of using molecular architecture as a modular tool for programming smart formulations to adopt different structures and functions, bringing us closer to the complexity of supramolecular assemblies in Nature.