Polymersome

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Polymersomes are bilayered membranes of amphiphilic synthetic polymers which are similar to liposomes, which use naturally occurring lipids. While having most of the properties of natural liposomes, polymersomes exhibit increased stability and reduced permeability. Furthermore, the use of synthetic polymers enables designers to manipulate the characteristics of these capsules, including controlled release (eg. Ahmed et al. 2004).

Similar to liposomes, polymersomes can be made invisible to the immune system through a coating of polyethylene glycol. Such polymersomes are often PEGylated. Thus, polymersomes make ideal carriers for targeted medication. However, for in vivo applications, polymersomes are de facto limited to the use of FDA-approved polymers as most pharmaceutical firms are unlikely to develop novel polymers due to cost issues. Polymersomes can be used to make an artificial cell if hemoglobin and other components are added. The polymersomes are made invisible so white blood cells do not attack them, and they may carry out the task that they were made for. If enough of the polymersomes are cross-linked, they can be made into a a transportable powder. Since they are can be made into artificial cells, it may be possible to make artificial blood that would eliminate the need for blood transplants and diseases carried over to the patient by the donor. The first artificial cell was made by Thomas Chang.