nl0c01268_si_002.mp4 (3.08 MB)
Hybrid Biodegradable Nanomotors through Compartmentalized Synthesis
media
posted on 2020-05-22, 17:40 authored by Imke A.
B. Pijpers, Shoupeng Cao, Antoni Llopis-Lorente, Jianzhi Zhu, Shidong Song, Rick R. M. Joosten, Fenghua Meng, Heiner Friedrich, David S. Williams, Samuel Sánchez, Jan C. M. van Hest, Loai K. E. A. AbdelmohsenDesigner
particles that are embued with nanomachinery for autonomous
motion have great potential for biomedical applications; however,
their development is highly demanding with respect to biodegradability/compatibility.
Previously, biodegradable propulsive machinery based on enzymes has
been presented. However, enzymes are highly susceptible to proteolysis
and deactivation in biological milieu. Biodegradable hybrid nanomotors
powered by catalytic inorganic nanoparticles provide a proteolytically
stable alternative to those based upon enzymes. Herein we describe
the assembly of hybrid biodegradable nanomotors capable of transducing
chemical energy into motion. Such nanomotors are constructed through
a process of compartmentalized synthesis of inorganic MnO2 nanoparticles (MnPs) within the cavity of organic stomatocytes.
We show that the nanomotors remain active in cellular environments
and do not compromise cell viability. Effective tumor penetration
of hybrid nanomotors is also demonstrated in proof-of-principle experiments.
Overall, this work represents a new prospect for engineering of nanomotors
that can retain their functionality within biological contexts.