POS4-0178
Synthesis of Glucose-Responsive Polymersomes Using PDMS Microfluidic Device for Biochemical Compartmentalization
Topic
S4. Colloids, Interfaces, and Molecular Assemblies for Functional Soft Materials
When and Where
Sep 29, 2026
08:30 - 09:30
Room 301 (Grand Ballroom)
Session Chairs
Hae Jung SON
Boseok KANG
Presenter(s)
Minji Chae (POSTECH)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
Polymersomes are attractive artificial cell-like structures due to their structural stability, tunable membrane properties, and ability to encapsulate biomolecules. Microfluidic double-emulsion systems enable the controlled production of polymersomes, but conventional glass capillary devices often generate relatively large polymersomes, limiting their suitability for applications requiring cell-sized or subcellular-scale compartments. To improve this, we used PDMS devices to produce size-controllable polymersomes through channel confinement and flow-rate adjustment. We then explored glucose permeation as a functional pathway for transport-mediated biochemical signaling. Glucose permeation was first verified by an internal enzymatic reaction that produced a colorimetric signal. Moreover, by utilizing the pH decrease induced by glucose-mediated enzymatic reactions, we regulated internal compartmentalized structures within the polymersomes. This biochemical trigger enabled disruption of encapsulated nanoliposomes and formation or dissociation of internal coacervate compartments. Such compartment regulation further enabled control over subsequent biochemical processes, including complex cascade enzymatic reactions and triggered gelation. This glucose-responsive polymersomes synthesized using PDMS devices have potential as functional artificial cell-like platforms for biosensing and complex stimuli-responsive systems.
