Polymersome
Polymersome
Polymersome (pronunciation: /ˈpɒlɪməˌsoʊm/) is a type of artificial vesicle, which is a tiny bubble or pocket of liquid within a solid. Polymersomes are made from block copolymers and are used in the field of drug delivery, among other applications.
Etymology
The term "polymersome" is a portmanteau of "polymer" and "some", derived from the Greek word "soma", meaning body. The term reflects the structure of these vesicles, which are composed of polymers.
Structure and Properties
Polymersomes are vesicles formed by the self-assembly of block copolymers in water. They have a bilayer structure similar to liposomes, but are more robust due to the nature of the polymers used. This makes them ideal for applications such as drug delivery, where stability and durability are key.
Applications
Polymersomes have a wide range of applications, particularly in the field of drug delivery. They can be used to encapsulate and deliver both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, and their size and surface properties can be easily modified to suit specific needs. Other applications include use in nanotechnology, bioengineering, and material science.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Polymersome
- Wikipedia's article - Polymersome
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