Protein Nanocapsule Weaved with Enzymatically Degradable Polymeric Network

Abstract

Target proteins can be functionally encapsulated using a cocoon-like polymeric nanocapsule formed by interfacial polymerization. The nanocapsule is cross-linked by peptides that can be proteolyzed by proteases upon which the protein cargo is released. The protease-mediated degradation process can be controlled in a spatiotemporal fashion through modification of the peptide cross-linker with photolabile moieties. We demonstrate the utility of this approach through the cytoplasmic delivery of the apoptosis inducing caspase-3 to cancer cells.