Orthogonal Approach to Construct Cell-Like Vesicles via Pillar[5]arene-Based Amphiphilic Supramolecular Polymers

A reduction-responsive supramolecular diblock copolymer was successfully constructed by the orthogonal assembly of two homopolymers in aqueous solution via pillar[5]arene-based host-guest interactions for the first time. The homopolymers, namely, polystyrene modified with ethyl viologen as the terminal group (PS-EV) and polyethylene glycol bearing pillar[5]arene (PEG-P[5]A), were synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and coupling reaction, respectively. The supramolecular diblock copolymer can self-assemble into stable binary cell-like vesicles in aqueous solution, where a spherical micelle as the cell nucleus was embedded in a clear outer vesicle as the cell membrane. The cell-like vesicles can be disassembled into spherical aggregates through addition of reducing agent and further used for encapsulation and controlled release of model molecules.