Bionanoreactors: From Confined Reaction Spaces to Artificial Organelles

Inspired by natural compartments, polymer-based supramolecular assemblies (dendrimers, polymersomes, PICsomes, LBL capsules) have been engineered with a variety of sizes and properties to host biomolecules and thereby yield functional hybrid materials/systems. We present bionanoreactors that are designed by encapsulation/insertion of active compounds (proteins, enzymes, mimics) within the confined space of the assemblies, where these compounds are protected and act in situ. Accessibility to the inner space of the bionanoreactors is a key factor to enable catalytic reactions. For successful biomedical applications, a complex set of requirements regarding bionanoreactors is imposed. Relevant examples of nanoreactors used for the detection and treatment of pathologic conditions are provided, even though they are still in the early stage of research. An overview of this emerging nanoscience-based field and its potential for improved solutions in domains such as medicine are presented.