Controlled Membrane Transport in Polymeric Biomimetic Nanoreactors

Polymersome‐based biomimetic nanoreactors (PBNs) have generated great interest in nanomedicine and cell mimicry due to their robustness, tuneable chemistry, and broad applicability in biologically relevant fields. In this concept review, we mainly discuss the state of the art in functional polymersomes as biomimetic nanoreactors with membrane‐controlled transport. PBNs that use environmental changes or external stimuli to adjust membrane permeability while maintaining structural integrity are highlighted. By encapsulating catalytic species, PBNs are able to convert inactive substrates into functional products in a controlled manner. In addition, special attention is paid to the use of PBNs as tailored artificial organelles with biomedical applications in vitro and in vivo, facilitating the fabrication of next‐generation artificial organelles as therapeutic nanocompartments. Controlling membrane permeability: Polymeric biomimetic nanoreactors are compartmentalized catalytic systems with applications in nanomedicine and biomimicry. Membrane permeability of biomimetic nanoreactors is a key feature that determines their function and applicability. This article describes strategies to control membrane permeability and highlights applications of these systems as artificial organelles and in biomedicine.