Polymer vesicles as nanoreactors for biomedical applications

The vesicle, which consists of the cytoplasm encapsulated by the lipid bilayer, has acted as an important mediator of intercellular communication as a potential tool for disease treatment during the past decade. In addition to the ability of biological amphiphiles to form vesicles, artificial vesicles can also be formed from synthetic polymers, which have been widely applied in transport, temporary storage and chemical reaction chambers. In this review, we have summarized the progress in the use of polymer vesicles as nanoreactors for biomedical applications. First, various preparation methods, including hydration, polymerization-induced self-assembly, solvent exchange, emulsion phase transfer, microfluidics and flash nanoprecipitation, are summarized and compared here. Second, various biomedical applications of polymer vesicles as nanoreactors, such as stimuli-responsive drug delivery, blood–brain barrier penetration, enhanced physiological stability, and treatment for various diseases, are highlighted in this review. In addition, existing obstacles and future development directions for the use of polymer vesicles as nanoreactors are proposed for broader clinical applications and translations.