Polymeerikuorella

Polymeerikuorella is a hypothesized cell-like compartment composed of a hydrated polymeric core encased in a crosslinked polymer shell. It is discussed in synthetic biology and materials science as a minimal, cell-mimetic system for exploring compartmentalization and biocatalysis.

The core is typically a hydrogel network based on poly(ethylene glycol) or polyacrylamide, and the shell is a porous polymeric membrane formed from block copolymers or layer-by-layer assembly; diameters range from tens of nanometers to a few micrometers.

Fabrication methods include polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA), emulsion polymerization, or interfacial polycondensation; properties include tunable permeability, stimulus responsiveness (pH, ionic strength, temperature), and the ability to encapsulate enzymes or nucleic acids.

Potential applications include targeted drug delivery, biocatalysis in confined spaces, artificial organelles, and as test beds for protocell research; limitations include lack of self-replication, limited energy generation, and regulatory considerations.

Name origin: from Finnish polymeeri (polymer) and kuori (shell), with -lla marking a location or vessel.