Zygotens

Zygotens are a class of synthetic, self‑assembling macromolecules first reported in the early 2020s by researchers at the Institute for Advanced Materials. They are constructed from alternating amphiphilic monomers that contain both hydrophilic and hydrophobic functional groups, enabling the formation of stable, nanoscale bilayer structures in aqueous environments. The name combines “zygote,” referring to the initial stage of assembly, with the suffix “‑ten,” denoting their polymeric nature.

The primary characteristic of zygotens is their ability to undergo reversible phase transitions in response to changes in temperature, pH, or ionic strength. At specific trigger points, the bilayer adopts either a lamellar or cubic morphology, a property that has been exploited in drug delivery research. Encapsulation studies have shown that zygoten‑based vesicles can retain small‑molecule therapeutics with high efficiency while releasing their payload in response to the acidic conditions typical of tumor microenvironments.

Beyond biomedical applications, zygotens have been investigated for use in nanoreactors, where their internal aqueous compartments provide confined spaces for catalytic reactions. Their biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity have been confirmed in several in‑vitro assays, and preliminary animal studies suggest favorable pharmacokinetics without significant immune activation.

Synthesis of zygotens typically involves step‑growth polymerization under inert atmosphere, followed by purification through dialysis or size‑exclusion chromatography. Ongoing research aims to expand the monomer library to incorporate stimuli‑responsive side chains, enhancing the versatility of zygotens for targeted delivery, biosensing, and smart material development.