The Whole Is Greater than the Sum of Its Parts : Challenges and Perspectives in Polyelectrolytes

Title data

Traeger, Anja ; Leiske, Meike N.:
The Whole Is Greater than the Sum of Its Parts : Challenges and Perspectives in Polyelectrolytes.
In: Biomacromolecules. Vol. 26 (2025) Issue 1 . - pp. 5-32.
ISSN 1526-4602
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.biomac.4c01061

Official URL:

Abstract in another language

Polyelectrolytes offer unique properties for biological applications due to their charged nature and high water solubility. Here, the challenges in their synthesis and characterization techniques are reviewed, emphasizing that their strong interactions with the surrounding media and counterions must be considered when working with this interesting class of materials. Their potential in complexation for gene delivery, their unique stealth and anti-fouling properties, and their more specific interactions with amino acid transporters for cancer therapy are highlighted. The underlying mechanisms responsible for their biological efficacy, including the proton sponge effect for endosomal release and their interactions with cellular membranes, are addressed. For polyelectrolytes with a high level of usage, an overview is given of their historical context. This Perspective outlines the potential of polyelectrolytes for innovative applications in the field of biomedicine. Considering the physicochemical characteristics of this class of materials, this work strives to elucidate the distinctive properties and applications of polyelectrolytes.

Further data

Item Type:	Article in a journal
Refereed:	Yes
Additional notes:	PMID: 39661745
Institutions of the University:	Faculties > Faculty of Biology, Chemistry and Earth Sciences > Department of Chemistry Faculties > Faculty of Biology, Chemistry and Earth Sciences > Department of Chemistry > Junior Professor Sustainable and Functional Polymer Systems > Junior Professor Sustainable and Functional Polymer Systems - Juniorprof. Dr. Meike Leiske
Result of work at the UBT:	Yes
DDC Subjects:	500 Science > 540 Chemistry
Date Deposited:	31 Jan 2025 08:20
Last Modified:	31 Jan 2025 08:20
URI:	https://eref.uni-bayreuth.de/id/eprint/92259