Amphiphilic Macromolecules on Cell Membranes: From Protective Layers to Controlled Permeabilization

• Published in: The Journal of membrane biology 2014-10, Vol.247 (9-10), p.861-881
• Main Authors: Marie, E., Sagan, S., Cribier, S., Tribet, C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Biochemistry; Biochemistry, Molecular Biology; Cell Membrane - chemistry; Cell Membrane - physiology; Cell Membrane Permeability - physiology; Cells; Human Physiology; Humans; Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; Life Sciences; Lipid Bilayers - chemistry; Macromolecular Substances - chemistry; Membrane Proteins - chemistry; Membranes; Molecules; Permeability; Polymers; Polymers - chemistry; Solubility; Solutions; Surface-Active Agents - chemistry; Water - chemistry
• ISSN: 0022-2631; 1432-1424
• DOI: 10.1007/s00232-014-9679-3

Antimicrobial and cell-penetrating peptides have inspired developments of abiotic membrane-active polymers that can coat, penetrate, or break lipid bilayers in model systems. Application to cell cultures is more recent, but remarkable bioactivities are already reported. Synthetic polymer chains were tailored to achieve (i) high biocide efficiencies, and selectivity for bacteria (Gram-positive/Gram-negative or bacterial/mammalian membranes), (ii) stable and mild encapsulation of viable isolated cells to escape immune systems, (iii) pH-, temperature-, or light-triggered interaction with cells. This review illustrates these recent achievements highlighting the use of abiotic polymers, and compares the major structural determinants that control efficiency of polymers and peptides. Charge density, sp. of cationic and guanidinium side groups, and hydrophobicity (including polarity of stimuli-responsive moieties) guide the design of new copolymers for the handling of cell membranes. While polycationic chains are generally used as biocidal or hemolytic agents, anionic amphiphilic polymers, including Amphipols, are particularly prone to mild permeabilization and/or intracell delivery.