Toward intelligent nanosize bioreactors : A pH-switchable, channel-equipped, functional polymer nanocontainer

To develop an intelligent sensor−effector functionality on the nanoscale, a pH-switchable, controlled nanoreactor based on amphiphilic copolymer membranes was built. The nanovesicles were equipped with bacterial transmembrane ompF pore proteins and the pH-sensitive enzyme acid phosphatase, resulting in a switchable substrate processing at pH 4−6.5. Ideal pH and substrate concentrations for the reaction were determined experimentally. In future, the reactor might be used for self-regulating targeted diagnostic and therapeutic applications in medicine.