Janus subcompartmentalized microreactors

Abstract

We report on Janus subcompartmentalized assemblies with enzyme loaded liposomes entrapped within a polymer carrier capsule – Janus subcompartmentalized microreactors. The concept is based on the use of Pickering emulsions and the subsequent deposition of interacting liposomes and polymer layers. We demonstrate the adjustment of the size of the Janus domains and the control over the amount of trapped liposomes using multiple liposome deposition steps. The obtained Janus capsosomes feature a distinct liposome domain within a closed polymeric hydrogel shell. The assembly of functional Janus microreactors using trypsin as cargo within the liposomal subcompartments is shown by performing locally confined enzymatic encapsulated catalysis. The presented assemblies with spatial control over the position of their liposomal subunits are a fascinating first step towards artificial cells with polarity.