Polymer Journal最新文献

{"title":"Unconventional soft-templating strategies for mesoporous metal oxides: beyond evaporation-induced self-assembly and calcination-based conversion","authors":"Keon-Woo Kim, Hong Chul Moon","doi":"10.1038/s41428-026-01183-4","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41428-026-01183-4","url":null,"abstract":"Soft-templating methods based on block copolymer (BCP) self-assembly with inorganic precursors have been extensively used to synthesize a wide range of mesoporous metal oxides (MMOs). Among the various soft-templating approaches, evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA) has emerged as the dominant platform. In a typical EISA process, mesostructured organic–inorganic composites are synthesized through BCP–precursor coassembly, followed by high-temperature treatment for conversion to MMOs. Despite the wide range of reported approaches, most EISA-based methods strongly rely on solvent evaporation for self-assembly and high-temperature processing for conversion to MMOs, which has created multiple process-related challenges. In this study, we highlight recently reported unconventional methods that address challenges stemming from both the self-assembly and conversion stages, with particular emphasis on self-assembly approaches that do not rely on solvent evaporation and conversion approaches that enable mesostructure formation at substantially reduced temperatures. Furthermore, this study reviews emerging synthesis concepts and outlines future directions for increasing the applicability of soft-templating methods across diverse material systems. Soft-templating methods based on block copolymer self-assembly have been widely used to synthesize mesoporous metal oxides (MMOs). However, conventional evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA) relies on toxic volatile solvents and high-temperature calcination, limiting process sustainability and substrate compatibility. This review highlights unconventional soft-templating strategies that overcome these challenges. For the self-assembly stage, mechanochemical and condensation-induced self-assembly approaches are discussed as alternatives to solvent evaporation. For the conversion stage, solvent extraction, microwave-assisted methods, and thermal activation–plasma synergy are examined. These emerging strategies offer greener, lower-temperature, and more versatile pathways toward functional MMOs.","PeriodicalId":20302,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Journal","volume":"58 9","pages":"1015-1026"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.comhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41428-026-01183-4.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148904471","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preparation of self-healable, reshapable, and hydrolysable flexible polymer films via crosslinking with five-membered cyclic phosphoesters","authors":"Kazuho Maeda, Yota Okuno, Kanako Okuda, Hiroharu Ajiro, Yasuhiko Iwasaki","doi":"10.1038/s41428-026-01169-2","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41428-026-01169-2","url":null,"abstract":"Designing dynamic covalent networks (DCNs) that can spontaneously undergo bond exchange reactions without catalysts is a promising strategy for producing self-healing, recyclable polymeric materials. In this study, flexible polymer films with phosphoester-based DCNs were prepared by subjecting a solution containing poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (poly(HEMA)) and 2-methoxy-2-oxo-1,3,2-dioxaphospholane (MP) to heat-assisted solvent evaporation. The ring-opening esterification of MP with the hydroxy groups of poly(HEMA) resulted in the formation of β-hydroxy groups, which promoted continuous esterification with neighboring groups. The esterification proceeded without any catalysts, affording crosslinked network structures. The chemical structure of the networks was characterized by 1H–31P heteronuclear multiple bond correlation (HMBC) spectroscopy, which revealed the presence of repeating units of phosphoesters and crosslinks. The Young’s modulus of the films was controlled by changing the amount of phosphoester units in the films. When the amount of phosphoester units exceeded 0.7 molar equivalents per HEMA unit, flexible films could be obtained. More interestingly, the flexible films exhibited self-healing, reshaping, and degradable properties. This design approach could be applied to various polymers containing hydroxy groups, providing access to diverse sustainable polymeric materials. Flexible polymer films were prepared by forming phosphoester-based dynamic covalent networks between poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (poly(HEMA)) and 2-methoxy-2-oxo-1,3,2-dioxaphospholane (MP) via a heat-assisted solvent evaporation technique. The mechanical and thermal properties could be controlled by varying the poly(HEMA):MP ratio. At a certain amount of phosphoester units, the resulting films exhibited self-healing, reshaping, and degradability, offering a versatile approach to sustainable polymer development.","PeriodicalId":20302,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Journal","volume":"58 8","pages":"891-900"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148667565","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Preparation of self-healable, reshapable, and hydrolysable flexible polymer films via crosslinking with five-membered cyclic phosphoesters","authors":"Kazuho Maeda, Yota Okuno, Kanako Okuda, Hiroharu Ajiro, Yasuhiko Iwasaki","doi":"10.1038/s41428-026-01169-2","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41428-026-01169-2","url":null,"abstract":"Designing dynamic covalent networks (DCNs) that can spontaneously undergo bond exchange reactions without catalysts is a promising strategy for producing self-healing, recyclable polymeric materials. In this study, flexible polymer films with phosphoester-based DCNs were prepared by subjecting a solution containing poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (poly(HEMA)) and 2-methoxy-2-oxo-1,3,2-dioxaphospholane (MP) to heat-assisted solvent evaporation. The ring-opening esterification of MP with the hydroxy groups of poly(HEMA) resulted in the formation of β-hydroxy groups, which promoted continuous esterification with neighboring groups. The esterification proceeded without any catalysts, affording crosslinked network structures. The chemical structure of the networks was characterized by 1H–31P heteronuclear multiple bond correlation (HMBC) spectroscopy, which revealed the presence of repeating units of phosphoesters and crosslinks. The Young’s modulus of the films was controlled by changing the amount of phosphoester units in the films. When the amount of phosphoester units exceeded 0.7 molar equivalents per HEMA unit, flexible films could be obtained. More interestingly, the flexible films exhibited self-healing, reshaping, and degradable properties. This design approach could be applied to various polymers containing hydroxy groups, providing access to diverse sustainable polymeric materials. Flexible polymer films were prepared by forming phosphoester-based dynamic covalent networks between poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (poly(HEMA)) and 2-methoxy-2-oxo-1,3,2-dioxaphospholane (MP) via a heat-assisted solvent evaporation technique. The mechanical and thermal properties could be controlled by varying the poly(HEMA):MP ratio. At a certain amount of phosphoester units, the resulting films exhibited self-healing, reshaping, and degradability, offering a versatile approach to sustainable polymer development.","PeriodicalId":20302,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Journal","volume":"58 8","pages":"891-900"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148667543","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"PEGylated protein nanoparticles for the inhibition of Aβ fibrillation via Aβ binding with minimal nonspecific protein interactions","authors":"Tomonori Waku, Takashi Yoshikawa, Michiaki Okuda, Hachiro Sugimoto, Kazuya Matsuo, Akio Kobori","doi":"10.1038/s41428-026-01175-4","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41428-026-01175-4","url":null,"abstract":"Amyloid-β (Aβ) fibrillation is a key pathological event in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), promoting the development of nanomaterial-based inhibitors that can function in protein-rich biological media. PEGylated nanoparticles are attractive for such applications because poly(ethylene glycol)(PEG) coronas suppress nonspecific protein adsorption and enhance colloidal stability; however, how PEG content influences Aβ fibrillation remains insufficiently understood. Here, we report how the degree of PEGylation modulates the inhibitory activity of protein-based nanoparticles toward Aβ fibrillation. We selected lysozyme (LYZ) as a model protein and synthesized PEG–LYZ conjugates bearing 3–10 PEG chains per protein (NPEG), followed by nanoparticle formation via a nanoemulsion method. PEG–LYZ conjugates with NPEG ≥ 5 formed colloidally stable nanoparticles. Compared with the molecular forms, nanoparticulation increased the apparent surface hydrophobicity of PEG–LYZ and enhanced the suppression of Aβ42 fibrillation. Among the series, the inhibitory activity of the PEG–LYZ(10) nanoparticles was the greatest, and the nanoparticles maintained their dispersibility after they interacted with Aβ42, as evidenced by ThT fluorescence assays together with TEM and DLS analyses. QCM measurements further indicated appreciable Aβ42 binding but only minimal adsorption of model proteins, which is consistent with antifouling behavior. These findings highlight PEG content as a key design parameter governing nanoparticle formation, Aβ inhibition, and nonspecific protein adsorption in PEGylated protein nanoparticles. PEGylated lysozyme nanoparticles (PEG-LYZ NPs) with varying PEG contents were prepared to examine how PEG content affected nanoparticle formation, inhibition of Aβ42 fibrillation, and nonspecific protein adsorption. Increasing PEG content promoted the formation of colloidally stable nanoparticles and enhanced the inhibition of Aβ42 fibrillation. In addition, PEG-LYZ NPs exhibited size-selective binding to Aβ42 while strongly suppressing the adsorption of unrelated larger proteins. These findings identified PEG content as a key design parameter for PEGylated protein nanoparticles for inhibiting Aβ fibrillation in biological media.","PeriodicalId":20302,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Journal","volume":"58 8","pages":"931-941"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148667596","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"PEGylated protein nanoparticles for the inhibition of Aβ fibrillation via Aβ binding with minimal nonspecific protein interactions","authors":"Tomonori Waku, Takashi Yoshikawa, Michiaki Okuda, Hachiro Sugimoto, Kazuya Matsuo, Akio Kobori","doi":"10.1038/s41428-026-01175-4","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41428-026-01175-4","url":null,"abstract":"Amyloid-β (Aβ) fibrillation is a key pathological event in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), promoting the development of nanomaterial-based inhibitors that can function in protein-rich biological media. PEGylated nanoparticles are attractive for such applications because poly(ethylene glycol)(PEG) coronas suppress nonspecific protein adsorption and enhance colloidal stability; however, how PEG content influences Aβ fibrillation remains insufficiently understood. Here, we report how the degree of PEGylation modulates the inhibitory activity of protein-based nanoparticles toward Aβ fibrillation. We selected lysozyme (LYZ) as a model protein and synthesized PEG–LYZ conjugates bearing 3–10 PEG chains per protein (NPEG), followed by nanoparticle formation via a nanoemulsion method. PEG–LYZ conjugates with NPEG ≥ 5 formed colloidally stable nanoparticles. Compared with the molecular forms, nanoparticulation increased the apparent surface hydrophobicity of PEG–LYZ and enhanced the suppression of Aβ42 fibrillation. Among the series, the inhibitory activity of the PEG–LYZ(10) nanoparticles was the greatest, and the nanoparticles maintained their dispersibility after they interacted with Aβ42, as evidenced by ThT fluorescence assays together with TEM and DLS analyses. QCM measurements further indicated appreciable Aβ42 binding but only minimal adsorption of model proteins, which is consistent with antifouling behavior. These findings highlight PEG content as a key design parameter governing nanoparticle formation, Aβ inhibition, and nonspecific protein adsorption in PEGylated protein nanoparticles. PEGylated lysozyme nanoparticles (PEG-LYZ NPs) with varying PEG contents were prepared to examine how PEG content affected nanoparticle formation, inhibition of Aβ42 fibrillation, and nonspecific protein adsorption. Increasing PEG content promoted the formation of colloidally stable nanoparticles and enhanced the inhibition of Aβ42 fibrillation. In addition, PEG-LYZ NPs exhibited size-selective binding to Aβ42 while strongly suppressing the adsorption of unrelated larger proteins. These findings identified PEG content as a key design parameter for PEGylated protein nanoparticles for inhibiting Aβ fibrillation in biological media.","PeriodicalId":20302,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Journal","volume":"58 8","pages":"931-941"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148667621","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development of isosorbide-derived, biobased, and photosensitive poly(ether imides) for negative-type photoresists using a photobase generator","authors":"Pei-Yu Chen, Yu Liu, Yi-An Tsai, Po-Yi Lu, Chieh-Yuan Chang, Bo-Hung Lai, Wen-Chang Chen, Yan-Cheng Lin","doi":"10.1038/s41428-026-01182-5","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41428-026-01182-5","url":null,"abstract":"Biobased photosensitive polyimides (PSPIs) that simultaneously exhibit low dielectric properties, high thermal stability, and reliable photolithographic performance are highly desirable for advanced microelectronic and packaging applications. In this study, a negative-type PSPI system is developed using an isosorbide-derived diamine and aromatic dianhydrides to form biobased poly(ether imides). Photosensitivity is introduced by incorporating a photobase generator into the corresponding poly(amic acid) precursor, enabling alkaline development through base-catalyzed imidization upon i-line (365 nm) exposure. Poly(ether imides) are expected to be stable during base development in photopatterning and lithography. As a result of the incorporation of alicyclic isosorbide units and ether linkages, the poly(ether imides) show low dielectric constants ( < 3.0) and dissipation factors ( < 0.01) in the GHz frequency range, satisfying typical requirements for high-frequency microelectronic applications. Among the investigated systems, the biobased poly(ether imides) exhibit distinct trade-offs in terms of optical transparency, dielectric performance, and alkaline resistance. Lithographic evaluation reveals that the optimized biobased PSPI system enables stable negative-type patterning with well-defined line-and-space features in the tens of µm range while maintaining film thicknesses exceeding 1 µm. These results demonstrate that the biobased poly(ether imide) system offers a promising molecular design strategy for sustainable, low-dielectric PSPI suitable for advanced microfabrication processes. Isosorbide-based diamine and ether-linked dianhydrides are applied to derive a series of biobased poly(ether imides). Poly(ether imides) is expected to be stable to base development during photopatterning and lithography. Accordingly, the biobased poly(ether imides) show excellent thermal, mechanical, and dielectric properties. Moreover, photolithographic evaluations further confirm that the optimized biobased photosensitive polyimide system with a photobase generator enables stable negative-tone pattern formation with good pattern fidelity and thickness retention for micrometer-scale features.","PeriodicalId":20302,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Journal","volume":"58 9","pages":"1205-1215"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.comhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41428-026-01182-5.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148904454","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Platinum nanoparticle-supported polymer-grafted carbon nanotubes via noncovalent interactions and their application to hydrogen sensors","authors":"Mingze Zhu, Masaki Konno, Shuji Harada, Norio Tsubokawa, Takeshi Yamauchi","doi":"10.1038/s41428-026-01181-6","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41428-026-01181-6","url":null,"abstract":"In this study, a platinum (Pt) nanoparticle-loaded multiwalled carbon nanotube material was fabricated. Polyethylene glycol was grafted onto the nanotube surface via noncovalent bonding to achieve high dispersibility without damaging the nanotube morphology, followed by the deposition of Pt nanoparticles via a polyol reduction method. Successful polymer grafting and Pt loading were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction. The resulting material was developed as an electrode for a hydrogen electromotive force (EMF) sensor to detect hydrogen gas below the H2 explosion limit. The sensor electrode device responded rapidly to hydrogen, with a potential difference of approximately 100 mV and reproducible cycling stability. In addition, the electrochemically active surface area was qualitatively evaluated using cyclic voltammetry, which demonstrated the potential of the material as an electrocatalyst. Hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG) was grafted onto multiwalled carbon nanotubes (mwCNTs) via noncovalent bonding to improve water stability without damaging the nanotube morphology. Platinum (Pt) nanoparticles were subsequently deposited on the grafted nanotubes to fabricate a Pt-supported mwCNT, owing to the π–π interactions between the terminal pyrene moieties on the modified PEG chains and the CNT surface, the grafted material maintained stable dispersion. And the resulting material was developed as an electrode for a hydrogen electromotive force (EMF) sensor to investigate its hydrogen gas response behavior.","PeriodicalId":20302,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Journal","volume":"58 8","pages":"919-930"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148667602","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Platinum nanoparticle-supported polymer-grafted carbon nanotubes via noncovalent interactions and their application to hydrogen sensors","authors":"Mingze Zhu, Masaki Konno, Shuji Harada, Norio Tsubokawa, Takeshi Yamauchi","doi":"10.1038/s41428-026-01181-6","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41428-026-01181-6","url":null,"abstract":"In this study, a platinum (Pt) nanoparticle-loaded multiwalled carbon nanotube material was fabricated. Polyethylene glycol was grafted onto the nanotube surface via noncovalent bonding to achieve high dispersibility without damaging the nanotube morphology, followed by the deposition of Pt nanoparticles via a polyol reduction method. Successful polymer grafting and Pt loading were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction. The resulting material was developed as an electrode for a hydrogen electromotive force (EMF) sensor to detect hydrogen gas below the H2 explosion limit. The sensor electrode device responded rapidly to hydrogen, with a potential difference of approximately 100 mV and reproducible cycling stability. In addition, the electrochemically active surface area was qualitatively evaluated using cyclic voltammetry, which demonstrated the potential of the material as an electrocatalyst. Hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG) was grafted onto multiwalled carbon nanotubes (mwCNTs) via noncovalent bonding to improve water stability without damaging the nanotube morphology. Platinum (Pt) nanoparticles were subsequently deposited on the grafted nanotubes to fabricate a Pt-supported mwCNT, owing to the π–π interactions between the terminal pyrene moieties on the modified PEG chains and the CNT surface, the grafted material maintained stable dispersion. And the resulting material was developed as an electrode for a hydrogen electromotive force (EMF) sensor to investigate its hydrogen gas response behavior.","PeriodicalId":20302,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Journal","volume":"58 8","pages":"919-930"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148667577","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Design and functions of phospholipid polymer cell shuttles for modern pharmaceutical formulations","authors":"Yuta Yoshizaki, Tomohiro Konno","doi":"10.1038/s41428-026-01174-5","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41428-026-01174-5","url":null,"abstract":"The development of polymeric biomaterials for modern pharmaceutical formulations has attracted considerable attention, given the recent trend of advanced pharmaceutical modalities that have increased molecular weight and hydrophobicity. Phospholipid polymers, such as poly[2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC)-co-n-butyl methacrylate (BMA)] (PMB) is a promising candidate for use as cytocompatible drug carrier materials. PMB is a bioinspired polymer that mimics the plasma membrane and offers superior biomaterial properties, such as bioinert and antibiofouling characteristics. By adjusting the copolymer composition and molecular weight, water-soluble PMB can be synthesized, resulting in the formation of polymeric lipid nanoaggregates. Water-soluble PMB can stably solubilize poorly water-soluble drugs. Moreover, PMB exhibits bidirectional permeation across the plasma membrane. This polymer lipid nanoaggregate, which diffuses and penetrates through intra- and extracellular spaces, was designed as a “cell shuttle”. This focus review discusses studies of cell shuttles in the context of multipharmaceutical modalities, including the effects of polymer architecture on intracellular internalization, the intracellular delivery of hydrophobic compounds, and the cytosolic delivery of proteins. Finally, the utilities of the phospholipid polymer-based cell shuttle are outlined from the perspective of pharmaceutical sciences. Water-soluble phospholipid polymers form polymer-nanoaggregates and solubilize poorly water-soluble compounds. Moreover, phospholipid polymers exhibit superior cytocompatibility and bidirectional cell permeability. The permeative traffic within and outside the plasma membrane functions as a cell shuttle. This focus review summarizes the molecular design of amphiphilic phospholipid polymers and their functionalities as the cell shuttle for next-generation pharmaceutical materials. We discuss the effect of polymer architecture on cellular internalization and the exiting behavior of polymers. Furthermore, the intracellular delivery of hydrophobic compounds and proteins by the cell shuttle is discussed in the review.","PeriodicalId":20302,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Journal","volume":"58 8","pages":"865-874"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.comhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41428-026-01174-5.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148667598","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Design and functions of phospholipid polymer cell shuttles for modern pharmaceutical formulations","authors":"Yuta Yoshizaki, Tomohiro Konno","doi":"10.1038/s41428-026-01174-5","DOIUrl":"10.1038/s41428-026-01174-5","url":null,"abstract":"The development of polymeric biomaterials for modern pharmaceutical formulations has attracted considerable attention, given the recent trend of advanced pharmaceutical modalities that have increased molecular weight and hydrophobicity. Phospholipid polymers, such as poly[2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC)-co-n-butyl methacrylate (BMA)] (PMB) is a promising candidate for use as cytocompatible drug carrier materials. PMB is a bioinspired polymer that mimics the plasma membrane and offers superior biomaterial properties, such as bioinert and antibiofouling characteristics. By adjusting the copolymer composition and molecular weight, water-soluble PMB can be synthesized, resulting in the formation of polymeric lipid nanoaggregates. Water-soluble PMB can stably solubilize poorly water-soluble drugs. Moreover, PMB exhibits bidirectional permeation across the plasma membrane. This polymer lipid nanoaggregate, which diffuses and penetrates through intra- and extracellular spaces, was designed as a “cell shuttle”. This focus review discusses studies of cell shuttles in the context of multipharmaceutical modalities, including the effects of polymer architecture on intracellular internalization, the intracellular delivery of hydrophobic compounds, and the cytosolic delivery of proteins. Finally, the utilities of the phospholipid polymer-based cell shuttle are outlined from the perspective of pharmaceutical sciences. Water-soluble phospholipid polymers form polymer-nanoaggregates and solubilize poorly water-soluble compounds. Moreover, phospholipid polymers exhibit superior cytocompatibility and bidirectional cell permeability. The permeative traffic within and outside the plasma membrane functions as a cell shuttle. This focus review summarizes the molecular design of amphiphilic phospholipid polymers and their functionalities as the cell shuttle for next-generation pharmaceutical materials. We discuss the effect of polymer architecture on cellular internalization and the exiting behavior of polymers. Furthermore, the intracellular delivery of hydrophobic compounds and proteins by the cell shuttle is discussed in the review.","PeriodicalId":20302,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Journal","volume":"58 8","pages":"865-874"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.nature.comhttps://www.nature.com/articles/s41428-026-01174-5.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148667617","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}