Engineered Polymersome Nanoreactors with Mitochondria-Targeting Capability as Active Synthetic Organelles

Enzyme-loaded polymersomes can be effectively implemented as nanoreactors for a diverse range of catalytic applications. The precise targeting of polymersome nanoreactors to specific subcellular locations is crucial for realizing their potential as active synthetic organelles. Herein, we report the design of oxidation-responsive polymersome nanoreactors integrated with a mitochondria-targeting capability. The integration of targeting moieties on polymersomes enables the accurate localization of nanoreactors to mitochondria, allowing them to function as synthetic functional organelles. Furthermore, the elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in cancer cells enable the in situ activation of biocatalysis, thereby improving their bioactivity by modulating the cellular microenvironment. This work provides a unique approach to constructing polymersome-based synthetic organelles with functional biological activity.