Abstract
In this work, the interactions between bottlebrush polymers and phospholipid membranes were investigated using dissipative particle dynamics simulations. The weak and strong adsorption phenomena between the polymers and membranes were examined by calculating the system parameters. A spring model was introduced to explain the variances in the shape factors and the radius of gyration of the bottlebrush polymers, as well as the order parameters of the phospholipid membrane in the pulling processes. This work provides further understanding for the application of bottlebrush polymers in biological processes.
Highlights
Cell membranes comprise three major types of lipids, namely, phospholipids, cholesterol, and glycolipids, in which the phospholipids are one of the most abundant types [1]
Houang et al used the all-atom model to investigate the interactions between the amphiphilic triblock copolymers between the phospholipid membranes, where the polymers are composed of poly(propylene oxide) as the core and two linear poly(ethylene oxide) chains on both sides [6]
The simulation results were sorted into two parts, namely, the weak and strong adsorption interactions between the bottlebrush polymers and the hydrophilic head of the phospholipid membrane
Summary
Cell membranes comprise three major types of lipids, namely, phospholipids, cholesterol, and glycolipids, in which the phospholipids are one of the most abundant types [1]. The phospholipid membrane separates the internal and external environments of the cell and controls the exchange of substances inside and outside the cell because of its semipermeability. This property plays an important role in the protection of cells and organelles. Research in the interactions between the phospholipid membrane and the polymers has attracted extensive attention, promoting the further development of medical carriers [3,4,5]. Houang et al used the all-atom model to investigate the interactions between the amphiphilic triblock copolymers between the phospholipid membranes, where the polymers are composed of poly(propylene oxide) as the core and two linear poly(ethylene oxide) chains on both sides [6]. The phospholipid membrane undergoes an effective self-sealing process while the membrane is severely damaged, indicating that the GN sheet is a potential medical drug carrier [11]
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