Colloidosomes based on silica nanoparticles self-assembled at water droplet/oil interfaces are promising inorganic protocells, but they often leak small molecules on transfer into bulk water. Through silane crosslinking and copolymer grafting, colloidosomes have now been endowed with membranes that exhibit pH-responsive permeability to small molecules. The resulting water-dispersible colloidosomes further serve to host and control enzyme reactions.
- Mei Li
- Rachel L. Harbron
- Stephen Mann
