The headgroup of phospholipids in eukaryotic cell membranes contains phosphatidyl choline (PC). Now, branched polyglycerols decorated with the 'PC-inverse' choline phosphate (CP) are shown to behave as 'universal' biomembrane adhesives, binding electrostatically to cell membranes and to PC-containing liposomes. Binding can be reversed by exposure to PC-containing polymers. These adhesives may find use as tissue sealants and as drug-delivery vehicles.
- Xifei Yu
- Zonghua Liu
- Donald E. Brooks