Eth Zurich

Simon Matoori

Jean-Christophe Leroux

Olha Voznyuk Wuerthinger

Aaron Christoph Schmidt

The present invention provides polymersomes comprising amphiphilic block-copolymers and their use to quantify ammonia in samples (e.g., body fluid samples). More particularly, it provides a polymersome comprising (a) a membrane, which comprises a block copolymer of poly(styrene) (PS) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), wherein the PS/PEO molecular weight ratio is higher than 1.0 and lower than 4.0; and (b) a core which encloses an acid and at least one pH-sensitive dye. Compositions, strips and kits comprising the polymersomes are also provided along with methods of quantifying ammonia in a sample using the polymersomes, compositions and kit.

Method of making a polymersome

Transmembrane pH-gradient polymersomes for the quantification of ammonia in body fluids

The present invention provides polymersomes comprising non-biodegradable amphiphilic block-copolymers and their enteral (e.g., oral) or topical use in the treatment of an ammonia or ammonia methylated analog-associated disease or disorder or symptom thereof (e.g., hyperammonemia or trimethylaminuria). More particularly, it provides a polymersome comprising (a) a membrane, which comprises a block copolymer of poly(styrene) (PS) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), wherein the PS/PEO molecular weight ratio is higher than 1.0 and lower than 4.0; and (b) a core which encloses an acid. It also provides a method of making the polymersome comprising mixing the copolymer-containing organic solvent phase with an aqueous phase containing the acid.

Growing community of inventors

Zurich, Switzerland

Simon Matoori