| abstract |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to vesicles such as liposomes, colloidsomes, and polymersomes and techniques for making and using such vesicles. In some instances, the vesicles may be at least partially biocompatible and / or biodegradable. According to one aspect, the vesicle forms a multi-emulsion comprising a first droplet surrounded by a third fluid and surrounded by a second droplet comprising a lipid and / or a polymer, until a vesicle is formed, e.g. For example, by removing the fluid from the second droplet through evaporation or diffusion. In certain aspects, the size of the vesicles can be controlled, for example, via osmolarity, and in certain embodiments, the vesicles can rupture through changes in osmolarity. In some cases, vesicles may contain other species that may be released upon rupture, such as fluorescent molecules, particulates, pharmaceutical agents, and the like. Another aspect of the invention relates generally to a method of making such vesicles, a kit comprising such vesicles, and the like. |