Light-activated polymerization methods unlock new possibilities for intracellular applications

Synthetic polymers play a crucial role in cell biology, serving as delivery vehicles for DNA and drugs, acting as fluorescent probes for cellular sensing, functioning as bioinks for tissue engineering, and mimicking biological functionality (e.g., artificial antigen-presenting cells). However, synthesizing polymers within an intracellular environment remains challenging due to the complex intracellular conditions that can hinder or suppress such reactions.