Simultaneous Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly (PISA) and Guest Molecule Encapsulation

Karagoz B., BOYER C., DAVIS T. P.

MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS, vol.35, no.4, pp.417-421, 2014 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 35 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2014
  • Doi Number: 10.1002/marc.201300730
  • Journal Name: MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.417-421
  • Istanbul Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Nanoparticles with various morphologies such as micelles, worm-like/rod-like and spherical vesicles are made using a polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) approach via a one-pot RAFT dispersion polymerization. On polymerization/self-assembly, we report a concurrent highly efficient loading of guest molecules within the nanoparticle structures. Different nanoparticle morphologies, such as spherical micelles, worm-like, rod-like, and spherical vesicles, are achieved by gradually increasing the number-average degree of polymerization (DPn) of the PST block via increasing polymerization times (in a poor solvent) as determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. In parallel, a guest molecule (Nile Red) is encapsulated during the polymerization without disturbing the morphology or the polymerization kinetics.