Supramolecular assemblies from amphiphilic homopolymers: Testing the scope

J Am Chem Soc. 2006 Dec 20;128(50):16224-30. doi: 10.1021/ja065213o.

Abstract

It has been shown by us in a recent communication that homopolymers, in which each repeat unit contains a hydrophilic and a hydrophobic head group, are capable of forming environment-dependent micellar or inverse micellar assemblies. A systematic structure-property relationship study is carried out here to test the scope of the design. We show here that the molecular design is indeed broadly applicable and that there is a significant gain in the critical aggregation concentrations of these polymers, as compared to the small molecule counterparts. We also show that the design can be tuned to achieve vesicle-type assemblies, which further expands the repertoire of amphiphilic homopolymers in a variety of areas. Characterizations of these assemblies have been carried out using transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, static light scattering, and dye incorporation experiments.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Molecular Structure
  • Particle Size
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Spectrum Analysis
  • Surface-Active Agents / chemistry
  • Water / chemistry*

Substances

  • Polymers
  • Surface-Active Agents
  • Water