Structural reorganization of cylindrical nanoparticles triggered by polylactide stereocomplexation
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Authors
Colleges, School and Institutes
External organisations
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Gibbet Hill Road, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
- Australian Synchrotron, 800 Blackburn Road, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
- University of New England
- Department of Physics, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL
Abstract
Co-crystallization of polymers with different configurations/tacticities provides access to materials with enhanced performance. The stereocomplexation of isotactic poly(L-lactide) and poly(D-lactide) has led to improved properties compared with each homochiral material. Herein, we report the preparation of stereocomplex micelles from a mixture of poly(L-lactide)-b-poly(acrylic acid) and poly(D-lactide)-b-poly(acrylic acid) diblock copolymers in water via crystallization-driven self-assembly. During the formation of these stereocomplex micelles, an unexpected morphological transition results in the formation of dense crystalline spherical micelles rather than cylinders. Furthermore, mixture of cylinders with opposite homochirality in either THF/H2O mixtures or in pure water at 65 °C leads to disassembly into stereocomplexed spherical micelles. Similarly, a transition is also observed in a related PEO-b-PLLA/PEO-b-PDLA system, demonstrating wider applicability. This new mechanism for morphological reorganization, through competitive crystallization and stereocomplexation and without the requirement for an external stimulus, allows for new opportunities in controlled release and delivery applications.
Details
Original language | English |
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Article number | 5746 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Nature Communications |
Volume | 5 |
Publication status | Published - 17 Dec 2014 |
Keywords
- Biocompatible Materials/chemistry, Crystallization, Delayed-Action Preparations, Furans/chemistry, Micelles, Microscopy, Electron, Transmission, Nanoparticles/chemistry, Polyesters/chemistry, Stereoisomerism, Temperature, Water/chemistry