Investigation of a dual set of driving forces (hydrophobic + electrostatic) for the two-step fabrication of defined block copolymer micelles.

The aqueous complexation of an amphiphilic block copolymer AB containing a hydrophobic segment A and a polyanionic segment B, with a double hydrophilic block copolymer CD containing a polycationic block C and a non-ionic block D was studied. Defined A(BC)D aggregates ( spherical micelles and vesicles) were obtained by this novel sequential pathway superposing both hydrophobic and electrostatic forces. This proof of concept indicates that this straightforward strategy could be further applied for preparing compartmented polymer-based nanostructures.

New amphiphilic diblock copolymers: surfactant properties and solubilization in their micelles.

Several series of amphiphilic diblock copolymers are investigated as macrosurfactants in comparison to reference low-molar-mass and polymeric surfactants. The various copolymers share poly(butyl acrylate) as a common hydrophobic block but are distinguished by six different hydrophilic blocks (one anionic, one cationic, and four nonionic hydrophilic blocks) with various compositions. Dynamic light scattering experiments indicate the presence of micelles over the whole concentration range from 10(-4) to 10 g x L(-1).

Surface immobilization and mechanical properties of catanionic hollow faceted polyhedrons.

We report here for the first time on surface immobilization of hollow faceted polyhedrons formed from catanionic surfactant mixtures. We find that electrostatic interaction with the substrate dominates their adhesion behavior. Using polyelectrolyte coated surfaces with tailored charge densities, polyhedrons can thus be immobilized without complete spreading, which allows for further study of their mechanical properties using AFM force measurements.

Non-ionic amphiphilic block copolymers by RAFT-polymerization and their self-organization.

Water-soluble, amphiphilic diblock copolymers were synthesized by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. They consist of poly(butyl acrylate) as hydrophobic block with a low glass transition temperature and three different nonionic water-soluble blocks, namely, the classical hydrophilic block poly(dimethylacrylamide), the strongly hydrophilic poly(acryloyloxyethyl methylsulfoxide), and the thermally sensitive poly(-acryloylpyrrolidine). Aqueous micellar solutions of the block copolymers were prepared and characterized by static and dynamic light scattering analysis (DLS and SLS).