<p></p><p>Belousov-Zhabotinsky (B-Z) reaction driven
polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA), or B-Z PISA, is a novel method for
the autonomous one-pot synthesis of polymer vesicles from a macroCTA (macro
chain transfer agent) and monomer solution (“soup”) containing the above and
the BZ reaction components. In it, the polymerization is driven (and
controlled) by periodically generated radicals generated in the oscillations of
the B-Z reaction. These are inhibitor/activator radicals for the
polymerization. Until now B-Z PISA has only been carried out in batch reactors.
In this manuscript we present the results of running the system using a
continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) configuration which offers some
interesting advantages.Indeed, by controlling the CSTR parameters we achieve
reproducible and simultaneous control of the PISA process and of the properties
of the oscillatory cargo encapsulated in the resulting vesicles. Furthermore,
the use of flow chemistry enables a more precise morphology control and chemical
cargo tuning. Finally, in the context of biomimetic applications a CSTR
operation mimics more closely the open non-equilibrium conditions of living
systems and their surrounding environments.</p><p></p>
