scholarly journals Polymersome Poration and Rupture Mediated by Plasmonic Nanoparticles in Response to Single-Pulse Irradiation

Polymers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 2381
Author(s):  
Gina M. DiSalvo ◽  
Abby R. Robinson ◽  
Mohamed S. Aly ◽  
Eric R. Hoglund ◽  
Sean M. O’Malley ◽  
...  

The self-assembly of amphiphilic diblock copolymers into polymeric vesicles, commonly known as polymersomes, results in a versatile system for a variety of applications including drug delivery and microreactors. In this study, we show that the incorporation of hydrophobic plasmonic nanoparticles within the polymersome membrane facilitates light-stimulated release of vesicle encapsulants. This work seeks to achieve tunable, triggered release with non-invasive, spatiotemporal control using single-pulse irradiation. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are incorporated as photosensitizers into the hydrophobic membrane of micron-scale polymersomes and the cargo release profile is controlled by varying the pulse energy and nanoparticle concentration. We have demonstrated the ability to achieve immediate vesicle rupture as well as vesicle poration resulting in temporal cargo diffusion. Additionally, changing the pulse duration, from femtosecond to nanosecond, provides mechanistic insight into the photothermal and photomechanical contributors that govern membrane disruption in this polymer–nanoparticle hybrid system.

1999 ◽  
Vol 77 (8) ◽  
pp. 1311-1326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil S Cameron ◽  
Muriel K Corbierre ◽  
Adi Eisenberg

Asymmetric amphiphilic diblock copolymers self-assemble in selective solvents. Since 1995, when we first reported the systematic preparation of a sequence of various "crew-cut" aggregate morphologies from this class of copolymer in solution (1), we have identified a vast array of structures and have begun a detailed investigation of the thermodynamic and kinetic parameters that induce morphogenesis. Not only spheres, rods, bilayer and bicontinuous architectures, as well as inverted structures are observed, but also a selection of mixed, combined and much more complex aggregates is documented. All of these aggregates have a phase-separated insoluble core and a crew-cut soluble corona. Thus, all parameters that permit selective modification of the component of either phase or of the interface provide a window for morphological control. By carefully adjusting the polymer chain environment, it has been possible to develop a systematic understanding of morphogenic parameters, which include, among others, polymer composition, common solvent, initial concentration, temperature, type and concentration of added ions, method of preparation, and added homopolymer. To date, more than 30 publications have appeared in the literature from our group alone on this subject. One of the problems inherent with such a complicated system is the taxonomy or classification: which morphologies correspond to equilibrium positions and which are intermediate or trapped? An attempt at a logical presentation of the observed aggregates is given, preceded by a qualitative discussion of the thermodynamic framework for this system. Where possible, the transitions between morphologies are explained in the context of the thermodynamic parameters. Finally, parallels are drawn between the copolymer aggregates and biological architectures.Key words: crew-cut, morphology, block copolymer, self-assembly, amphiphile.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (37) ◽  
pp. 5377-5389
Author(s):  
Riccardo Wehr ◽  
Elena C. dos Santos ◽  
Moritz S. Muthwill ◽  
Vittoria Chimisso ◽  
Jens Gaitzsch ◽  
...  

Analysis of the membrane properties and stability of fully amorphous small and giant unilamellar vesicles composed of atactic or isotactic poly(butylene oxide)-block-poly(glycidol) (PBO-b-PG) amphiphilic diblock copolymers.


Polymers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 827
Author(s):  
Xiaowei An ◽  
Weihong Lu ◽  
Jian Zhu ◽  
Xiangqiang Pan ◽  
Xiulin Zhu

Selenide-containing amphiphilic copolymers have shown significant potential for application in drug release systems. Herein, we present a methodology for the design of a reactive oxygen species-responsive amphiphilic diblock selenide-labeled copolymer. This copolymer with controlled molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution was prepared by sequential organoselenium-mediated reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (Se-RAFT) polymerization and selenol-based nucleophilic reaction. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-to-flight (MALDI-TOF) techniques were used to characterize its structure. Its corresponding nanomicelles successfully formed through self-assembly from the copolymer itself. Such nanomicelles could rapidly disassemble under oxidative conditions due to the fragmentation of the Se–C bond. Therefore, this type of nanomicelle based on selenide-labeled amphiphilic copolymers potentially provides a new platform for drug delivery.


RSC Advances ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (63) ◽  
pp. 58218-58225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henmei Ni ◽  
Junxiu Liu ◽  
Kai Shi ◽  
Min Wu ◽  
Yadong Yang ◽  
...  

Soluble amphiphilic diblock copolymers of PMAA-b-PMMA were positively charged in ethanol and the electrostatic interaction played a role in the process of self-assembly.


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