Stimuli Responsive Amphiphilic Assemblies

摘要

Stimulus-induced changes in surface properties of nanoassemblies have been of interest in a variety of applications. One such change involves change in surface charge. Changes in surface charge can be conveniently assayed using interaction of the nanoassemblies with cells. We have utilized the nanoassembly-cell interaction to investigate the pH-induced changes in surface properties. Similarly, surface functionalization of nanoparticles and host- guest properties of nanoassemblies are two critical features in the utilization of nanostructures in a variety of applications in materials, chemical, and biological nanotechnology. However, simultaneously incorporating these two features in one nanoparticle design is a rather challenging task. We were interested in developing a simple approach for functionalizable polymer nanoparticles, where we stipulated that: (i) the precursor polymer is based on a random copolymer, which is synthetically accessible; (ii) the polymer self- assembles in a solvent, which can then be converted to nanoparticle in one step without the need for any additional processing; (iii) the nanoparticle contains a surface functional group, which can be further manipulated easily; (iv) the size of the nanoparticle is tunable; and (iv) the interior of the nanoparticle is capable of sequestering guest molecules.