Swollen vesicles and multiple emulsions from block copolymers

Citation:

Nikova, A. T. ; Gordon, V. D. ; Cristobal, G. ; Talingting, M. R. ; Bell, D. C. ; Evans, C. ; Joanicot, M. ; Zasadzinski, J. A. ; Weitz, D. A. Swollen vesicles and multiple emulsions from block copolymers. Macromolecules 2004, 37, 2215-2218. Copy at http://www.tinyurl.com/y638vy4k
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Abstract:

We engineer novel structures by "stuffing" the aliphatic regions of self-assembled aggregates with hydrophobic homopolymer. These "stuffed" vesicles and multiple emulsions are formed in a one-step process when we rehydrate stuffed films made of amphiphilic block copolymer and hydrophobic homopolymer. Without such homopolymer, this system forms micelles. With homopolymer, vesicles form; varying vesicle membrane thicknesses show that these structures incorporate different amounts of homopolymer. Multiple emulsions, containing more homopolymer than stuffed vesicles, are also fabricated using this single-amphiphile system. The system's incorporation of homopolymer to modify the properties and morphology of the resultant structures is a convenient strategy for preparing self-assembled macromolecular structures with controllable properties.

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Last updated on 05/14/2021