Shape-tunable polymer nodules grown from liposomes via ring-opening metathesis polymerization

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Controlling polymer morphology and size in aqueous solutions is challenging.
• Liposomes offer a unique platform for surface-initiated polymerization.
• Existing methods for polymerization from membranes in water have limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and utilize a novel inisurf molecule for aqueous ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP).
• To investigate the controlled growth of polymer nodules from liposome surfaces.
• To explore the influence of monomer choice on polymer nodule shape.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a novel inisurf molecule acting as both surfactant and initiator.
• Utilizing a hydrophobic Grubbs catalyst derivative anchored to the liposome surface.
• Performing ROMP of monomers dissolved in the aqueous phase, initiated from the liposome surface.

Main Results:

• Successful polymerization from liposome surfaces in aqueous solution.
• Formation of polymer nodules with controllable size, growing up to tens of micrometers.
• Observation of distinct nodule shapes (spherical or comet-like) dependent on the monomer used.

Conclusions:

• The novel inisurf molecule effectively mediates ROMP in aqueous solution from liposome interfaces.
• This approach provides efficient control over polymer nodule size and shape.
• Opens new avenues for membrane-based polymerization in aqueous environments.