Facile synthesis for colloid silica cross-linked threadlike micelles based on block copolymer self-assembly

A new class of silica cross-linked threadlike micelles has been successfully synthesized in the form of stable colloidal suspensions by using block copolymer P123 (EO(20)PO(70)EO(20)) as template, tetramethyl orthosilicate as silica source, and 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane as stabilizing agent. The aggregation of threadlike hybrid micelles is suppressed by electrostatic repulsion from the positive -NH(3)(+) on the surfaces of threadlike hybrid micelles in strong acidic media. Compared with P123 micelles, the threadlike hybrid micelles have significantly improved stability against dilution. Furthermore, the threadlike hybrid micelles are potential drug carrier and have a higher loading capacity and a slower release rate.