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Self-assembling Morphologies Obtained from Helical Polycarbodiimide Copolymers and Their Triazole Derivatives
Published on: February 7, 2017
Cyclodextrin-based inclusion complexation bridging supramolecular chemistry and macromolecular self-assembly
1The Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Ministry of Education and Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, 220 Handan Rd, Shanghai 200433, China.
Chemical Society Reviews
|February 24, 2011
Summary
Supramolecular chemistry, particularly cyclodextrin inclusion complexation, is revolutionizing macromolecular self-assembly. This approach enables precise control over polymer structures and functions, leading to advanced materials like stimuli-responsive hydrogels.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Macromolecular self-assembly research has historically seen limited integration with supramolecular chemistry.
- Recent advancements show increased synergy between supramolecular chemistry concepts and polymer self-assembly studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the application of inclusion complexation, specifically using cyclodextrins, in advancing macromolecular self-assembly.
- To highlight how supramolecular chemistry principles enhance the design and functionality of self-assembled polymeric systems.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing cyclodextrin inclusion complexation to modify macromolecular properties.
- Employing non-covalent interactions for the construction of complex polymeric architectures.
- Investigating the surface modification and functionalization of self-assembled structures.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated control over macromolecular amphiphilicity.
- Facilitated the formation of pseudo block copolymers and micelles through non-covalent linkages.
- Enabled surface functionalization of polymeric micelles and vesicles.
- Integrated synthetic assemblies with biological components.
- Achieved reversible stimuli-responsiveness in polymeric assemblies, including hydrogels.
Conclusions:
- Inclusion complexation is a powerful strategy for directing macromolecular self-assembly.
- This supramolecular approach unlocks new possibilities for creating advanced functional polymeric materials and responsive systems.
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