Simultaneous polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) and guest molecule encapsulation

Nanoparticles with various morphologies such as micelles, worm-like/rod-like and spherical vesicles are made using a polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) approach via a one-pot RAFT dispersion polymerization. On polymerization/self-assembly, we report a concurrent highly efficient loading of guest molecules within the nanoparticle structures. Different nanoparticle morphologies, such as spherical micelles, worm-like, rod-like, and spherical vesicles, are achieved by gradually increasing the number-average degree of polymerization (DPn) of the PST block via increasing polymerization times (in a poor solvent) as determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. In parallel, a guest molecule (Nile Red) is encapsulated during the polymerization without disturbing the morphology or the polymerization kinetics.