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Dual-Phase Separation in a Semiconfined System: Monodispersed Heterogeneous Block-Copolymer Membranes for Cell
Xiuyu Wang1,2, Xueyan Feng3, Guiping Ma3
1Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, North First Street 2, Zhongguancun, Beijing, 100190, China.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|March 16, 2017
Summary
Block copolymers (BCPs) self-assemble into diverse structures. A new method creates heterogeneous BCP membranes with unique cellular anisotropy for biological and medical applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Block copolymers (BCPs) self-assemble into well-defined structures for applications like drug delivery and nanoscale assemblies.
- BCPs can be kinetically frozen in non-equilibrium states, allowing for structural remodeling.
- Existing methods offer limited control over BCP self-assembly outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel semiconfined system for processing BCP self-assembly.
- To investigate the dual-phase separation phenomena within this system.
- To create heterogeneous BCP membranes with tunable properties for biological applications.
Main Methods:
- Construction of a new semiconfined system for BCP processing.
- Induction of dual-phase separation: nonsolvent-induced microphase separation and osmotically driven macrophase separation.
- Characterization of the resulting heterogeneous BCP membranes.
Main Results:
- Achieved unusual dual-phase separation leading to heterogeneous BCP membranes.
- Observed unique cellular anisotropy in the membranes, suitable for cell encoding and patterning.
- Demonstrated new levels of tailorability for BCP assembly structures and encapsulated contents.
Conclusions:
- The developed processing method enables precise control over BCP self-assembly.
- Heterogeneous BCP membranes exhibit promising anisotropy for biomedical applications.
- This versatile method can be extended to other block polymers with desirable electronic or optical properties.
