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Assembly and Characterization of Polyelectrolyte Complex Micelles
Published on: March 2, 2020
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Complex Coacervate Core Micelles Containing Poly(vinyl alcohol) Inhibit Ice Recrystallization
Christian C M Sproncken1,2, Romà Surís-Valls1,3, Hande E Cingil1,3
1Laboratory of Self-Organizing Soft Matter, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Post Office Box 513, 5600, MD, Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
Macromolecular Rapid Communications
|April 11, 2018
Summary
Complex coacervate core micelles (C3Ms) with poly(vinyl alcohol) show ice recrystallization inhibition (IRI) activity. Their efficacy depends on vinyl alcohol concentration, not polymer structure, offering new possibilities for cryoprotection.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biophysics
Background:
- Complex coacervate core micelles (C3Ms) are versatile self-assembled structures.
- Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is recognized for its ice recrystallization inhibition (IRI) properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ice growth inhibition capabilities of PVA-containing C3Ms.
- To determine the formation conditions, size, and IRI performance of these C3Ms.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of PVA-based C3Ms via co-assembly of charged copolymers.
- Characterization of C3M formation, size, and structure.
- Assessment of IRI activity at varying PVA concentrations.
Main Results:
- PVA-based C3Ms demonstrate significant IRI activity.
- Effective IRI was observed at low PVA monomer concentrations (1 × 10-3 m).
- IRI efficacy was comparable to linear PVA and PVA graft polymers.
Conclusions:
- PVA-containing C3Ms are effective ice recrystallization inhibitors.
- The IRI performance is primarily governed by the concentration of vinyl alcohol monomers.
- Polymer architecture does not significantly influence the IRI activity of these C3Ms.
Keywords:
bio-inspired functional materialsice recrystallization inhibitionmicellespoly(vinyl alcohol)polyelectrolytesMore Related Videos
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