Core-Shell-Corona Micelles from a Polyether-Based Triblock Terpolymer: Investigation of the pH-Dependent Micellar
Shotaro Miwa1, Rintaro Takahashi1, Carsten Rössel2,3
1Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry , University of Kitakyushu , 1-1, Hibikino, Wakamatsu-ku , Kitakyushu , Fukuoka 808-0135 , Japan.
Abstract:
Core-shell-corona micelles featuring a pH-responsive shell have been characterized in dilute aqueous solution at different pH values (4-8) by using dynamic light scattering (DLS), field-flow fractionation coupled with multiangle light scattering detector (FFF-MALS), steady-state fluorescence, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). The micelles are formed by self-assembly of a polyether-based triblock terpolymer consisting of a hydrophobic poly( tert-butyl glycidyl ether) block (P tBGE), a pH-responsive modified poly(allyl glycidyl ether) segment (PAGECOOH), and a neutral hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) block (PEO). Because of the side-chain carboxylic acids in the middle block, the micellar structure and size depends on the solution pH. Hereby, we show that an increase in pH induces a decrease in the aggregation number ( Nagg). In addition, the combination of the above measurements revealed an unexpected morphological change from spherical to ellipsoidal micelles by increasing pH.
Related Concept Videos
The Nucleosome Core Particle
The paradox
Nucleosomes, paradoxically, perform two opposite functions simultaneously. On the one hand, their main responsibility is to protect the delicate DNA strands from physical damage and help achieve a higher compaction ratio. While on the other hand, they must allow polymerase enzymes to access DNA...
The Nucleosome Core Particle
Nucleosomes, paradoxically, perform two opposite functions simultaneously. On the one hand, their primary aim is to protect the delicate DNA strands from physical damage and help achieve a higher compaction ratio. On the other hand, they must allow polymerase enzymes to access histone-bound DNA during...
Viral Structure
Protein and Protein Structure
A protein's shape is critical to its function. For example, an enzyme...
Frequency-dependent Selection
Drug Dependence


