Dynamic and programmable morphology and size evolution via a living hierarchical self-assembly strategy

Area of Science:

• Nanoscience
• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Intelligent functions in nanoscience rely on precise control of nanostructure shape and dimension.
• Developing adaptable nanostructures with tunable properties is a key research area.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a tunable manipulation of sequential self-assembled transformation in situ.
• To demonstrate a hierarchical assembly strategy for controlled nanostructure evolution.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a living thiol-disulfide exchange reaction for dynamic control.
• Employed external stimuli to trigger and regulate self-assembled transformations.
• Developed a hierarchical assembly strategy for sequential processes.

Main Results:

• Achieved tunable manipulation of nanostructure shape and size.
• Demonstrated sequential self-assembly processes including connection, axial growth, bending, and cyclization.
• Enabled shape and size control through termination or reactivation of disulfide reshuffling.

Conclusions:

• The hierarchical strategy offers universal applicability for disulfide-linked dendritic polymers.
• This approach is promising for the development of intelligent nanosystems and biological applications.
• Dynamic control over nanostructure evolution is achievable through external stimuli regulation.