In Situ Cross-Linking of Vesicles in Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Controlling nano-object morphology during polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) is challenging.
• In situ cross-linking often hinders the necessary chain mobility for morphology transitions in PISA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel strategy for in situ cross-linking of polymer vesicles within PISA.
• To achieve cross-linked vesicles with enhanced stability against solvents and surfactants.

Main Methods:

• Utilized an asymmetric cross-linker with differential vinyl group reactivities.
• Employed aqueous dispersion polymerization formulation for PISA.
• Investigated varying degrees of cross-linking (1-5 mol %).

Main Results:

• Successfully prepared cross-linked polymer vesicles via a delayed cross-linking strategy.
• Vesicles with ≥2 mol % cross-links demonstrated resistance to dissolution in DMF.
• Cross-linked vesicles maintained structural integrity and colloidal stability in the presence of 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate.

Conclusions:

• The proposed method enables in situ cross-linking of vesicles in PISA without inhibiting morphology transition.
• The resulting cross-linked vesicles exhibit significant improvements in solvent resistance and colloidal stability.
• This approach offers a pathway to robust, self-assembled polymer nanostructures.