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Application of Voltage in Dynamic Light Scattering Particle Size Analysis

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Dynamic Light Scattering Based Microrheology of End-Functionalised Triblock Copolymer Solutions.

Ren Liu¹, Alessio Caciagli¹, Jiaming Yu¹

¹Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK.

|February 11, 2023

Summary

DNA-functionalized nanoparticles self-assemble into flower-micelles and induce attraction between micelles, forming transient hydrogels. This DNA detection system offers a novel approach to material science.

Keywords:

DNA competing self-assembly dynamic light scattering microrheology telechelic polymers transient hydrogels triblock-copolymer

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Area of Science:

Materials Science
Nanotechnology
Biochemistry

Background:

Nano-sized particles functionalized with single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) can detect complementary DNA strands.
Block-copolymer-based self-assembling systems offer ease of fabrication for functionalized nanoparticles.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the phase behavior of tri-block-copolymer-based, self-assembling DNA-coated nanoparticles.
To understand how azide (N3) functionalization and DNA complexation influence micelle assembly and solution properties.

Main Methods:

Studied Pluronic® F108 triblock copolymer in aqueous solutions.
Investigated self-assembly mechanisms influenced by N3-groups and N3-DNA complexes at varying temperatures.
Analyzed changes in micelle structure and inter-micellar interactions.

Main Results:

N3-functionalization induced flower-micelle formation below the critical micelle temperature (CMT), with N3-groups at the core.
Above the CMT, micellar structure inverted, leading to N3-group aggregation on the periphery and inter-micellar attraction.
DNA functionalization and unreacted N3-groups significantly altered the phase behavior and self-assembly of the triblock polymer.

Conclusions:

The triblock copolymer system exhibits dual self-assembly mechanisms driven by N3-groups and DNA complexation.
These competing mechanisms enable the formation of tunable, transient hydrogels.
The findings highlight the potential of N3-functionalized block copolymers for advanced material applications.