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Updated: Jun 3, 2025

Synthesis of Monodisperse Cylindrical Nanoparticles via Crystallization-driven Self-assembly of Biodegradable Block Copolymers
Published on: June 20, 2019
Influence of Tacticity on the Self-Assembly of Poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(lactic acid) Block Copolymers
Sjoerd J Rijpkema1, B Jelle Toebes1, Jules van Vlaenderen1
1Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Lactide, possessing two stereocenters and thus three distinct configurations (DD, DL, and LL), serves as a captivating building block for polymers and self-assembly. Notably, polylactide (PLA) exhibits stereocomplexation, displaying heightened interactions between different configurations compared with interactions within the same configuration. This characteristic renders PLA an intriguing subject for investigating self-assembly behavior. In this study, 22 PEG-b-PLA polymers were synthesized and self-assembled, with analysis conducted through NMR and cryo-TEM techniques. A range of morphologies, including vesicles, diamond-shaped lamellae, and branched networks, were achieved by manipulating the tacticities. Enhanced comprehension of self-assembly interactions holds promise for advancing molecular recognition, self-replication, and asymmetric catalysis.
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