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Solvent-Induced Morphology Control of Polymer Assemblies with Improved Photothermal Features
Yingtong Luo1, Jianhong Wang1, Yudong Li1
1Bio-Organic Chemistry, Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|July 22, 2025
Summary
Researchers optimized organic photothermal agents (OPTAs) by controlling assembly morphology. This straightforward method enhances photothermal conversion efficiency by tuning light absorption, simplifying synthesis for therapy and imaging applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Organic photothermal agents (OPTAs) are crucial for applications like therapy and imaging.
- Optimizing OPTA performance often requires complex molecular designs and challenging synthesis.
- A need exists for simpler strategies to enhance photothermal conversion efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a facile strategy for optimizing organic photothermal agents (OPTAs).
- To enhance photothermal conversion efficiency by controlling the morphology of polymer assemblies.
- To tune optical absorbance properties through solvent-induced self-assembly.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an amphiphilic block copolymer (PEG44-PTA5) for self-assembly.
- Controlled morphology (polymersomes, bicontinuous nanospheres) by adjusting solvent polarity and water addition.
- Characterized morphology using electron microscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering.
- Evaluated optical absorbance and photothermal conversion efficiency.
Main Results:
- Achieved exclusive formation of polymersomes or bicontinuous nanospheres based on solvent conditions.
- Bicontinuous nanospheres exhibited superior light-harvesting due to their mesoporous structure.
- Attained a high absorption coefficient (1.1 × 10^5 M^-1 cm^-1) and 45% photothermal conversion efficiency at 808 nm.
- Demonstrated a direct correlation between morphology, light absorption, and photothermal performance.
Conclusions:
- A straightforward solvent-induced assembly strategy can precisely control OPTA morphology.
- Morphological control effectively tunes optical absorbance and enhances photothermal conversion efficiency.
- This approach offers a simplified route to high-performance organic photothermal agents for biomedical applications.
