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Tuning the Length of Filomicelles Prepared Via Templated Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly
Eleonora G Hochreiner1, Wiktoria Pioruńska1, Gaëlle Mellot2
1Division of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute For Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|July 17, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed new methods to control the length and shape of polymeric micelles (filomicelles). These advanced filomicelles offer tunable aspect ratios for applications like drug delivery.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- High-aspect-ratio polymeric micelles (filomicelles) are valuable anisotropic nanoparticles.
- Controlling their dimensions (width, length, stiffness) is crucial but challenging.
- Existing methods limit exploration of structure-property relationships.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop strategies for independent control over filomicelle dimensions.
- To investigate methods for tuning filomicelle contour length and polydispersity.
- To create a versatile model system for studying micellar anisotropy.
Main Methods:
- Supramolecular polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) using a bis-urea core template.
- Investigated blending non-sticker polymer and post-micellization sonication.
- Utilized transmission electron microscopy (TEM), fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (FCCS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM).
Main Results:
- Blending non-sticker polymer unexpectedly increased filomicelle contour length.
- Sonication induced particle shortening and reduced length polydispersity.
- Achieved tunable aspect ratios from 1 to over 150.
Conclusions:
- Combined strategies enable precise control over filomicelle dimensions.
- The system provides a stable model for studying micellar anisotropy.
- Facilitates investigations into applications like drug delivery.
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