title: Ion-Induced Morphological Changes in "Crew-Cut" Aggregates of Amphiphilic Block Copolymers
abstract: The addition of ions in micromolar (CaCl2 or HCl) or millimolar (NaCl) concentrations can change the morphology of "crew-cut" aggregates of amphiphilic block copolymers in dilute solutions. In addition to spherical, rodlike, and univesicular or lamellar aggregates, an unusual large compound vesicle morphology can be obtained from a single block copolymer. Some features of the spontaneously formed large compound vesicles may make them especially useful as vehicles for delivering drugs and as models of biological cells. Gelation of a dilute spherical micelle solution can also be induced by ions as the result of the formation of a cross-linked "pearl necklace" morphology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A-2K6.
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Eisenberg