Thermally reversible formation of microspheres through non-covalent polymer cross-linking.
Bis-thymine units were used to noncovalently cross-link a complementary diamidopyridine-functionalized copolymer. Upon combination in noncompetitive solvents, discrete micron-scale spherical aggregates were formed arising from specific three-point polymer-cross-linker hydrogen bonding interactions. The diameter of these microspheres could be controlled through spacer structure. The cross-linking process was fully thermally reversible, with complete dissolution observed at 50 degrees C and reformation of the aggregates upon return to ambient temperature. This process could be repeated multiply, with lower particle dispersity observed arising from the annealing process.
Thibault
Raymond J
RJ
Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, 01003, USA.
Hotchkiss
Peter J
PJ
Gray
Mark
M
Rotello
Vincent M
VM