Ultrathin, responsive polymer click capsules.
We report a general click chemistry approach for the layer-by-layer assembly of ultrathin, polymer films on particles and the subsequent formation of polymer click capsules (CCs). Poly(acrylic acid) copolymers, synthesized with a minor component of either alkyne (PAA-Alk) or azide (PAA-Az) functionality, were alternately assembled on silica particles. The (PAA-Az/PAA-Alk)-coated particles were subsequently functionalized by exploiting the free alkyne click moieties present in the film upon exposure to an azide-modified rhodamine dye. Further, PAA CCs, obtained following removal of the silica particle template, were shown to exhibit pH-responsive behavior. This was demonstrated by reversible size changes of the CCs upon cycling between basic and acidic solutions. Polymer CCs are anticipated to find applications in various fields, including drug delivery and sensing.
Such
Georgina K
GK
Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia.
Tjipto
Elvira
E
Postma
Almar
A
Johnston
Angus P R
AP
Caruso
Frank
F
D000180:Acrylic Resins / Q000737:chemistry*; D000480:Alkynes / Q000737:chemistry*; D001386:Azides / Q000737:chemistry*; D003460:Crystallization / Q000379:methods; D046911:Macromolecular Substances / Q000737:chemistry; D008422:Materials Testing; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D010316:Particle Size; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000737:chemistry*; D055672:Static Electricity; D013499:Surface Properties
D000180:Acrylic Resins; D000480:Alkynes; D001386:Azides; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; C006903:carbopol 940; D012822:Silicon Dioxide