Size evolution of highly amphiphilic macromolecular solution assemblies via a distinct bimodal pathway.
The solution self-assembly of macromolecular amphiphiles offers an efficient, bottom-up strategy for producing well-defined nanocarriers, with applications ranging from drug delivery to nanoreactors. Typically, the generation of uniform nanocarrier architectures is controlled by processing methods that rely on cosolvent mixtures. These preparation strategies hinge on the assumption that macromolecular solution nanostructures are kinetically stable following transfer from an organic/aqueous cosolvent into aqueous solution. Herein we demonstrate that unequivocal step-change shifts in micelle populations occur over several weeks following transfer into a highly selective solvent. The unexpected micelle growth evolves through a distinct bimodal distribution separated by multiple fusion events and critically depends on solution agitation. Notably, these results underscore fundamental similarities between assembly processes in amphiphilic polymer, small molecule and protein systems. Moreover, the non-equilibrium micelle size increase can have a major impact on the assumed stability of solution assemblies, for which performance is dictated by nanocarrier size and structure.
1] Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA [2].
Elizabeth G
EG
Kelley
1] Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA [2].
Ryan P
RP
Murphy
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA.
Jonathan E
JE
Seppala
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA.
Thomas P
TP
Smart
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA.
Sarah D
SD
Hann
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA.
Millicent O
MO
Sullivan
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy Street, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA.
Thomas H
TH
Epps
D002070:Butadienes; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D007700:Kinetics; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008823:Micelles; D049329:Nanostructures; D036103:Nanotechnology; D020959:Polyethylene; D011108:Polymers; D012996:Solutions; D012997:Solvents
D002070:Butadienes; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008823:Micelles; D011108:Polymers; D012996:Solutions; D012997:Solvents; C473741:poly(1,2-butadiene-b-ethylene oxide); D020959:Polyethylene