title: Transformation and patterning of supermicelles using dynamic holographic assembly.
abstract: Although the solution self-assembly of block copolymers has enabled the fabrication of a broad range of complex, functional nanostructures, their precise manipulation and patterning remain a key challenge. Here we demonstrate that spherical and linear supermicelles, supramolecular structures held together by non-covalent solvophobic and coordination interactions and formed by the hierarchical self-assembly of block copolymer micelle and block comicelle precursors, can be manipulated, transformed and patterned with mediation by dynamic holographic assembly (optical tweezers). This allows the creation of new and stable soft-matter superstructures far from equilibrium. For example, individual spherical supermicelles can be optically held in close proximity and photocrosslinked through controlled coronal chemistry to generate linear oligomeric arrays. The use of optical tweezers also enables the directed deposition and immobilization of supermicelles on surfaces, allowing the precise creation of arrays of soft-matter nano-objects with potentially diverse functionality and a range of applications.
authors.affiliation: Bristol Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, HH Wills Physics Laboratory, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TL, UK.
authors.forename: Oliver E C
authors.initials: OE
authors.lastname: Gould
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK.
authors.forename: Huibin
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Qiu
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK.
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Lunn
authors.affiliation: School of Physics, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TL, UK.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rowden
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK.
authors.forename: Robert L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Harniman
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK.
authors.forename: Zachary M
authors.initials: ZM
authors.lastname: Hudson
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3H6.
authors.forename: Mitchell A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Winnik
authors.affiliation: School of Physics, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TL, UK.
authors.forename: Mervyn J
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7762-6827
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Miles
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK.
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Manners
mesh_terms: D040761:Biomimetic Materials; D006696:Holography; D008823:Micelles; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry*; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D008823:Micelles; D011108:Polymers