The realm of block copolymer (BCP) micelles is a playground of structural variety, showcasing an array of varieties together with spherical, cylindrical, lamellar, and vesicular micelles [1], [2]. Over the previous decade, an intriguing convergence has emerged inside this area, as researchers have more and more sought to combine nanoparticles (NPs) into these micellar architectures [3], [4], [5]. This integration guarantees a plethora of functionalities starting from plasmonic to fluorescent, magnetic, and photothermal properties [6], [7], [8].
The aspiration is evident: to exactly place an outlined variety of NPs inside morphologically managed micelles, thereby optimizing synergistic results and enabling site-specific functionalization [9], [10], [11], [12], [13]. Nonetheless, attaining such nanoscale structural order necessitates mastery over bottom-up self-assembly processes, a stark departure from the top-down manipulation of macroscopic entities [14], [15]. Consequently, unraveling the intricacies of NP-polymer co-assembly turns into crucial for the rational design and synthesis of novel hybrid micelles.
Central to this pursuit is the problem of controlling the NP-polymer interface and comprehending micelle meeting and structural evolution. Basic rules underscore this endeavor, emphasizing the necessity to modulate the bonding interactions between the NP core and the polymer shell to reduce interfacial vitality [16], [17]. Full encapsulation of NPs throughout the hydrophobic domains of amphiphilic polymer micelles represents an excellent situation, necessitating floor modifications to boost hydrophobic interactions. For instance, one methodology encapsulated a single Au NP into the PS core of every PS-b-PAA micelle by including deionized (DI) water into dimethylformamide (DMF) options of citrate-capped Au NPs, dodecanethiol, and PS-b-PAA copolymers [18]. Polymer cross-linking then topologically fastened the composite nanostructure. One other methodology was not too long ago developed to include preformed NPs into solely the middle of spherical/cylindrical micelles and the central portion of vesicle partitions [19], [20]. The strategy entails stabilizing the NPs with diblock copolymers of an identical composition to that of the micelle-forming diblock, adopted by getting ready the micelles within the presence of the copolymer-coated NPs in answer [21], [22]. In addition to, there are a number of examples of what number of NPs randomly are distributed within the micelles [23], [24], [25]. Nonetheless, the mechanism examine is proscribed to simulations and intermediates trapping which is way from the deep studying of the polymer deposition dynamics.
On this context, floor modifications by way of applicable ligands emerge as pivotal methods, facilitating strong bonding with NPs whereas fostering compatibility with hydrophobic copolymer blocks. Conversely, attaining partial encapsulation of NPs on the interface and corona of polymers requires even handed manipulation of binding competitions between hydrophobic and hydrophilic ligands [9], [26], [27], [28]. For instance, a easy thermal therapy of a combination of Au NPs and thiol-terminated block-random copolymers in chosen solvents produced quite a lot of patchy NPs with managed morphology and variety of polymeric patches [9], [29]. As reported, polymers will be designed to selectively adsorb onto NP surfaces already partially coated by different chains to drive the formation of patchy NPs with damaged symmetry [30], [31].
As researchers delve deeper into the realms of NP-polymer interactions and micelle meeting dynamics, a vista of potentialities unfolds [32], [33], [34]. By harnessing these insights, revealing the dynamics of polymer deposition on NPs will assist unlock novel properties and functions, thus charting new frontiers in supplies science and nanotechnology.
On this examine, two kinds of Au NPs have been ready: the hydrophobic floor of the Au NP was used to acquire full encapsulation of Au NP in BCP micelles, whereas the hydrophilic one was used within the formation of BCP micelles with partially embedded Au NP. In-situ liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was utilized utilizing a graphene liquid cell to seize the polymer deposition dynamics on the Au NP floor. The deposition mechanism was developed based mostly on the in situ imaging on the nanoscale. Moreover, three-dimensional (3D) electron tomography was launched to quantify the floor space and quantity of the core-shell nanoparticles. The insights gleaned from this examine lay the groundwork for the exact manipulation and design of strong surfaces using practical polymers throughout a spectrum of functions [35], [36], [37].
