Polymerisation-induced Self-assembly

Polymers are long-chain molecules that typically do not mix with other types of polymers.Thus, for example, if a water-insoluble polymer is grown from a water-soluble polymer in aqueous solution (see Figure 1), this leads to in situ self-assembly to produce a remarkable range of spherical, worm-like or vesicular (i.e.hollow) diblock copolymer nanoparticles (see Figure 2), with the final copolymer morphology depending on the precise reaction conditions.This so-called 'polymerisation-induced self-assembly' (PISA) approach is reproducible, efficient and generic -it works equally well in polar solvents (e.g.water or ethanol) or non-polar solvents (e.g.n-alkanes).1-10 PISA provides a highly versatile and scalable platform technology for the production of a wide range of nanoparticles with many potential applications, including viscosity modifiers/thickeners, engine oil lubricants, anti-reflective coatings, thermo-responsive hydrogels for the long-term storage of stem cells and nextgeneration contact lenses.We are currently working with various industrial sponsors to explore these possibilities.