Self-assembly behavior of a linear-star supramolecular amphiphile based on host-guest complexation

Langmuir. 2014 Nov 4;30(43):13014-20. doi: 10.1021/la503295z. Epub 2014 Oct 24.

Abstract

A star polymer, β-cyclodextrin-poly(l-lactide) (β-CD-PLLA), and a linear polymer, azobenzene-poly(ethylene glycol) (Azo-PEG), could self-assemble into a supramolecular amphiphilic copolymer (β-CD-PLLA@Azo-PEG) based on the host-guest interaction between β-CD and azobenzene moieties. This linear-star supramolecular amphiphilic copolymer further self-assembled into a variety of morphologies, including sphere-like micelle, carambola-like micelle, naan-like micelle, shuttle-like lamellae, tube-like fiber, and random curled-up lamellae, by tuning the length of hydrophilic or hydrophobic chains. The variation of morphology was closely related to the topological structure and block ratio of the supramolecular amphiphiles. These self-assembly structures could disassemble upon an ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Azo Compounds / chemistry*
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Molecular Weight
  • Polyesters / chemistry*
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry*
  • beta-Cyclodextrins / chemistry*

Substances

  • Azo Compounds
  • Polyesters
  • beta-Cyclodextrins
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • poly(lactide)
  • azobenzene
  • betadex