Nanoparticles reveal Extreme Size-Sorting and Morphologies in Complex Coacervate Superstructures

Sci Rep. 2018 Sep 14;8(1):13820. doi: 10.1038/s41598-018-32240-5.

Abstract

We here provide detailed insight in self-assembled complex coacervate systems exploiting gold nanoparticles for cryoTEM contrast. Nanoparticle-containing dendrimicelles are formed from fifth-generation dendrimer-encapsulated nanoparticles (DENs) and dendrimer-stabilized nanoparticles (DSNs). The complex coacervate structures self-organize in biconcave thin water layers into size-sorted monolayer superstructures. The embedded nanoparticles are a straightforward tool to visualize dendrimicelles and determine the aggregation number and polydispersity. The superstructure shows extreme size-sorting patterns which, contrary to related systems with higher generation dendrimers, consists not only of dendrimicelles but also much bigger complex coacervate nanoassemblies, such as vesicles.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Dendrimers / chemistry*
  • Gold / chemistry
  • Gold Colloid / chemistry*
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry
  • Water

Substances

  • Dendrimers
  • Gold Colloid
  • Water
  • Gold