2D Chiral Stripe Nanopatterns Self-Assembled from Rod-Coil Block Copolymers on Microstripes

Macromol Rapid Commun. 2020 Oct;41(19):e2000349. doi: 10.1002/marc.202000349. Epub 2020 Aug 23.

Abstract

Chiral nanoarchitectures usually possess unique and intriguing properties. However, the construction of 2D chiral nanopatterns through polymer self-assembly is a challenge. Reported herein is the formation of chiral stripe nanopatterns through surface self-assembly of polypeptide-based rod-coil block copolymers on microstripes. The nanostripes align oblique to the boundary of the microstripes, resulting in the chirality of the nanopatterns. The chirality of the nanopatterns is closely related to the width of the microstripes, i.e., a narrower width results in higher chirality. Besides, the chiral sense of the nanopatterns can be regulated by the chirality of the polypeptide blocks. This work demonstrates the transmission of chirality from polymer to nanoarchitecture on a confined surface, which can guide the preparation of nanopatterns with tuned chiral features.

Keywords: rod-coil block copolymer; self-assembly; stripe nanopatterns; surface chirality; theoretical simulations.

MeSH terms

  • Micelles*
  • Peptides
  • Polymers*

Substances

  • Micelles
  • Peptides
  • Polymers