A facile synthesis of dynamic, shape-changing polymer particles.

ABSTRACT: We herein report a new facile strategy to ellipsoidal block copolymer nanoparticles that exhibit a pH-triggered anistropic swelling profile. In a first step, elongated particles with an axially stacked lamellae structure are selectively prepared by utilizing functional surfactants to control the phase separation of symmetric polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) in dispersed droplets. In a second step, the dynamic shape change is realized by cross-linking the P2VP domains, thereby connecting glassy PS discs with pH-sensitive hydrogel actuators.

SUBMITTER: Klinger D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4074252 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature