Controlling amphiphilic copolymer self-assembly morphologies based on macrocycle/anion recognition and nucleotide-induced payload release.

ABSTRACT: We report here a new approach to creating diversiform copolymer-derived self-assembly morphologies that relies on macrocycle/anion recognition in aqueous media. This approach exploits the anion binding features of a water-soluble form of the so-called 'Texas-sized' molecular box. When this tetracationic receptor is added to an aqueous solution of an amphiphilic copolymer bearing tethered carboxylate anion substituents, binding occurs to form a macrocycle/polymer complex. As the concentration of the box-like receptor increases, the relative hydrophilic fraction of the copolymer complex likewise increases. This leads to changes in the overall morphology of the self-assembled ensemble. The net result is an environmentally controllable system that mimics on a proof-of-concept level the structu

SUBMITTER: Ji X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5015656 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature