A small-angle neutron scattering investigation of metallo-supramolecular micellar gels built from polystyrene-block -poly( tert -butylacrylate) PS-b -PtBA-tpy (-tpy: terpyridine) block copolymers and transition metal ions is presented. The infl uence of the copolymer concentration on the structure and spatial organization of the micelles, as well as the impact of the subsequent addition of metal ions (Fe(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II)) on these characteristics is extensively studied. The experimental scattering cross-sections are fi tted with an analytical formula based on the Percus-Yevick hard-sphere model and on the Pedersen-Gerstenberg model for the structure and the form factor, respectively. The resulting structural information is correlated with previously performed light scattering and rheology experiments.

The Small Angle Neutron Scattering technique (SANS) has been applied to investigate the interaction between a cyclodextrin (CD) and liposomes. From the modelling of the experimental neutron scattering cross sections, the detailed structure of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) liposomes is assessed upon addition of increasing amounts of randomly methylated β-CD (RAMEB). This study has been performed at two temperatures bracketing the phase transition of the DMPC bilayers. The fraction of DMPC molecules incorporated into the vesicles is inferred. The dose-dependent phospholipidic extraction by RAMEB is quantified as well as the concomitant evolution of the liposome radius and of the thickness of the hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts of the membrane. The possible formation of CD-DMPC inclusion complexes is also assessed. The data suggest the dose-dependent coverage by RAMEB of the outer liposome interface. Our analysis highlights the important role of temperature on the mechanism of action of RAMEB. These results are discussed in the framework of the Area-Difference-Elasticity model.

The small angle neutron scattering technique has been applied to investigate the interaction between a cyclodextrin (CD) and liposomes. From the modelling of the experimental neutron scattering cross sections, the detailed structure of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) liposomes is assessed upon addition of increasing amounts of randomly methylated b-CD (RAMEB). This study has been performed at two temperatures bracketing the phase transition of the DMPC bilayers. The fraction of DMPC molecules incorporated into the vesicles is inferred. The dose-dependent phospholipidic extraction by RAMEB is quantified as well as the concomitant evolution of the liposome radius and of the thickness of the hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts of the membrane. The possible formation of CD-DMPC inclusion complexes is also assessed. The data suggest the dose-dependent coverage by RAMEB of the outer liposome interface. Our analysis highlights the important role of temperature on the mechanism of action of RAMEB. These results are discussed in the framework of the area-difference-elasticity model.