Micellar interpolyelectrolyte complexes

Abstract

Interpolyelectrolyte complexes (IPECs) are typically formed when two polyelectrolytes of opposite charge are mixed together in solution. We present an overview of different strategies for the preparation of micellar IPECs, i.e., structures where such IPEC domains form the core or the shell of micelles. In addition, vesicular architectures are considered, where the IPEC domain forms a membrane layer. One intriguing feature of IPECs is that their formation can be directed, their stability towards changes in pH or ionic strength can (to a certain extent) be predicted, and their size can be controlled. Especially the use of ionic/non-ionic block copolymers offers unique potential for the preparation of well-defined and sophisticated nanostructured materials. We also discuss possible applications, especially in the field of life sciences, including biocompatibility, the controlled uptake/release of guest substances, the immobilization of enzymes, or the controlled formation of inorganic/organic hybrid materials.

The Effect of Salt on the Complex Coacervation of Vinyl Polyelectrolytes

“…Consideration of these variables is critical in the design of self-assembled materials. For instance, electrostatic complexation between oppositely-charged polyelectrolytes has been used in drug and gene delivery [7,[14][15][16][17][18], thin film coatings [19][20][21], processed food [22], and underwater adhesives [23][24][25][26]. Clearly, the functionality of the material must be considered in the context of the operational environment.…”

“…Electrostatically-driven self assembly can be tuned through a variety of parameters, including the chemical nature of the charged species, the size or length of the charged particle or molecule, particle shape, polydispersity, charge density, pH, and ionic strength [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]. Consideration of these variables is critical in the design of self-assembled materials.…”

PRISM-Based Theory of Complex Coacervation: Excluded Volume versus Chain Correlation

“…2,[31][32][33] The novelty of these materials is their extreme stability (yet responsiveness) with respect to environmental ionic conditions, even at high salt concentrations, as well as their reversible assembly behavior. [34][35][36][37][38] Complex coacervates are used for microencapsulation, drug delivery, 3,19 biomaterials, [39][40][41] and underwater adhesives, 2,31,32 where their self assembly and functionality relies 19,[23][24][25][26] on the relationship between charged species. Thus, the molecular features of these charged species is crucial to designing function.…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6] Historical and current investigations into complex coacervates have studied the formation of such phases in natural polymers, such as proteins or polysaccharides, which are currently widely used as food additives. [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] Despite the utility of these systems, there has only recently been a resurgence of interest in their molecular behavior, in particular for its promise as a powerful route to self-assembled materials such as micelles, 3,[19][20][21][22] block copolymers, [23][24][25][26] and layer-bylayer assembly. [27][28][29][30] This recent activity in the field is concomitant with a desire to emulate the molecular features observed in a number of biological materials, such as underwater adhesives in mussels and the matrix adhesive holding together the dwelling of a sandcastle worm.…”

Linear viscoelasticity of complex coacervates

“…Complex coacervates have a long history of use in the food [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] and personal care [14,15] industries, and have found increasing utility as a platform for drug and gene delivery [1][2][3][4], as well as underwater adhesives [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][48][49][50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62]. Coacervation has also recently been implicated in the formation of various biological assemblies [1,[14][15][16]55,[63][64][65][66][67][68][69]…”