Periodic Self-Assembly of Poly(ethyleneimine)–poly(4-styrenesulfonate) Complex Coacervate Membranes

Abstract

Coacervation is a self-assembly strategy based on the complexation of polyelectrolytes, which is utilized in biomedicine and agriculture, as well as automotive and textile industries. In this paper, we developed a new approach to the on-demand periodic formation of polyelectrolyte complexes through a Liesegang-type hierarchical organization. Adjustment of reaction conditions allows us to assemble materials with a tunable spatiotemporal geometry and establish materials’ production cycles with a regulated periodicity. The proposed methodology allows the membrane to self-assemble when striving to reach balance and self-heal after exposure to external stimuli, such as potential difference and high pH. Using chronopotentiometry, K+ ion permeability behavior of the PEI–PSS coacervate membranes was demonstrated. The periodically self-assembled polyelectrolyte nanomembranes could further be integrated into novel energy storage devices and intelligent biocompatible membranes for bionics, soft nanorobotics, biosensing, and biocomputing.

Diffusion-Limited Processes in Hydrogels with Chosen Applications from Drug Delivery to Electronic Components

“…Different reacting substances lead to another final product. Single-component pH-controlled soluble salt to insoluble base transition in chitosan [59] or more complex processes such as polyelectrolyte coacervation or self-assembly processes [60] form continuous spatially distributed Liesegang rings. Periodic structures could also be formed by insoluble crystalline materials [61], self-assemblies [24], or metal complexation with subsequent nanoparticle growth [62].…”