Self-Assembly and Applications of Amphiphilic Hybrid POSS Copolymers

Abstract

Understanding the mechanism of molecular self-assembly to form well-organized nanostructures is essential in the field of supramolecular chemistry. Particularly, amphiphilic copolymers incorporated with polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSSs) have been one of the most promising materials in material science, engineering, and biomedical fields. In this review, new ideas and research works which have been carried out over the last several years in this relatively new area with a main focus on their mechanism in self-assembly and applications are discussed. In addition, insights into the unique role of POSSs in synthesis, microphase separation, and confined size were encompassed. Finally, perspectives and challenges related to the further advancement of POSS-based amphiphilics are discussed, followed by the proposed design considerations to address the challenges that we may face in the future.

Mechanically Robust Hybrid POSS Thermoplastic Polyurethanes with Enhanced Surface Hydrophobicity

“…The addition of POSS was reported to have significant effect in retarding the random breakage of the polymer backbone as well [ 38 ]. Comparison of the length of PCL in the hybrids with similar ratio of B-POSS indicated that PCL may also help to enhance thermal stability of the PUs because T d also depends on the molecular weight (M n ) of the polymer drastically [ 36 ], and the long-chain oligomers with POSS could enhances the thermal stability of the polyurethane by better dispersion [ 25 , 26 , 27 , 29 ]. The copolymer and neat PU exhibited similar TGA profiles, indicating that the incorporation of B-POSS had no significant effect on the degradation mechanism of the PUs backbone.…”

“…The second merit is the biocompatibility and non-toxicity of POSSs [21,22,23,24]. Moreover, according to our previous results, not only could POSS enhance thermal stability [25,26], but it could also strengthen the mechanical properties [27] and retain the optical stability of the materials [28,29] due to its special composition and cage-liked nanostructure. In addition, POSS can be introduced into a polymer matrix by using covalently bonding as a pendent side group [30,31,32,33] or as end groups [34,35].…”

Progress in the Synthesis of Bifunctionalized Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane

“…Due to the strong aggregation tendency of the super-hydrophobic POSS moiety [74], we reviewed the mechanism of amphiphilic hybrid POSS copolymer in self-assembly, in which POSS can effectively control the motion of the polymer chain [75]. Kucuk et al reported the preparation of the first (Langmuir-Blodgett film) (L-B film) containing B-POSS with a well-defined structure [76].…”

Reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer‐mediated bioconjugated amphiphilic graft‐block copolymer using dextran, poly (N‐isopropylacrylamide), and poly (vinyl acetate)

“…In recent past, polymeric materials with 1–1000 nm size range, have attracted considerable attention in various biological applications 19 . It was known that at critical micelle concentration (CMC), amphiphilic copolymers/polymer micelles (PM) self‐assemble into core‐shell structure owing to hydrophobic interactions, 20 which were broadly used as drug carriers, imaging agents as well as used in gene delivery applications 21 . Moreover, the interaction of drugs with polymer has been found to be influenced by micelle assembly and suitable for in vitro study.…”