Voltage-Responsive Vesicles Based on Orthogonal Assembly of Two Homopolymers

Abstract

Two end-decorated homopolymers, poly(styrene)-beta-cyclodextrin (PS-beta-CD) and poly(ethylene oxide)-ferrocene (PEO-Fc), can orthogonally self-assemble into a supramolecular diblock copolymer (PS-beta-CD/PEO-Fc) in aqueous solutions based on the terminal host-guest interactions. These assemblies can further form supramolecular vesicles, and their assembly and disassembly behaviors can be reversibly switched by voltage through the reversible association and disassociation of the middle supramolecular connection. The vesicles possess an unprecedented property that their assembly or disassembly speed can be controlled by the applied voltage strength. Luminescence spectroscopy demonstrates that the vesicles act as nanocapsules carrying molecules within their hollow cavities and that the external voltage strength accurately regulates the drug release time.

Spacer‐length‐dependent association in polymers with multiple‐hydrogen‐bonded end groups

“…[1][2][3][4] Theoretical work has shown that the domain size and morphology of the phase-separated structures critically depend on the strength of the interpolymer noncovalent interactions. [5][6][7][8][9][10] To achieve these attractive enthalpic interpolymer interactions, end-functionalized homopolymers have been prepared with functional groups capable of noncovalent assembly such as hydrogen bonding, [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] ionic, 21 transition-metal, 22,23 host-guest, [24][25][26] and fluorophilic 27 interactions. Typically, these functional groups are attached to a homopolymer via a short, aliphatic spacer.…”

Electroresponsive Nanoparticles Improve Antiseizure Effect of Phenytoin in Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures

“…Few studies have explored the triggered release of nanoparticles mediated by an electric field [28,29]. In this study, we developed electroresponsive nanoparticles and demonstrated that the triggered-release of PHT from our system was sensitive to an electric field in vitro (as fast as 1 min).…”

Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Graphene-Based Nanomaterials for Controlled Drug Delivery

“…In particular, they cause the movement of charged molecules. Furthermore, additional transmembrane voltage can puncture cell membranes and thus increases the permeability of drugs [67]. For instance, Weaver and coworkers developed an electrically controlled drug delivery system that is based on GO nanosheets incorporated into a conducting polymer film, and found that the amount of drug released is linearly related to the time of voltage [42].…”