Polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) is regarded as one of the most important strategies in macromolecular nanotechnology, as it can create a wide range of nanoparticles at high concentrations and on a large scale. However, open-to-air PISA with biodegradable product is still a complicated challenge, as traditional PISA is usually carried out under oxygen-free conditions to afford nonbiodegradable polymers. To meet the above challenges, we propose a convenient one-pot open-to-air ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of N-carboxyanhydride (NCA)-induced self-assembly (NCA-PISA) at 10 °C, without the need for degassing, heating, catalysts, or chain transfer agents. The morphologies of nanoparticles depend on the ratio of the initiator to the monomer and the solid content. Polymer vesicles can be fabricated when the ratio and the solid content are 1:20 and 20%, respectively. Overall, this versatile one-pot NCA-PISA provides an insight into facilely fabricating biodegradable nanoparticles in air.

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As an emerging field that is receiving an increasing amount of interest, theranostics is becoming increasingly important in the field of nanomedicine. Among the various smart platforms that have been proposed for use in theranostics, polymer vesicles (or polymersomes) are among the most promising candidates for integration of designated functionalities and modalities. Here, a brief summary of typical theranostic platforms is presented with a focus on modular polymer vesicles. To highlight modularity, the different methodologies for designing therapeutic and diagnostic modules are classified and current examples of theranostic vesicles that excel in both performance and design principle are provided. Finally, future prospects for theranostic polymer vesicles that can be readily prepared with functional modules are proposed. Overall, theranostic polymer vesicles with modular modalities and functions are more promising in nanomedicine than simply being "over-engineered".

It is an important challenge to effectively remove environmental pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dyes, and heavy metal ions at a low cost. Herein, we present a multifunctional homopolymer vesicle self-assembled from a scalable homopolymer, poly(amic acid) (PAA), at room temperature. The vesicle can efficiently eliminate PAHs, cationic dyes, and heavy metal ions from water based on π-π stacking, hydrophobic effect, and electrostatic interactions with the pollutants. The residual concentrations of PAHs, cationic dyes, and heavy metal ions (such as Ni) in water are lower than 0.60 and 0.30 parts per billion (ppb) and 0.095 parts per million (ppm), respectively, representing a promising adsorbent for water remediation. Furthermore, precious metal ions such as Ag can be recovered into silver nanoparticles by in situ reduction on the membrane of PAA vesicles to form a silver nanoparticle/vesicle composite (Ag@vesicle) that can effectively catalyze the reduction of toxic pollutants such as aromatic nitro-compounds and be recycled for more than ten times.

The morphology of nanoparticles is closely related to their various applications. However, precise control over geometric parameters such as the lateral surface curvature (K) of nanorods still remains an important challenge. To address this issue, we propose a π–π interlocking effect for fabricating biodegradable nanorods with tailored lateral surface curvature. This interlocking effect originates from π–π interactions, provides noncovalent conformational locks among poly-γ-benzyl-l-glutamate (PBLG) chains, and plays a key role in the formation of these nanorods during self-assembly. This interlocking effect can be facilely manipulated by end-group engineering; different α end groups are introduced into PBLG homopolypeptides to afford nanorods with controlled lateral surface curvature. The stronger the π–π interlocking effect, the straighter the lateral surface of nanorods. Furthermore, a co-solvent strategy can be applied to facilely control the aspect ratio (Γ) of the nanorods with a straight lateral surface. Compared with other nanorods that are either based on nonbiodegradable materials or dependent upon complicated cost-consuming processes, this work provides a versatile bottom-up strategy for preparing biodegradable nanorods with controlled lateral surface curvature and aspect ratio.