Directed Nanoparticle Assembly through Polymer Crystallization

Abstract

Nanoparticles can be assembled into complex structures and architectures by using a variety of methods. In this review, we discuss recent progress of using polymer crystallization (particularly polymer single crystals, PSCs) to direct nanoparticle assembly. PSCs have been extensively studied since 1957. Mainly appearing as quasi‐two‐dimensional (2D) lamellae, PSCs are typically used as model systems to determine polymer crystalline structures, or as markers to investigate the crystallization process. Recent research has demonstrated that they can also be used as nanoscale functional materials. Herein, we show that nanoparticles can be directed to assemble into complex shapes by using in situ or ex situ polymer crystal growth. End‐functionalized polymers can crystallize into 2D nanosheet PSCs, which are used to conjugate with complementary nanoparticles, leading to a nanosandwich structure. These nanosandwiches can find interesting applications for catalysis, surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy, and nanomotors. Dissolution of the nanosandwich leads to the formation of Janus nanoparticles, providing a unique method for asymmetric nanoparticle synthesis.

Stealth nanorods via the aqueous living crystallisation-driven self-assembly of poly(2-oxazoline)s

“…It has previously been demonstrated that functional polymer chain ends can be expressed on the surface of polymer crystals and similarly that dyes can be incorporated onto the surface of crystalline-core BCP NPs through the co-assembly of dye labelled and unlabelled crystallisable homopolymers. 56,57 To achieve a similar result we synthesised a P i PrOx homopolymer end-functionalised with Cy5 (P i PrOx 40 -Cy5, Fig. S3 † ) as shown in Scheme S1.…”

Luminescent Gold Nanorods To Enhance the Near‐Infrared Emission of a Photosensitizer for Targeted Cancer Imaging and Dual Therapy: Experimental and Theoretical Approach

“…The emission yield of these materials can be enhanced for potential applications in imaging, sensing, diagnosis, and therapy, but remains to be explored to its full extent . However, other nanostructures have been widely used for these applications, either due to their unique properties or due to their chemically controlled architectonics . GNRs can efficiently convert absorbed light into heat either through electron–electron interactions or electron–phonon interactions and have been established for their photothermal therapy (PTT) efficacy .…”

“…[5][6][7][8][9] However, other nanostructures have been widely used for these applications, either due to their uniquep roperties or due to their chemically controlled architectonics. [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29] GNRs can efficiently convert absorbed light into heat either through electron-electron interactions or electron-phonon interactions and have been established for their photothermal therapy (PTT) efficacy. [30,31] Furthermore, by incorporating ap hotosensitizer (PS) molecule, with ah igh singleto xygen yield, additional treatment modality,s uch as photodynamic therapy (PDT) could also be enabled in the same system, in addition to PTT.…”

3,4-Ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) End-Group Functionalized Poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL): Self-Assembly in Organic Solvents and Its Coincidentally Observed Peculiar Behavior in Thin Film and Protonated Media

“…Being widely commercially available, PCL has a high capacity to be miscibly blended, and this has resulted in interesting compatibilization studies [ 22 , 23 , 24 ]. Whether in blends or copolymers of various architectures [ 25 , 26 , 27 ], PCL is easily shaped and manufactured in the form of hydrogels [ 22 , 23 ], nanoparticles [ 24 ], nanofibers [ 27 , 28 ], and, more importantly, due to its crystallizable nature, into a well-defined and geometrically shaped 2D lamellar single-crystal structure that has various and interesting applications [ 25 , 29 ].…”

“…Thus, innovative uses of ε-caprolactone-based segments in sophisticated polymer architectures or micellar systems have also been noted [ 21 ]. Thus, the end-group functionalization of PCL means that it can be applied in, for example, more efficient drug delivery systems [ 5 , 11 ] and in aggregation-induced emission (AIE) materials [ 7 ], as catalytically active recyclable materials, or as magnetically responsive, luminescent materials [ 29 ]. Moreover, functional groups have often been added to PCL to transform it into a reactive intermediate in order to subsequently use them in coupling reactions.…”