Nanostructured Micellar Films Formed via Layer-by-Layer Deposition of Photoactive Polymer

Abstract

Photoactive nanostructured micellar films were prepared from the amphiphilic copolymer poly(sodium styrenesulfonate- stat-2-vinylnaphthalene) (PSSS- stat-VN) and cationic polyelectrolyte poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) or poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) on quartz and silicon substrates via layer-by-layer (LbL) electrostatic self-assembly. The macromolecules of this amphiphilic copolymer adopt a coiled micellar conformation in aqueous solution that is preserved in the films as evidenced by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and spectroscopic studies. The hydrophobic domains present in the film can serve as host sites for various organic molecules. The probe molecules reside in those isolated nanosize domains. Their aggregation and quenching of their emission is eliminated. The experiments showed a regular growth of multilayer thickness and the content of solubilized compounds in the films. Thus, a defined amount of the hydrophobic compounds of interest may be introduced into these water-processable polymeric films. Some stratification of the films was induced by the presence of stiff nanoparticle-like micelles. That makes these films an important new material for studies of photoinduced energy and electron transfer.

Layer-by-layer coating of photoactive polymers for biomedical applications

“…A previous work on LbL assembly of stat-copolymer photozymes has shown that their coiled micellar conformation is preserved in the layer-by-layer assembled film [9]. Here, the behavior of surface wettability of LbL coated films as a function of layer number could indirectly suggest a micellar assembly of ZI photozyme in the LbL coating layers (Fig.…”

Polyelectrolyte multilayers with perfluorinated phthalocyanine selectively entrapped inside the perfluorinated nanocompartments

“…45 Recently we have reported on the preparation of PEMs with functional probe molecules embedded inside the lm. When incorporated into the alkyl or peruoroalkyl nanodomains of amphiphilic polyelectrolytes by solubilization in their aqueous solutions prior to deposition, they can be applied to study lm buildup 46 or to act as electron acceptors in energy 47 and electron transfer 48 processes inside the LbL lms. The latter potential application was a motivation for the research described in the current paper.…”

Photoinduced electron transfer in multilayer films composed of conjugated polyelectrolyte and amphiphilic copolymer hosting electron acceptor molecules

“…Recently, we have developed ultrathin multilayers from water-soluble amphiphilic copolymer containing small organic molecule solubilised inside hydrophobic nanodomains. [13][14][15] Using perylene as a fluorescent molecular probe it has been demonstrated that single molecules may be entrapped inside those nanodomains. 13 The guest molecules can be excited directly by the absorbed light or as a result of the energy transfer from the host chromophores, e.g.…”

“…[13][14][15] Using perylene as a fluorescent molecular probe it has been demonstrated that single molecules may be entrapped inside those nanodomains. 13 The guest molecules can be excited directly by the absorbed light or as a result of the energy transfer from the host chromophores, e.g. naphthalene in the film formed using poly(styrene sulfonatestat-vinylnaphthalene).…”