Rational Polyelectrolyte Design Enables Multifunctional Polyion Complex Vesicles

Abstract

Polyion complex (PIC) vesicles prepared by polyelectrolyte assembly have attracted extensive attention as distinctive carriers and nanoreactors, particularly for biological cargoes. However, the constrained regulation of their structure and functionality at this stage hinder the application of PIC vesicles. Herein, we design a new asymmetric assembly system, namely cationic−neutral− cationic triblock copolymer co-assembly with a supramolecular ionic coordination polymer. The former creates poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) loops upon complexation, which are favorable for vesicle fabrication, while the coordination polyelectrolyte composed of metal ions and a dipicolinic acid (DPA)-based bis-ligand features well-defined functionalities depending on the incorporated metal ions. Thus, the rational combination allows controlled fabrication of PIC vesicles with a modulated structure and functionalities. Moreover, the encapsulation and release of hydrophilic dextran based on different PIC vesicles has been realized. Our design integrates the advantages of both triblock and coordination polymers, and therefore demonstrates a novel strategy for harmonious regulation of the structure and functionality of PIC vesicles. The revealed findings and achieved properties shall be inspirational for developing functional PIC vesicles and boosting their applications towards demand encapsulation and delivery.

Hierarchical self-assembly of metal–organic supramolecular fibers with lanthanide-derived functionalities

“…The DPA groups of L 3 can transfer energy to Eu 3+ based on the FRET effect, leading to strong and visible fluorescence under UV excitation. 25 The FRET effect only appears when the lanthanide ions and ligands are tightly coordinated; this allows us to confirm the occurrence of metal-ligand chelation. The excitation curve of Eu 3+ -L 3 fibers (for emission at 615 nm) was measured (Fig.…”

A Novel Family of Stable Polyelectrolyte Complexes Based on Mixed Olefins–Maleic Anhydride Copolymer

“…Besides various preparation conditions, the formation of PECs nanoparticles is affected profoundly by the inherent properties of polycation/polyanion components . Therefore, great efforts have been made to expand the scope of polycations and polyanions for PECs .…”

“…13 Besides various preparation conditions, 5 the formation of PECs nanoparticles is affected profoundly by the inherent properties 7 of polycation/polyanion components. 14 Therefore, great efforts have been made to expand the scope of polycations and polyanions for PECs. 8 To date, polyanions, including poly(acrylic acid) 15 (PAA) and poly(4-styrenesulfonic acid, sodium salt) 16 (PSS), and polycations, including poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) 17 (PDAC) and poly-(allylamine hydrochloride) 18 (PAH), have been commonly utilized and investigated for PECs formation.…”

pH- and temperature-responsive supramolecular assemblies with highly adjustable viscoelasticity: a multi-stimuli binary system

“…Supramolecular assemblies have received a lot of attention from various disciplines of science and technology in the past decade. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] Among these extensive efforts, three key thrusts have particularly been focused on: (i) the design and development of nano-/microstructures using molecular programming via the bottom-up approach, [14][15][16][17][18] (ii) understanding dynamics-structure-property relationships of supramolecular assemblies, [19][20][21][22][23][24] and (iii) the utilization and implementation of novel, functional supramolecular assemblies in contemporary and emerging applications such as sensors, 25 actuators, 26 photonics, 27 photovoltaics, 28 energy storage, 29 ferroelectrics, 30 thermoelectrics, 31 drug delivery, [32][33][34] and hydrocarbon recovery. [35][36][37] Amphiphilic molecules hold a pivotal position as fundamental building blocks in the realm of supramolecular assemblies due to their dual nature and the versatile opportunities they offer for manipulation of their self-assembly behavior through adjustments in their chain length and molecular architecture.…”

“…Supramolecular assemblies have received a lot of attention from various disciplines of science and technology in the past decade. 1–13 Among these extensive efforts, three key thrusts have particularly been focused on: (i) the design and development of nano-/micro-structures using molecular programming via the bottom-up approach, 14–18 (ii) understanding dynamics–structure–property relationships of supramolecular assemblies, 19–24 and (iii) the utilization and implementation of novel, functional supramolecular assemblies in contemporary and emerging applications such as sensors, 25 actuators, 26 photonics, 27 photovoltaics, 28 energy storage, 29 ferroelectrics, 30 thermoelectrics, 31 drug delivery, 32–34 and hydrocarbon recovery. 35–37…”