Synthesis of Linear ABC Triblock Copolymers and Their Self‐Assembly in Solution

Abstract

The self‐assembly of amphiphilic block copolymers has attracted the interest of a large number of research groups in the past two decades. Many examples have been reported using AB diblock copolymers, but the self‐assembly becomes more complex and shows a greater variety if ABC triblock copolymers are used. However, the synthesis of the polymer becomes more demanding since end‐group modifications or chain extensions become necessary. Using various kinds of polymerization techniques, pure triblock copolymers have been reported and their synthesis is covered in this review. Following the synthesis, a detailed and thorough analysis of the self‐assembly behaviour is the next step. We have selected promising and well characterized examples to show the range of self‐assembled structures possible, covering novel shapes of micelles but also polymersomes with an asymmetric membrane. Our selection of current examples in literature show the challenges and chances associated with amphiphilic ABC triblock copolymers.

Synthesis and complex self-assembly of amphiphilic block copolymers with a branched hydrophobic poly(2-oxazoline) into multicompartment micelles, pseudo-vesicles and yolk/shell nanoparticles

“…Both film rehydration and solvent switch yield unique yet distinct self-assembled structures with a variety which is usually seen for ABC triblock copolymers. 3 This great variety reflects the unique influence of the side chain of PEHOx, as it is the first synthetic amphiphilic AB diblock copolymer to efficiently form such a variety of complex self-assemblies on its own. Further studies on the influence of THF or other solvents on the solvent switch might also elucidate how to form regular vesicles with this system.…”

“…In recent years, amphiphilic block copolymers have attracted a considerable amount of attention thanks to their ability to self-organize into various complex structures. [1][2][3] These structures formed by amphiphilic block copolymers can mimic complex structures found in nature (e.g. lipid bilayers) while exhibiting increased chemical and mechanical stability, which makes them interesting for different bio-inspired applications, like drug delivery and nanoreactors.…”

Self‐Assembly of Multiblock Copolymers

“…As a rule of thumb, the micelle shape can be predicted by two properties, i. e., the volume ratio of the blocks and the packing parameter, p = v / al , where v is the volume of the hydrophobic segment, a is the interfacial area of the chains at the core‐solvent interface, and l is the chain length of the hydrophobic block. Spherical micelles are typically observed at p <1/3, cylindrical micelles at 1/3< p <1/2, and vesicles at 1/2< p <1 …”

“…Spherical micelles are typically observed at p < 1/3, cylindrical micelles at 1/3 < p < 1/2, and vesicles at 1/2 < p < 1. [96][97][98] The understanding of BCP micelles has grown quite much over the past 20 years, but they still remain the subject of intense research with new properties and applications appearing frequently. For instance, the assembly of double hydrophilic block copolymers (DHBCs) is currently proving as a promising route for biological applications and in food chemistry.…”

Porphyrin Containing Polymersomes with Enhanced ROS Generation Efficiency: In Vitro Evaluation

“…The mechanism involves the excitation of the PS, by illumination with an appropriate light source. [26,37,38] As a result, the toxic porphyrin [6,8] remains inside the polymersomes without any cytotoxic effect in the absence of irradiation. These reactive oxygen species, such as singlet dioxygen ( 1 O 2 ), are cytotoxic and result in the oxidative stress of the target cells, in solution and when encapsulated in polymersomes.…”