Facile One-Pot Approach for Preparing Functionalized Polymeric Nanoparticles via ROMP

Modern Trends in Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly

Polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) is a powerful and versatile technique for producing colloidal dispersions of block copolymer particles with desired morphologies. Currently, PISA can be carried out in various media, over a wide range of temperatures, and using different mechanisms. This method enables the production of biodegradable objects and particles with various functionalities and stimuli sensitivity. Consequently, PISA offers a broad spectrum of potential commercial applications. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current state of rational synthesis of block copolymer particles with diverse morphologies using various PISA techniques and mechanisms. The discussion begins with an examination of the main thermodynamic, kinetic, and structural aspects of block copolymer micellization, followed by an exploration of the key principles of PISA in the formation of gradient and block copolymers. The review also delves into the main mechanisms of PISA implementation and the principles governing particle morphology. Finally, the potential future developments in PISA are considered.

Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly for Efficient Fabrication of Biomedical Nanoplatforms

Amphiphilic copolymers can self-assemble into nano-objects in aqueous solution. However, the self-assembly process is usually performed in a diluted solution (<1 wt%), which greatly limits scale-up production and further biomedical applications. With recent development of controlled polymerization techniques, polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) has emerged as an efficient approach for facile fabrication of nano-sized structures with a high concentration as high as 50 wt%. In this review, after the introduction, various polymerization method-mediated PISAs that include nitroxide-mediated polymerization-mediated PISA (NMP-PISA), reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization-mediated PISA (RAFT-PISA), atom transfer radical polymerization-mediated PISA (ATRP-PISA), and ring-opening polymerization-mediated PISA (ROP-PISA) are discussed carefully. Afterward, recent biomedical applications of PISA are illustrated from the following aspects, i.e., bioimaging, disease treatment, biocatalysis, and antimicrobial. In the end, current achievements and future perspectives of PISA are given. It is envisioned that PISA strategy can bring great chance for future design and construction of functional nano-vehicles.

Crosslinked Polydicyclopentadiene Nanoparticles via Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly Approach

In this communication, the preparation of crosslinked polydicyclopentadiene (PDCPD) nanoparticles via ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP)-induced self-assembly approach is reported. For the ROMPs, the macromolecular chain transfer agents (Macro-CTAs) are synthesized via the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of ε-caprolactone (CL) with cis-2-butene-1,4-diol as the initiator. The ROMPs are performed with chloroform, tetrahydrofuran, toluene, 1,4-dioxane, and N,N-dimethylacetamide as the solvents, respectively, which are catalyzed with Grubbs second generation catalyst. It is found that the crosslinked PDCPD nanoparticles are obtained with spherical, cylindrical to planar morphologies, depending on the molecular weights of Macro-CTAs, the concentrations of DCPD and the natures of solvents. The polymerization induced self-assembly (ROMPISA) by the use of a non-norbornene-based macromolecular chain transfer agent provides a new and efficient approach to prepare crosslinked polymer nanoparticles.

Polymerization techniques in polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA)

The development of controlled/“living” polymerization greatly stimulated the prosperity of the fabrication and application of block copolymer nano-objects.

Predicting Monomers for Use in Aqueous Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly

Aqueous polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) is a well-established methodology enabling in situ synthesis of polymeric nanoparticles of controllable morphology. Notably, PISA via ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMPISA) is an emerging technology for block copolymer self-assembly, mainly due to its high versatility and robustness. However, a limited number of monomers suitable for core-forming blocks in aqueous ROMPISA have been reported to date. In this work, we identified seven monomers for use as either corona- or core-forming blocks during aqueous ROMPISA by in silico calculation of relative hydrophobicity for corresponding oligomeric models. The predicted monomers were validated experimentally by conducting ROMPISA using our previously reported two-step approach. In addition to predictive data, our computational model was exploited to identify trends between polymer hydrophobicity and the morphology of the self-assembled nano-objects they formed. We expect that this methodology will greatly expand the scope of aqueous ROMPISA, as monomers can be easily identified based on the structure-property relationships observed herein.

Ring-opening metathesis polymerization-induced self-assembly (ROMPISA)

Ring-opening metathesis polymerization-induced self-assembly (ROMPISA) has expanded the preparation of PISA nano-objects beyond radical polymerization approaches. In this highlight article, we summarize current advances and existing challenges in ROMPISA methodologies.

Straightforward access to biocompatible poly(2-oxazoline)-coated nanomaterials by polymerization-induced self-assembly

Poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) chain transfer agents are employed in photoinitiated RAFT PISA, providing access to biocompatible core–shell polymeric nanostructures with various morphologies.

Azobenzene-functionalized polymers by ring-opening metathesis polymerization for high dielectric and energy storage performance

Block copolymers with push–pull azobenzene pendants and core–shell nanostructures exhibited high and regulated dielectric constants by photoisomerization of azobenzene groups, low dielectric loss, and high energy density.

A high-performance dielectric block copolymer with a self-assembled superhelical nanotube morphology

A block copolymer consisting of functional polynorbornene and polyacetylene segments was self-assembled into a superhelical nanotube, and displayed good dielectric properties.