Design of hybrid molecular brushes with reversible surface adaptability on exposure to specific solvents

Solvent Remodeling in Single-Chain Amphiphilic Heteropolymer Systems

This work demonstrates the remodeling of single-chain nanoparticles (SCNPs) upon a transition to organic solvent through molecular dynamics simulations. Methacrylate-based random heteropolymers (RHPs), assembled via transient non-covalent linkages in water, have shown promise in an assortment of applications that harness their bio-inspired properties. While their molecular behavior has been broadly characterized in aqueous environments, many newer applications include the use of organic solvent rather than bio-mimetic conditions. The polymer assemblies, typically driven by the hydrophobic effect in water, are less well understood in non-aqueous solution. Here, a specific RHP system is examined which forms compact globular morphologies in highly polar or highly non-polar environments while adopting extended conformations in solvents of intermediate polarity. The pivotal role of electrostatic interactions between charge groups in low dielectric mediums is also observed. Finally, high temperature anneal cycles are compared to room temperature transformations to illuminate barriers to remodeling upon environmental changes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.