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Russo G, Lattuada M. Preparation of Non-Spherical Janus Particles via an Orthogonal Dissolution Approach. Macromol Rapid Commun 2023; 44:e2300415. [PMID: 37722703 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202300415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Post-synthesis modifications are valuable tools to alter functionalities and induce morphology changes in colloidal particles. Non-spherical polymer particles with Janus characteristics are prepared by combining seeded growth polymerization and selective dissolution. First, spherical polystyrene (PS) particles have been swollen with methyl methacrylate (MMA) with an activated swelling method. This is followed by polymerization that led to particles with two well-separated faces: one made of PS and the second of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Subsequently, non-spherical particles are obtained by exposing the Janus colloids to various solvents. Using the two polymers' orthogonal solubility, solvents are identified to selectively dissolve only one face, leading to hemispherical PS or PMMA particles. It is further investigated how changing the composition of the PMMA face - by either co-polymerization with glycidyl methacrylate or by adding a cross-linker - affects the particles' morphology. The poly-methacrylate face can gain total or partial resistance towards the solvents, resulting in intriguing shapes, such as mushroom-like and Janus dimpled particles. The dissolution mechanisms are investigated via optical microscopy, where total or partial dissolutions can be directly observed. Lastly, prematurely quenching the dissolution of the particle's lobes with water can be used to control the Janus mushroom-like particle aspect ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Russo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 9, Fribourg, 1700, Switzerland
| | - Marco Lattuada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 9, Fribourg, 1700, Switzerland
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2
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Dorbic K, Lattuada M. Synthesis of dimpled polymer particles and polymer particles with protrusions - Past, present, and future. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 320:102998. [PMID: 37729785 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2023.102998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Since the development of emulsion polymerization techniques, polymer particles have become the epitome of standard colloids due to the exceptional control over size, size distribution, and composition the synthesis methods allow reaching. The exploration of different variations of the synthesis methods has led to the discovery of more advanced techniques, enabling control over their composition and shape. Many early investigations focused on forming particles with protrusions (with one protrusion, called dumbbell particles) and particles with concavities, also called dimpled particles. This paper reviews the literature covering the synthesis, functionalization, and applications of both types of particles. The focus has been on the rationalization of the various approaches used to prepare such particles and on the discussion of the mechanisms of formation not just from the experimental viewpoint but also from the standpoint of thermodynamics. The primary motivation to combine in a single review the preparation of both types of particles has been the observation of similarities among some of the methods developed to prepare dimpled particles, which sometimes include the formation of particles with protrusions and vice versa. The most common applications of these particles have been discussed as well. By looking at the different approaches developed in the literature under one general perspective, we hope to stimulate a more ample use of these particles and promote the development of even more effective synthetic protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kata Dorbic
- Department of Chemistry, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 9, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Marco Lattuada
- Department of Chemistry, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 9, 1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.
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Sun H, Gao Y, Fan Y, Du J, Jiang J, Gao C. Polymeric Bowl-Shaped Nanoparticles: Hollow Structures with a Large Opening on the Surface. Macromol Rapid Commun 2023; 44:e2300196. [PMID: 37246639 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202300196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Polymeric bowl-shaped nanoparticles (BNPs) are anisotropic hollow structures with large openings on the surface, which have shown advantages such as high specific area and efficient encapsulation, delivery and release of large-sized cargoes on demand compared to solid nanoparticles or closed hollow structures. Several strategies have been developed to prepare BNPs based on either template or template-free methods. For instance, despite the widely used self-assembly strategy, alternative methods including emulsion polymerization, swelling and freeze-drying of polymeric spheres, and template-assisted approaches have also been developed. It is attractive but still challenging to fabricate BNPs due to their unique structural features. However, there is still no comprehensive summary of BNPs up to now, which significantly hinders the further development of this field. In this review, the recent progress of BNPs will be highlighted from the perspectives of design strategies, preparation methods, formation mechanisms, and emerging applications. Moreover, the future perspectives of BNPs will also be proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Sun
- State Key Laboratory of High-efficiency Coal Utilization and Green Chemical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China
| | - Yaning Gao
- State Key Laboratory of High-efficiency Coal Utilization and Green Chemical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China
| | - Yirong Fan
- State Key Laboratory of High-efficiency Coal Utilization and Green Chemical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China
| | - Jianzhong Du
- Department of Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 4800 Caoan Road, Shanghai, 201804, China
| | - Jinhui Jiang
- Department of Polymeric Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 4800 Caoan Road, Shanghai, 201804, China
| | - Chenchen Gao
- State Key Laboratory of High-efficiency Coal Utilization and Green Chemical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Ningxia University, Yinchuan, 750021, China
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Ren S, Xu F, Wang H, Zhang Z. Colloidal antibiotic mimics: selective capture and killing of microorganisms by shape-anisotropic colloids. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:3253-3256. [PMID: 37128986 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm00336a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The development of targeted and efficient antimicrobials for the selective killing of pathogenic bacteria is of great importance, yet remains challenging. Here, we propose a targeted approach to selectively capture and kill microorganisms with colloidal antibiotic mimics that are readily prepared by common chemical syntheses. The mimics are shape-anisotropic colloids, which can selectively capture shape-matching microorganisms due to lock-key depletion attractions. Furthermore, after being modified with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and irradiated with near-infrared light, the colloidal mimics can kill the selectively captured microorganisms due to the localized photothermal effect of the AuNPs. The work demonstrates the important ability of anisotropic colloids to selectively capture and precisely kill microorganisms, which holds considerable promise for safe and adaptive antibacterial therapies without the risk of antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihua Ren
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Fei Xu
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Huaguang Wang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
| | - Zexin Zhang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research, and Institute for Advanced Study, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
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Geng D, Chen L, Du S, Yang X, Wang H, Zhang Z. A Versatile Method for Synthesis of Light-Activated, Magnet-Steerable Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Active Colloids. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28073048. [PMID: 37049812 PMCID: PMC10095668 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28073048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The immense potential of active colloids in practical applications and fundamental research calls for an efficient method to synthesize active colloids of high uniformity. Herein, a facile method is reported to synthesize uniform organic–inorganic hybrid active colloids based on the wetting effect of polystyrene (PS) with photoresponsive inorganic nanoparticles in a tetrahydrofuran/water mixture. The results show that a range of dimer active colloids can be produced by using different inorganic components, such as AgCl, ZnO, TiO2, and Fe2O3 nanoparticles. Moreover, the strategy provides a simple way to prepare dual-drive active colloids by a rational selection of the starting organic materials, such as magnetic PS particles that result in light and magnet dual-drive active colloids. The motions of these active colloids are quantified, and well-controlled movements are demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejia Geng
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Lei Chen
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Sinan Du
- Centre for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research, Institute for Advanced Study, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Xiang Yang
- Centre for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research, Institute for Advanced Study, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Huaguang Wang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- Correspondence: (H.W.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Zexin Zhang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- Centre for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research, Institute for Advanced Study, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
- Correspondence: (H.W.); (Z.Z.)
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Zou H, Lv Y. Synthetic Strategies for Polymer Particles with Surface Concavities. Macromol Rapid Commun 2022; 43:e2200072. [PMID: 35322491 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202200072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade or so, there has been increasing interest in the synthesis of polymer particles with surface concavities, which mainly include golf ball-like, dimpled and surface-wrinkled polymer particles. Such syntheses generally can be classified into direct polymerization and post-treatment on preformed polymer particles. This review aims to provide an overview of the synthetic strategies of such particles. Some selected examples are given to present the formation mechanisms of the surface concavities. The applications and future development of these concave polymer particles are also briefly discussed. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Zou
- School of Materials and Chemistry, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 516 Jungong Road, Shanghai, 200093, China
| | - Yongliang Lv
- School of Materials and Chemistry, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, 516 Jungong Road, Shanghai, 200093, China
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Li X, Wu M, Xiang X, Ye Z, Chen N, Ma S. A self-templating dilution strategy for preparation of hollow concave polystyrene nanoparticles in a styrene/ethanol-water ternary system. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2022.128253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Luo L, Liang C, Zhang H, Zong Y, Zhao K. Synthesis of anisotropic colloids with concave and convex structures. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:10696-10702. [PMID: 34783337 DOI: 10.1039/d1sm01463c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Anisotropic colloidal particles with concave and convex structures are useful in both theoretical studies and applications. In this work, we mass-produced polystyrene (PS) colloidal particles with multiple concavities through dispersion polymerization techniques. By increasing the delayed feeding time td of the cross-linker divinylbenzene (DVB), the morphological evolution of particles can be classified into two stages, during which the formation of different concavities is consistent with either the buckling mechanism or phase separation mechanism. By varying the DVB dosage, we found that the size of the big chamber formed on the particle surfaces decreases as the DVB dosage increases. Then, using these concave particles as seeds, 2-5 μm anisotropic colloids with various shapes, including spherical, ellipsoidal, snowman and multi-protrusion, were synthesized by seeded emulsion polymerization. Moreover, our results show that both the chambers and long narrow ditches on the surface of seeds can be the active sites for monomers to gather and polymerize, but monomers in the big chamber have a priority to polymerize first when big and small concavities both exist on seeds. The results of this study could mean great potential in synthesizing a variety of anisotropic particles with well-controlled concave morphologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longfei Luo
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China.
| | - Chengcheng Liang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China.
| | - Hong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China.
| | - Yiwu Zong
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China.
| | - Kun Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Systems Bioengineering (Ministry of Education), School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, P. R. China.
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Xu F, Jing W, Chen G, Zhang Z. Polymerization in Shear Flow: From Bowl-Shaped Glyco-Microcarriers to Self-Propelled Micromotors. ACS Macro Lett 2021; 10:9-13. [PMID: 35548979 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.0c00653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We report a simple and effective method to synthesize composite bowl-shaped colloidal particles composed of a magnetic bottom and polymer wall. The bowl-shape is determined by the stirring and the resulting centrifugal force acting on the components during the synthesis. By systematically varying the stirring speed, we have found the lower and upper bounds for the bowl formation. Moreover, the size and thickness of the bowl can be tuned by changing the amount of the TPM monomer during synthesis. Functional groups can be easily introduced in the solidifying step through the polymerization of TPM by adding initiators and functional monomers. For example, by copolymerization of glycomonomer with TPM, bowl-shaped particles with biological activity can be obtained. In addition, such composite particles can be further modified to produce micromotors with well-controlled motions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Xu
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research, School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Wenhua Jing
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research, School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Gaojian Chen
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research, School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Zexin Zhang
- Center for Soft Condensed Matter Physics and Interdisciplinary Research, School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- Institute for Advanced Study, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
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10
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Månsson LK, de Wild T, Peng F, Holm SH, Tegenfeldt JO, Schurtenberger P. Preparation of colloidal molecules with temperature-tunable interactions from oppositely charged microgel spheres. SOFT MATTER 2019; 15:8512-8524. [PMID: 31633148 DOI: 10.1039/c9sm01779h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The self-assembly of small colloidal clusters, so-called colloidal molecules, into crystalline materials has proven extremely challenging, the outcome often being glassy, amorphous states where positions and orientations are locked. In this paper, a new type of colloidal molecule is therefore prepared, assembled from poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM)-based microgels that due to their well documented softness and temperature-response allow for greater defect tolerance compared to hard spheres and for convenient in situ tuning of size, volume fraction and inter-particle interactions with temperature. The microgels (B) are assembled by electrostatic adsorption onto oppositely charged, smaller-sized microgels (A), where the relative size of the two determines the valency (n) of the resulting core-satellite ABn-type colloidal molecules. Following assembly, a microfluidic deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) device is used to effectively isolate AB4-type colloidal molecules of tetrahedral geometry that possess a repulsive-to-attractive transition on crossing the microgels' volume phase transition temperature (VPTT). These soft, temperature-responsive colloidal molecules constitute highly promising building blocks for the preparation of new materials with emergent properties, and their optical wavelength-size makes them especially interesting for optical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda K Månsson
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Lund University, POB 124, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden. and NanoLund, POB 118, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden
| | - Tym de Wild
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Lund University, POB 124, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden.
| | - Feifei Peng
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Lund University, POB 124, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden. and NanoLund, POB 118, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden
| | - Stefan H Holm
- NanoLund, POB 118, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden and Division of Solid State Physics, Lund University, POB 118, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden
| | - Jonas O Tegenfeldt
- NanoLund, POB 118, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden and Division of Solid State Physics, Lund University, POB 118, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden
| | - Peter Schurtenberger
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Lund University, POB 124, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden. and NanoLund, POB 118, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden and Lund Institute of Advanced Neutron and X-ray Science (LINXS), Scheelevägen 19, SE-22370 Lund, Sweden
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