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Polymer cyclization for the emergence of hierarchical nanostructures

Author

Listed:
  • Chaojian Chen

    (Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research
    Ulm University)

  • Manjesh Kumar Singh

    (Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur)

  • Katrin Wunderlich

    (Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research)

  • Sean Harvey

    (Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research)

  • Colette J. Whitfield

    (Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research)

  • Zhixuan Zhou

    (Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research)

  • Manfred Wagner

    (Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research)

  • Katharina Landfester

    (Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research)

  • Ingo Lieberwirth

    (Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research)

  • George Fytas

    (Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research
    Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, Foundation for Research and Technology)

  • Kurt Kremer

    (Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research)

  • Debashish Mukherji

    (Quantum Matter Institute, University of British Columbia)

  • David Y. W. Ng

    (Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research)

  • Tanja Weil

    (Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research
    Ulm University)

Abstract

The creation of synthetic polymer nanoobjects with well-defined hierarchical structures is important for a wide range of applications such as nanomaterial synthesis, catalysis, and therapeutics. Inspired by the programmability and precise three-dimensional architectures of biomolecules, here we demonstrate the strategy of fabricating controlled hierarchical structures through self-assembly of folded synthetic polymers. Linear poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) of different lengths are folded into cyclic polymers and their self-assembly into hierarchical structures is elucidated by various experimental techniques and molecular dynamics simulations. Based on their structural similarity, macrocyclic brush polymers with amphiphilic block side chains are synthesized, which can self-assemble into wormlike and higher-ordered structures. Our work points out the vital role of polymer folding in macromolecular self-assembly and establishes a versatile approach for constructing biomimetic hierarchical assemblies.

Suggested Citation

  • Chaojian Chen & Manjesh Kumar Singh & Katrin Wunderlich & Sean Harvey & Colette J. Whitfield & Zhixuan Zhou & Manfred Wagner & Katharina Landfester & Ingo Lieberwirth & George Fytas & Kurt Kremer & De, 2021. "Polymer cyclization for the emergence of hierarchical nanostructures," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-7, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:12:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-021-24222-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24222-5
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