Abstract
Developing an efficient and versatile process to transform a single linear polymer chain into a shape-defined nanoobject is a major challenge in the fields of chemistry and nanotechnology to replicate sophisticated biological functions of proteins and nucleic acids in a synthetic polymer system. In this study, we performed one-shot intrablock cross-linking of linear block copolymers (BCPs) to realize single-chain nanoparticles (SCNPs) with two chemically compartmentalized domains (Janus-shaped SCNPs). Detailed structural characterizations of the Janus-shaped SCNP composed of polystyrene-block-poly(glycolic acid) revealed its compactly folded conformation and compartmentalized block localization, similar to the self-folded tertiary structures of natural proteins. Versatility of the one-shot intrablock cross-linking was demonstrated using several different BCP precursors. In addition, the Janus-shaped SCNP produce miniscule microphase-separated structures.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 18122-18128 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | Angewandte Chemie - International Edition |
| Volume | 60 |
| Issue number | 33 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 9 Aug 2021 |
Keywords
- Janus-shaped single-chain nanoparticles
- block copolymers
- compartmentalization
- intramolecular cross-linking
- microphase separation