Synthesis, Self-assembly and Morphology Transitions in Linear and Star Polypeptide-based Block Copolymers

在这个由化学部大分子、超分子和纳米化学计划资助的项目中，南密西西比大学的Daniel Savin将综合研究线圈-棒-线圈三嵌段共聚物的化学组成和环境之间的相互作用，以及它们在囊泡、圆盘和纳米管组件之间的互换。方法是合成对称的线性三嵌段共聚物和三臂星形共聚物；探索它们的溶液自组装作为组成的函数；使用pH和温度来诱导基于多肽的嵌段共聚物组装的溶液形态的变化；以及确定哪些螺旋组装、pH和温度响应性因素决定了嵌段共聚物组装成囊泡、圆盘或纳米管的界面曲率。更广泛的影响包括培训研究生和本科生从基础和应用的角度全面了解聚合物化学、表征和形态，以及推广活动，包括儿童科学挑战、通过NBC学习的网络教育模块和美国国家广播公司科学教练计划。聚合物是长链有机分子，存在于日常生活的许多方面，包括食品包装、汽车和航空航天运输的结构材料，以及轻型电子设备。嵌段共聚物是一种长链有机分子，其中两条或两条以上化学上不同的聚合物链通过末端连接在一起。当将嵌段共聚物放入优先溶解其中一个链段的液体中时，单个链组装成一系列纳米尺度的结构。这项工作旨在加强我们对嵌段共聚物组装过程背后的化学原理的基本理解。这些研究的结果可能会对许多应用产生重要的长期影响，包括药物输送、生物传感、药物加工和纳米技术。

In this project funded by the Macromolecular, Supramolecular and Nanochemistry Program of the Chemistry Division, Daniel Savin of the University of Southern Mississippi will synthesize study the interplay between the chemical composition and environment of coil-rod-coil triblock copolymers and their interchange between vesicle, disk and nanotube assemblies. The approach is to synthesize symmetric, linear triblock copolymers and three-arm star copolymers; to explore their solution self-assembly as a function of composition; to use pH and temperature to induce changes in the solution morphology of the polypeptide-based block copolymer assemblies; and to determine what factors of helix assembly, pH and temperature responsiveness dictate the interfacial curvature for block copolymer assembly into vesicles, disks or nanotubes. The broader impacts involve training graduate and undergraduate students to gain a comprehensive understanding of polymer chemistry, characterization and morphology from a fundamental and applied standpoint as well as outreach activities including the Kids' Science Challenge, web-based educational modules through NBC Learn, and the ACS Science Coaches program.Polymers are long chain organic molecules and are found in many facets of everyday life, including food packaging, structural materials for automotive and aerospace transportation, and lightweight electronic devices. Block copolymers are long chain organic molecules in which two or more chemically distinct polymer chains are attached by their ends. When a block copolymer is placed in a liquid that preferentially dissolves one of the segments, the individual chains assemble into a range of structures with nanometer scale dimensions. This work aims to enhance our fundamental understanding of the chemistry behind the block copolymer assembly process. The results of these studies could have important long term impacts on many applications including drug delivery, biosensing, pharmaceutical processing, and nanotechnology.