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Assessing internal structure of polymer assemblies from 2D to 3D CryoTEM: Bicontinuous micelles

McKenzie, Beulah E., Holder, Simon J., Sommerdijk, Nico A. J. M. (2012) Assessing internal structure of polymer assemblies from 2D to 3D CryoTEM: Bicontinuous micelles. Current Opinion in Colloid & Interface Science, 17 (6). pp. 343-349. ISSN 1359-0294. (doi:10.1016/j.cocis.2012.09.002) (The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:36807)

The full text of this publication is not currently available from this repository. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided.
Official URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cocis.2012.09.002

Abstract

The self-assembly behaviour of block copolymers in solution has been of significant interest over the past two decades for a number of applications — for example, as delivery vectors and micro-reactors. More recently, attention has turned to the formation of aggregates with complex internal structure, such as multi-compartment micelles and the so-called “Janus” particles (biphasic aggregates) for their promising application as vectors for the simultaneous inclusion of chemically-different encapsulates and their possible catalytic and templating properties. The challenge has been to observe these complex aggregates in such a way as to be able to characterise their internal morphology whilst preserving their intricate structure. To this end, cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryoTEM) has become a powerful and indeed a necessary tool for the elucidation and observation of self-assembled polymer systems. Through its use, a new class of complex micelles has been discovered: amphiphilic block copolymer nanospheres with internal bicontinuous structure. These structures have been observed from a variety of block copolymer amphiphiles, although rarely. Intriguingly, there is no seemingly obvious unifying blueprint for their formation. This review will present the importance of cryoTEM in the elucidation and characterisation of internally-structured polymeric aggregates in recent years and highlight its significance in the definition of bicontinuous dispersions.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1016/j.cocis.2012.09.002
Subjects: Q Science
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Natural Sciences > Physics and Astronomy
Depositing User: Simon Holder
Date Deposited: 22 Nov 2013 15:51 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 10:13 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/36807 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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