Self- and dis-assembly behavior of segmented wormlike nanostructures from an ABC triblock copolymer

Herein, we described the self-assembly of a triblock copolymer, poly(styrene-b-2-vinylpyridine-b-ethylene oxide) (PS-b-P2VP-b-PEO), in THF/water at room temperature to form segmented wormlike nanostructures. We found two different formation mechanisms of the segmented wormlike nanostructures from PS-b-P2VP-b-PEO with different molecular weights. Moreover, the dimension of such segmented wormlike nanostructures depends on the stirring rate. Interestingly, these wormlike nanostructures disassembled gradually when increasing the temperature, which is reversible. After cooling to room temperature the segmented wormlike micelles reformed gradually with stirring. Furthermore, neither intense stirring nor ultrasonic vibration could damage the structure of these wormlike nanostructures which proves their stability and potential application as drug delivery vehicles.

Automated summary

Through self-assembly experiments, it was found that PS-b-P2VP-b-PEO with different molecular weights can form segmented wormlike nanostructures of different sizes, and the stirring rate affects their dimensions. These nanostructures can gradually disassemble as the temperature increases, but can reassemble after cooling while maintaining structural stability.