Supramolecular Micelles
Constructed by Crown Ether-Based Molecular Recognition
- Publication date
- Publisher
Abstract
A novel supramolecular amphiphilic polymer constructed
by crown ether-based molecular recognition has been fabricated and
demonstrated to self-assemble into core–shell supramolecular
micelles in water. The reversible transition between assembled and
disassembled structures can be achieved by changing the pH. This transition
was used to realize the controlled release of small molecules. The
supramolecular micelle was characterized by various techniques including
conductivity, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic laser
light scattering (DLS), and fluorescence titration. TEM images showed
dark gray spherical aggregates, and the mean size of the micelles
was 50 nm in diameter and of uniformly dispersed size, in good agreement
with the DLS results. The release of hydrophobic molecules from the
micelles was realized by adding acid (aqueous HCl), weakening the
host–guest interactions and leading to disassembly of the supramolecular
micelles