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Topological Effect on the Structure of Self‐Assembled Aggregates from Amphiphilic Macromolecules in Solution
Author(s) -
Song Yongbing,
Jiang Run,
Wang Zheng,
Wang Lang,
Yin Yuhua,
Li Baohui,
Shi AnChang
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
macromolecular theory and simulations
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.37
H-Index - 56
eISSN - 1521-3919
pISSN - 1022-1344
DOI - 10.1002/mats.201600039
Subject(s) - amphiphile , micelle , vesicle , macromolecule , copolymer , confined space , self assembly , chemistry , topology (electrical circuits) , materials science , chemical engineering , chemical physics , organic chemistry , aqueous solution , membrane , polymer , biochemistry , mathematics , combinatorics , engineering
The self‐assembled morphologies of cyclic amphiphiles, which are composed of a long hydrophobic block and a short hydrophilic block, in selective solutions are studied by using a simulated annealing method. The morphological dependence of the aggregates on solvent quality is investigated. The topology effects are studied by comparing results from linear counterparts of the amphiphiles. It is observed that, in addition to spherical micelles, cylindrical micelles, disklike micelles, vesicles, and large compound micelles, muticompartment vesicles with several fluidic cores can be formed by the cyclic systems. The morphologies are regulated by the interaction parameter ε AS between the hydrophobic block and solvents. Furthermore, it is revealed that the differences of characteristics of the self‐assembled aggregates originate from the difference in architectural constraint. The wide region of forming multicompartment vesicles suggests that cyclic amphiphilic macromolecules could be a suitable candidate for applications to deliver multiple functional components by compartmentalizing different components in different confined space of vesicles.