Topology-controlled self-assembly of amphiphilic block copolymers

• Published in: Nanoscale 2023-09, Vol.15 (37), p.1523-15237
• Main Authors: López-Ríos de Castro, Raquel, Ziolek, Robert M, Lorenz, Christian D
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Block copolymers; Chemistry; Ethylene oxide; Machine learning; Micelles; Molecular dynamics; Nanostructure; Polyethylene oxide; Polymers; Polymethyl acrylates; Self-assembly; Topology; Unsupervised learning
• ISSN: 2040-3364; 2040-3372
• DOI: 10.1039/d3nr01204b

Contemporary synthetic chemistry approaches can be used to yield a range of distinct polymer topologies with precise control. The topology of a polymer strongly influences its self-assembly into complex nanostructures however a clear mechanistic understanding of the relationship between polymer topology and self-assembly has not yet been developed. In this work, we use atomistic molecular dynamics simulations to provide a nanoscale picture of the self-assembly of three poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(methyl acrylate) block copolymers with different topologies into micelles. We find that the topology affects the ability of the micelle to form a compact hydrophobic core, which directly affects its stability. Also, we apply unsupervised machine learning techniques to show that the topology of a polymer affects its ability to take a conformation in response to the local environment within the micelles. This work provides foundations for the rational design of polymer nanostructures based on their underlying topology. Our molecular dynamics simulations provide molecular-scale understanding of how polymer topology effects the self-assembly and stability of nanoparticles, and the polymer molecule's ability to take a conformation in response to its local environment.