In this paper, we report the recent advances on precision synthesis, self-assembly, and functions of amphiphilic random copolymers. PEGMA/RMA amphiphilic random copolymers, prepared by living radical copolymerization, formed self-folding polymers in aqueous or organic media. The folding properties were controlled by selecting co-monomers (RMA: hydrophobic DMA, hydrogen-bonding, fluorous) and tuning primary structure (molecular weight, composition).1-4 PEGMA/DMA random copolymers further afforded precision “intermolecular” self-assembly into uniform nanoparticles in water, where the size, molecular weight, and aggregation number were predictably controlled.5 In binary blend, PEGMA/DMA random copolymers with different DMA composition induced self-sorting in water to give discrete nanocompartments with different DMA composition.5 Additionally, self-folding amphiphilic random copolymers in water allowed selective intramolecular patching into single-chain crosslinked star polymers with designer cores.6
References 1) Terashima, T. Polymer. J. 2014, 46, 664. 2) Terashima, T.; Sugita, T.; Fukae, K.; Sawamoto, M. Macromolecules 2014, 47, 589. 3) Koda, Y.; Terashima, T.; Sawamoto, M. Macromolecules 2016, 49, 4534. 4) Matsumoto, K.; Terashima, T.; Sugita, T.; Takenaka, M.; Sawamoto, M. Macromolecules 2016, 49, 7917. 5) Hirai, Y.; Terashima, T.; Takenaka, M.; Sawamoto, M. Macromolecules 2016, 49, 5084. 6) Terashima, T.; Sugita, T.; Sawamoto, M. Polym. J. 2015, 47, 667. |
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