Abstract
A Dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulations are performed to study the cooperative self-assembly of coil-rod-coil triblock copolymers and nanoparticles in solution. The results show that, when the nanoparticle concentration exceeds a given value, the ternary systems can form a novel nanocage composed of two-end coil-caps and middle rod-linkers. The novel nanocage is very similar to the real bird cage and the captured nanoparticles like the bird. It is the first nanocage from the self-assembly of coil-rod-coil triblock copolymers. This may be used for the release of drugs and fertilizers, or as nanoreactors. This novel "nanocage" formed by the cooperative self-assembly of coil-rod-coil triblock copolymers enriches the material source of the nanocage. The novel structure is may be used to the release of drug and fertilizer, or the nanoreactors.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 883-886 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | Macromolecular Rapid Communications |
| Volume | 34 |
| Issue number | 10 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 27 May 2013 |
Keywords
- coil-rod-coil copolymer
- computer simulation
- nanocage
- self-assembly
