Hollow Block Copolymer Nanoparticles through a Spontaneous One-step Structural Reorganization

Nikos Petzetakis †, Mathew P. Robin †, Joseph P. Patterson †, Elizabeth G. Kelley §, Pepa Cotanda †, Paul H. H. Bomans , Nico A. J. M. Sommerdijk , Andrew P. Dove †, Thomas H. Epps , III§*, and Rachel K. O’Reilly †*

DOI: 10.1021/nn400272p

The synthesis of hollow block copolymer nanoparticles using P(AA)-b-P(LA) is discussed. The hollow center is created by drying the nanoparticles and then resuspending; he PLA domain which was formerly in the center becomes associated with the PAA, after resuspension which leaves behind a hollow center. The authors note that over time, the hollow center equilibrates back to its original form, though. However, they were able to load these nanocylinders with a dye and trap them. 

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