Amphiphilic copolymers comprising ionic (polyelectrolyte) and non-ionic (e.g., hydrophobic) building blocks are capable to self- and co-assembly in aqueous environment giving rise to a diverse spectrum of nano-aggregates. We develop theoretical approach which enables us to establish systematic relationships between copolymer architecture and morphology of the self-assembled structures. Our primary interest concerns (i) stimuli-responsive properties , i.e., ability to change aggregation state and morphology of the aggregates as a response to varied external conditions, such as salinity, pH, temperature; (ii) effects of the copolymer topology on the routes of self-organization. In particular, we discuss self-assembly and morphological transitions in aggregates formed by block copolymers with weakly dissociating (pH sensitive) polyelectrolyte blocks and intra-molecular micellization in amphiphilic graft-copolymers.
Université Pau