Programmed Wrapping and Assembly of Droplets with Mesoscale Polymers
Abstract
Nature is remarkably adept at using interfaces to build structures, encapsulate reagents, and regulate biological processes. Inspired by nature, flexible polymer‐based ribbons, termed “mesoscale polymers” (MSPs), are described to modulate interfacial interactions with liquid droplets. This produces unprecedented hybrid assemblies in the forms of flagellum‐like structures and MSP‐wrapped droplets. Successful preparation of these hybrid structures hinges on interfacial interactions and tailored MSP compositions, such as MSPs with domains possessing distinctly different affinity for fluid–fluid interfaces as well as mechanical properties. In situ measurements of MSP–droplet interactions confirm that MSPs possess a negligible bending stiffness, allowing interfacial energy to drive mesoscale assembly. By exploiting these interfacial driving forces, mesoscale polymers are demonstrated as a powerful platform that underpins the preparation of sophisticated hybrid structures in fluids.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Jul 06, 2020
- Source ID
- 10.1002/adfm.202002704
Entities
People
- Alfred J Crosby
- Anke Lindner
- Dylan M. Barber
- Lucas Prévost
- Olivia DU ROURE
- Todd Emrick
- Zhefei Yang
Organizations
- Office of Basic Energy Sciences
- United States Department of Energy
- University of Massachusetts