YIP: Origami of single polymer chains via sequentially activated permanent and reversible intra-chain interactions
Abstract
The research goal of this YIP proposal was to fold discreet synthetic polymer chains into architecturally defined 3-dimensional nanostructures. We aimed to accomplish this goal using a combination of permanent and reversible or dynamic intra-chain cross-linking interactions applied sequentially in dilute solution. In order to establish a structure-property relationship for these foldable polymer chains we had 3 research objectives: 1) evaluate different types of intra-chain cross-linking chemistry 2) study the effect of polymer architecture on single-chain folding behavior 3) investigate improved structural characterization methods for these folded structures. Rationale behind this design: Fundamentally controlling nanoscale structure and the ability to modulate behavior (e.g. structural, optical, thermal, sensing, etc.) is at the core of next generation DOD systems. Our approach offers foundational work for applying polymer-based systems to these advanced applications by mimicking the elegance of naturally occurring folded biopolymers. In analogy to Nature, we combined multiple intra-chain interactions to effect this single-chain folding process: Permanent intra-chain covalent linkages provide thermal and chemical stability to these structures, resulting in robust nanoscale colloidal particles in the sub 20 nm size regime. Dynamic or reversible intra-chain linkages impart adaptability to these structures, resulting in nanomaterials that can respond to external stimuli or environmental conditions. Applying these interactions sequentially allowed us to mimic the protein folding energy landscape more closely than previously reported systems, resulting in more precisely folded and structurally compact nano objects.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 04, 2023
- Source ID
- W911NF1410177
Entities
People
- Erik B. Berda
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- United States Army
- University of New Hampshire