Polymeric assemblies with nano-structures

Among recent topics which are related to "Polymeric Assemblies with Nano-St ructures" of our research group, particle assemblies on ultrathin polymer f ilms, and synthesis and applications of core-corona type polymeric nanosphe res were reviewed. Polymeric particles (latex) were electrostatically adsor bed onto the surface of ultrathin polymer films, which had been prepared by an alternate adsorption technique with poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH ) and poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS) in the absence or presence of N aCl. The adsorption processes were quantitatively analyzed by using quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) technique s. Charge densities of films, particle concentrations, particle sizes, and surface charges of particles significantly affected adsorption. Ordered mon o- or multi-layer particle assemblies were observed. Core-corona type polym eric nanospheres were prepared by the free radical copolymerization of hydr ophilic macromonomers and hydrophobic comonomers in polar organic solvents. Polymerization parameters such as molecular weights of macromonomer, monom er concentrations, polymerization temperatures, and solvent species signifi cantly affected particle sizes. Potential applications such as catalytic su pports and biomedical uses were also studied. Metal nano-particles were eas ily deposited on nanospheres due to steric stabilization on nanosphere surf aces. Carbohydrates and proteins were covalently conjugated on nanospheres.