Self-assembled polyelectrolyte systems

Self-assembly of matter is of fundamental importance in different fields of science, including life sciences. It is a widely used term that describes the phenomena of self-organization. From the viewpoint of a colloid scienti st it is limited, according to Shinoda's concept, to the requirements of am phiphilicity in solute-solvent interactions. Starting from this concept different types of self-assembled polyelectrolyt e systems have to be addressed. In the first part of this review, lyotropic liquid crystalline and hydrophobic polyelectrolytes, i.e. block polyelectr olytes, associating polyelectrolytes and polysoaps are discussed. In these cases the amphiphily is introduced into the hydrophilic polyelectrolyte cha in by a partial rigidity (partial chain stiffness) or partial hydrophobicit y (hydrophobic blocks or side chains). Secondly, polyelectrolyte-surfactant systems are described. Here, self-asse mbly is created by interactions between the polyelectrolyte and the surfact ant molecules. Polyelectrolyte-surfactant interactions in dilute or semi-di lute solutions, as well as in gels or the solid state are reviewed. Lastly, self-assembly that is largely controlled by the surfactant componen t is discussed. In this case, polyelectrolytes can be considered as modifie rs of surfactant based microemulsions, liquid crystals or foam films. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of these different fields of self-assembled polyelectrolyte systems, illustrated by some selected exa mples. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. Ali rights reserved.