Monday, 5 August 2024 4:00pm – 5:00pm

This seminar will be delivered in Lecture Theatre 2

Speaker: Haoxiang Zeng

Host: A/Prof. Markus Muellner

Title: The Impact of Macromolecular Architecture on the Self-Assembly and Functionality of Polymer Nanoparticles

Abstract: The architecture of block copolymers (BCPs) plays a critical role in determining the characteristics and performance of their self-assembled nanoparticles.1 Each architectural variation, whether linear, cyclic, branched, or bottlebrush, introduces distinct properties that influence how these polymers organise and function. By precisely tuning the macromolecular architecture, it is possible to control the self-assembled properties of nanoparticles (e.g., size, morphology, and surface functionality), thus enhancing their applicability across various fields. Stimuli-responsive groups and polymers have been used to prepare BCPs that can undergo significant changes in their architecture in response to external triggers such as pH,2 light,3 and specific chemicals.4 This stimuli-induced architecture transformation behaviour is particularly important as it allows the self-assembled polymer nanoparticles to dynamically adjust their structure and properties in response to their environment, which is crucial for developing smart materials with tailored responses.5 In this talk, I will report on the preparation of functional nanoparticles made via the self-assembly of BCPs. I will demonstrate that harnessing the unique properties of stimuli-responsive polymers and polymers with novel molecular architectures enable the development of functional nanostructures for potential use in drug delivery applications.6–8

References

• Zeng, L. Stewart-Yates, L. M. Casey, N. Bampos and D. A. Roberts, Chempluschem, 2020, 85, 1249–1269.
• Li, M. Crago, T. Schofield, H. Zeng, H. K. N. Vyas, M. Müllner, A. Mai-Prochnow, S. Farajikhah, S. Naficy, F. Dehghani and S. Talebian, Gels, 2023, 9, 611.
• G. Maschmeyer, X. Liang, A. Hung, O. Ahmadzai, A. L. Kenny, Y. C. Luong, T. N. Forder, H. Zeng, E. R. Gillies and D. A. Roberts, Polym Chem, 2021, 12, 6824–6831.
• N. Forder, P. G. Maschmeyer, H. Zeng and D. A. Roberts, Chem Asian J, 2021, 16, 287–291.
• Zeng and D. A. Roberts, Aust J Chem, 2021, 75, 55–64.
• Zeng and M. Müllner, Polym Chem, 2024, 15, 1648–1659.
• Zeng, X. Liang, D. A. Roberts, E. R. Gillies and M. Müllner, Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 2024, 63, e202318881.
• Zeng, J. Baek, B.-S. Kim and M. Müllner, Submitted.