@article{ZehmLaschewskyHeunemannetal.2011, author = {Zehm, Daniel and Laschewsky, Andr{\´e} and Heunemann, Peggy and Gradzielski, Michael and Prevost, Sylvain and Liang, Hua and Rabe, J{\"u}rgen P. and Lutz, Jean-Francois}, title = {Synthesis and self-assembly of amphiphilic semi-brush and dual brush block copolymers in solution and on surfaces}, series = {Polymer Chemistry}, volume = {2}, journal = {Polymer Chemistry}, number = {1}, publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {1759-9954}, doi = {10.1039/c0py00200c}, pages = {137 -- 147}, year = {2011}, abstract = {The combination of two techniques of controlled free radical polymerization, namely the reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) and the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) techniques, together with the use of a macromonomer allowed the synthesis of symmetrical triblock copolymers, designed as amphiphilic dual brushes. One type of brush was made of poly(n-butyl acrylate) as soft hydrophobic block, i.e. characterized by a low glass transition temperature, while the other one was made of hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). The new triblock polymers represent "giant surfactants" according to their molecular architecture. The hydrophobic and hydrophilic blocks microphase separate in the bulk. In aqueous solution, they aggregate into globular micellar aggregates, their size being determined by the length of the stretched polymer molecules. As determined by the combination of various scattering techniques for the dual brush copolymer, a rather compact structure is formed, which is dominated by the large hydrophobic poly(n-butyl acrylate) block. The aggregation number for the dual brush is about 10 times larger than for the "semi-brush" precursor copolymer, due to the packing requirements for the much bulkier hydrophobic core. On mica surfaces the triblock copolymers adsorb with worm-like backbones and stretched out side chains.}, language = {en} } @article{ZehmLaschewskyGradzielskietal.2010, author = {Zehm, Daniel and Laschewsky, Andr{\´e} and Gradzielski, Michael and Pr{\´e}vost, Sylvain and Liang, Hua and Rabe, J{\"u}rgen P. and Schweins, Ralf and Gummel, J{\´e}r{\´e}mie}, title = {Amphiphilic dual brush block copolymers as "giant surfactants" and their aqueous self-assembly}, issn = {0743-7463}, doi = {10.1021/La903087p}, year = {2010}, abstract = {Amphiphilic dual brush diblock as well as symmetrical triblock polymers were synthesized by the overlay of the reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer and the nitroxide mediated polymerization (NMP) techniques. While poly(ethylene glycol) brushes served as hydrophilic block, the hydrophobic block was made of polystyrene brushes. The resulting "giant surfactants" correspond structurally to the established amphiphilic diblock and triblock copolymer known as macrosurfactants. The aggregation behavior of the novel "giant surfactants" in aqueous solution was studied by dynamic light scattering, small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) over a large range in reciprocal space. Further, the self-assembled aggregates Were investigated by scanning force microscopy (SFM) after deposition on differently functionalized ultraflat solid substrates. Despite the high fraction of hydrophobic segments, the polymers form stable mesoscopic, spherical aggregates with hydrodynamic diameters in the range of 150-350 nm. Though prepared from well-defined individual polymers, the aggregates show several similarities to hard core latexes. They are stable enough to he deposited without much changes onto surfaces, where they cluster and show Spontaneous sorting according to their size within the clusters, with the larger aggregates being in the center.}, language = {en} } @article{PrevostWattebledLaschewskyetal.2011, author = {Prevost, Sylvain and Wattebled, Laurent and Laschewsky, Andr{\´e} and Gradzielski, Michael}, title = {Formation of monodisperse charged vesicles in mixtures of cationic gemini surfactants and anionic SDS}, series = {Langmuir}, volume = {27}, journal = {Langmuir}, number = {2}, publisher = {American Chemical Society}, address = {Washington}, issn = {0743-7463}, doi = {10.1021/la103976p}, pages = {582 -- 591}, year = {2011}, abstract = {The aggregation behavior of catanionics formed by the mixture of cationic geminis derived from dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride (DTAC) and anionic sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) was studied by means of phase studies and comprehensive small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) experiments at 25 degrees C and 50 mM overall concentration. The results are compared to those for the previously studied SDS + DTAC system. Various gemini spacers of different natures and geometries were used, but all of them had similar lengths: an ethoxy bridge, a double bond, and an aromatic ring binding the two DTACs in three different substitutions (ortho, meta, and para). SANS and SAXS data analysis indicates that the spacer has no large effect on the spheroidal micelles of pure surfactants formed at low concentration in water; however, specific effects appear with the addition of electrolytes. Microstructures formed in the catanionic mixtures are rather strongly dependent on the nature of the spacer. The most important finding is that for the hydrophilic, flexible ethoxy bridge, monodisperse vesicles with a fixed anionic/cationic charge ratio (depending only on the surfactant in excess) are formed. Furthermore, the composition of these vesicles shows that strongly charged aggregates are formed. This study therefore provides new opportunities for developing tailor-made gemini surfactants that allow for the fine tuning of catanionic structures.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{LaschewskyHerfurthMiasnikovaetal.2012, author = {Laschewsky, Andr{\´e} and Herfurth, Christoph and Miasnikova, Anna and Wieland, Christoph and Wischerhoff, Erik and Gradzielski, Michael and de Molina, Paula Malo and Weiss, Jan}, title = {Stars and blocks tailoring polymeric rheology modifiers for aqueous media by controlled free radical polymerization}, series = {Abstracts of papers : joint conference / The Chemical Institute of Cananda, CIC, American Chemical Society, ACS}, volume = {244}, booktitle = {Abstracts of papers : joint conference / The Chemical Institute of Cananda, CIC, American Chemical Society, ACS}, publisher = {American Chemical Society}, address = {Washington}, issn = {0065-7727}, pages = {1}, year = {2012}, language = {en} } @article{InalKoelschChiappisietal.2013, author = {Inal, Sahika and K{\"o}lsch, Jonas D. and Chiappisi, Leonardo and Janietz, Dietmar and Gradzielski, Michael and Laschewsky, Andr{\´e} and Neher, Dieter}, title = {Structure-related differences in the temperature-regulated fluorescence response of LCST type polymers}, doi = {10.1039/C3TC31304B}, year = {2013}, abstract = {We demonstrate new fluorophore-labelled materials based on acrylamide and on oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG) bearing thermoresponsive polymers for sensing purposes and investigate their thermally induced solubility transitions. It is found that the emission properties of the polarity-sensitive (solvatochromic) naphthalimide derivative attached to three different thermoresponsive polymers are highly specific to the exact chemical structure of the macromolecule. While the dye emits very weakly below the LCST when incorporated into poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAm) or into a polyacrylate backbone bearing only short OEG side chains, it is strongly emissive in polymethacrylates with longer OEG side chains. Heating of the aqueous solutions above their cloud point provokes an abrupt increase of the fluorescence intensity of the labelled pNIPAm, whereas the emission properties of the dye are rather unaffected as OEG-based polyacrylates and methacrylates undergo phase transition. Correlated with laser light scattering studies, these findings are ascribed to the different degrees of pre-aggregation of the chains at low temperatures and to the extent of dehydration that the phase transition evokes. It is concluded that although the temperature-triggered changes in the macroscopic absorption characteristics, related to large-scale alterations of the polymer chain conformation and aggregation, are well detectable and similar for these LCST-type polymers, the micro-environment provided to the dye within each polymer network differs substantially. Considering sensing applications, this finding is of great importance since the temperature-regulated fluorescence response of the polymer depends more on the macromolecular architecture than the type of reporter fluorophore.}, language = {en} } @misc{InalKoelschChiappisietal.2013, author = {Inal, Sahika and K{\"o}lsch, Jonas D. and Chiappisi, Leonardo and Janietz, Dietmar and Gradzielski, Michael and Laschewsky, Andr{\´e} and Neher, Dieter}, title = {Structure-related differences in the temperature-regulated fluorescence response of LCST type polymers}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-95379}, pages = {6603 -- 6612}, year = {2013}, abstract = {We demonstrate new fluorophore-labelled materials based on acrylamide and on oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG) bearing thermoresponsive polymers for sensing purposes and investigate their thermally induced solubility transitions. It is found that the emission properties of the polarity-sensitive (solvatochromic) naphthalimide derivative attached to three different thermoresponsive polymers are highly specific to the exact chemical structure of the macromolecule. While the dye emits very weakly below the LCST when incorporated into poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAm) or into a polyacrylate backbone bearing only short OEG side chains, it is strongly emissive in polymethacrylates with longer OEG side chains. Heating of the aqueous solutions above their cloud point provokes an abrupt increase of the fluorescence intensity of the labelled pNIPAm, whereas the emission properties of the dye are rather unaffected as OEG-based polyacrylates and methacrylates undergo phase transition. Correlated with laser light scattering studies, these findings are ascribed to the different degrees of pre-aggregation of the chains at low temperatures and to the extent of dehydration that the phase transition evokes. It is concluded that although the temperature-triggered changes in the macroscopic absorption characteristics, related to large-scale alterations of the polymer chain conformation and aggregation, are well detectable and similar for these LCST-type polymers, the micro-environment provided to the dye within each polymer network differs substantially. Considering sensing applications, this finding is of great importance since the temperature-regulated fluorescence response of the polymer depends more on the macromolecular architecture than the type of reporter fluorophore.}, language = {en} } @article{InalKoelschChiappisietal.2013, author = {Inal, Sahika and Koelsch, Jonas D. and Chiappisi, Leonardo and Kraft, Mario and Gutacker, Andrea and Janietz, Dietmar and Scherf, Ullrich and Gradzielski, Michael and Laschewsky, Andr{\´e} and Neher, Dieter}, title = {Temperature-Regulated Fluorescence Characteristics of Supramolecular Assemblies Formed By a Smart Polymer and a Conjugated Polyelectrolyte}, series = {MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS}, volume = {214}, journal = {MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS}, number = {4}, publisher = {WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH}, address = {WEINHEIM}, issn = {1022-1352}, doi = {10.1002/macp.201200493}, pages = {435 -- 445}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Aqueous mixtures of a coumarin-labeled non-ionic thermoresponsive copolymer and a cationic polythiophene exhibit marked changes in their fluorescence properties upon heating. At room temperature, emission from the label is significantly quenched due to energy transfer to the conjugated polyelectrolyte. Heating the mixture reduces the energy-transfer efficiency markedly, resulting in a clearly visible change of the emission color. Although the two macromolecules associate strongly at room temperature, the number of interacting sites is largely reduced upon the phase transition. Crucially, the intermolecular association does not suppress the responsiveness of the smart polymer, meaning that this concept should be applicable to chemo- or bioresponsive polymers with optical read-out, for example, as a sensor device.}, language = {en} } @article{InalKoelschChiappisietal.2013, author = {Inal, Sahika and Koelsch, Jonas D. and Chiappisi, Leonardo and Janietz, Dietmar and Gradzielski, Michael and Laschewsky, Andr{\´e} and Neher, Dieter}, title = {Structure-related differences in the temperature-regulated fluorescence response of LCST type polymers}, series = {Journal of materials chemistry : C, Materials for optical and electronic devices}, volume = {1}, journal = {Journal of materials chemistry : C, Materials for optical and electronic devices}, number = {40}, publisher = {Royal Society of Chemistry}, address = {Cambridge}, issn = {2050-7526}, doi = {10.1039/c3tc31304b}, pages = {6603 -- 6612}, year = {2013}, abstract = {We demonstrate new fluorophore-labelled materials based on acrylamide and on oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG) bearing thermoresponsive polymers for sensing purposes and investigate their thermally induced solubility transitions. It is found that the emission properties of the polarity-sensitive (solvatochromic) naphthalimide derivative attached to three different thermoresponsive polymers are highly specific to the exact chemical structure of the macromolecule. While the dye emits very weakly below the LCST when incorporated into poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAm) or into a polyacrylate backbone bearing only short OEG side chains, it is strongly emissive in polymethacrylates with longer OEG side chains. Heating of the aqueous solutions above their cloud point provokes an abrupt increase of the fluorescence intensity of the labelled pNIPAm, whereas the emission properties of the dye are rather unaffected as OEG-based polyacrylates and methacrylates undergo phase transition. Correlated with laser light scattering studies, these findings are ascribed to the different degrees of pre-aggregation of the chains at low temperatures and to the extent of dehydration that the phase transition evokes. It is concluded that although the temperature-triggered changes in the macroscopic absorption characteristics, related to large-scale alterations of the polymer chain conformation and aggregation, are well detectable and similar for these LCST-type polymers, the micro-environment provided to the dye within each polymer network differs substantially. Considering sensing applications, this finding is of great importance since the temperature-regulated fluorescence response of the polymer depends more on the macromolecular architecture than the type of reporter fluorophore.}, language = {en} } @article{InalChiappisiKoelschetal.2013, author = {Inal, Sahika and Chiappisi, Leonardo and K{\"o}lsch, Jonas D. and Kraft, Mario and Appavou, Marie-Sousai and Scherf, Ullrich and Wagner, Manfred and Hansen, Michael Ryan and Gradzielski, Michael and Laschewsky, Andr{\´e} and Neher, Dieter}, title = {Temperature-regulated fluorescence and association of an Oligo(ethyleneglycol)methacrylate-based copolymer with a conjugated Polyelectrolyte-the effect of solution ionic strength}, series = {The journal of physical chemistry : B, Condensed matter, materials, surfaces, interfaces \& biophysical chemistry}, volume = {117}, journal = {The journal of physical chemistry : B, Condensed matter, materials, surfaces, interfaces \& biophysical chemistry}, number = {46}, publisher = {American Chemical Society}, address = {Washington}, issn = {1520-6106}, doi = {10.1021/jp408864s}, pages = {14576 -- 14587}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Aqueous mixtures of a dye-labeled non-ionic thermoresponsive copolymer and a conjugated cationic polyelectrolyte are shown to exhibit characteristic changes in fluorescence properties in response to temperature and to the presence of salts, enabling a double-stimuli responsiveness. In such mixtures at room temperature, i.e., well below the lower critical solution temperature (LCST), the emission of the dye is strongly quenched due to energy transfer to the polycation, pointing to supramolecular interactions between the two macromolecules. Increasing the concentration of salts weakens the interpolymer interactions, the extent of which is simultaneously monitored from the change in the relative emission intensity of the components. When the mixture is heated above its LCST, the transfer efficiency is significantly reduced, signaling a structural reorganization process, however, surprisingly only if the mixture contains salt ions. To elucidate the reasons behind such thermo- and ion-sensitive fluorescence characteristics, we investigate the effect of salts of alkali chlorides, in particular of NaCl, on the association behavior of these macromolecules before and after the polymer phase transition by a combination of UV-vis, fluorescence, and H-1 NMR spectroscopy with light scattering and small-angle neutron scattering measurements.}, language = {en} } @article{HerfurthLaschewskyNoirezetal.2016, author = {Herfurth, Christoph and Laschewsky, Andre and Noirez, Laurence and von Lospichl, Benjamin and Gradzielski, Michael}, title = {Thermoresponsive (star) block copolymers from one-pot sequential RAFT polymerizations and their self-assembly in aqueous solution}, series = {Polymer : the international journal for the science and technology of polymers}, volume = {107}, journal = {Polymer : the international journal for the science and technology of polymers}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Oxford}, issn = {0032-3861}, doi = {10.1016/j.polymer.2016.09.089}, pages = {422 -- 433}, year = {2016}, abstract = {A series of hydrophobically end-capped linear triblock copolymers as well as of three-arm and four-arm star block copolymers was synthesized in a one-pot procedure from N,N-dimethylacrylamide (DMA) and N, N-diethylacrylamide (DEA). The sequential reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of these monomers via the R-approach using bi-, tri- and tetrafunctional chain transfer agents (CrAs) bearing hydrophobic dodecyl moieties proceeded in a well-controlled manner up to almost quantitative conversion. Polymers with molar masses up to 150 kDa, narrow molar mass distribution (PDI <= 1.3) and high end group functionality were obtained, which are thermoresponsive in aqueous solution showing a LCST (lower critical solution temperature) transition. The temperature-dependent associative behavior of the polymers was examined using turbidimetry, static and dynamic light scattering (SLS, DLS), and small angle neutron scattering (SANS) for structural analysis. At 25 degrees C, the polymers form weak transient networks, and rather small hydrophobic domains are already present for polymer concentrations of 5 wt\%. However, when heating above the LCST transition (35-40 degrees C) of the PDEA blocks, the enhanced formation of hydrophobic domains is observed by means of light and neutron scattering. These domains have a size of about 12-15 nm and must be effectively physically cross-linked as they induce high viscosity for the more concentrated samples. SANS shows that these domains are ordered as evidenced by the appearance of a correlation peak. The copolymer architecture affects in particular the extent of ordering as the four-arm star block copolymer shows much more repulsive interactions compared to the analogous copolymers with a lower number of arms. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.}, language = {en} }