Control of mechanically activated polymersome fusion: Factors affecting fusion

Journal Article · Mon Dec 15 00:00:00 EST 2014 · Journal of Polymer Science. Part B, Polymer Physics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/polb.23650· OSTI ID:1182985

Henderson, Ian M. ^[1]; Paxton, Walter F. ^[1]

---

1. Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), Albuquerque NM (United States). Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies

Previously we have studied the mechanically-activated fusion of extruded (200 nm) polymer vesicles into giant polymersomes using agitation in the presence of salt. In this study we have investigated several factors contributing to this phenomenon, including the effects of (i) polymer vesicle concentration, (ii) agitation speed and duration, and iii) variation of the salt and its concentration. It was found that increasing the concentration of the polymer dramatically increases the production of giant vesicles through the increased collisions of polymersomes. Our investigations also found that increasing the frequency of agitation increased the efficiency of fusion, though ultimately limited the size of vesicle which could be produced due to the high shear involved. Finally it was determined that salt-mediation of the fusion process was not limited to NaCl, but is instead a general effect facilitated by the presence of solvated ionic compounds, albeit with different salts initiating fusion at different concentration.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE; USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
• Grant/Contract Number: AC04-94AL85000
• OSTI ID: 1182985
• Alternate ID(s): OSTI ID: 1401363
• Report Number(s): SAND--2014-15541J; 533715
• Journal Information: Journal of Polymer Science. Part B, Polymer Physics, Journal Name: Journal of Polymer Science. Part B, Polymer Physics Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 53; ISSN 0887-6266
• Publisher: Wiley
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE