Helix self-assembly through the coiling of cylindrical micelles.

Zhong, Sheng; Cui, Honggang; Chen, Zhiyun; Wooley, Karen L; Pochan, Darrin J · Soft Matter · 2007

basic_science · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

Both single and double helical superstructures have been created through solution self-assembly of cylindrical micelles for the first time. Helical micelles were formed from the co-assembly of poly(acrylic acid)-block-poly(methyl acrylate)-block-polystyrene (PAA-b-PMA-b-PS) triblock copolymers with different multiamines. The helix pitch could be adjusted by adjusting the amount and type of multiamine added. The helical structure exhibits unprecedented regularity for a nanostructure self-assembled from solution indicating the presence of strong, synergistic forces underlying the helix formation.