Polymeric Self-Assembly into Micelles and Hollow Spheres with Multiscale Cavities Driven by Inclusion Complexation

Abstract

The inclusion complexation between beta-CD (beta-cyclodextrin) and adamantyl group (ADA) is used as a driving force in constructing polymeric micelles. The micelles composed of a hydrophobic core of PtBA-ADA and a hydrophilic shell of PGMA-CD show unique properties due to the presence of beta-CDs on the micellar surface. The micelles can be converted to hollow spheres of PGMA-CD networks. The hollow spheres possess a central hole in the size of submicrometers and many cavities of beta-CDs of 0.7 nm on the surface.