Exploring the membrane properties of Synthetic Polymer Vesicles prepared via Ring Opening Metathesis polymerisation induced self-assembly

Miller, Alisha ORCID: 0000-0002-9645-6103 (2024). Exploring the membrane properties of Synthetic Polymer Vesicles prepared via Ring Opening Metathesis polymerisation induced self-assembly. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Membrane bound structures are integral to highly complex biological systems due to their compartmentalisation of material. A multitude of highly controlled and efficient membrane transport mechanisms enable biological systems to regulate the passage of a wide range of substrates. Inspired by this, biomimetic structures have been developed to replicate these processes for various applications. Most notably, polymersomes (vesicular structures formed from amphiphilic block copolymers) have been developed and utilised in applications such as drug delivery vehicles and catalytic nanoreactors.

This thesis develops a wider understanding of the properties of block copolymer nano-objects formed by ring-opening metathesis polymerisation induced self-assembly (ROMPISA), in particular their fusion behaviour and ability to encapsulate material. Chapter 1 summarises different polymerisation techniques, polymer self-assembly methods, and particle characterisation techniques. This chapter also provides an overview of the applicability of polymersomes as biomimetic structures. Chapter 2 describes the triggered fusion of carboxylic acid-functionalised polymersomes by a pH switch and how the mechanism of fusion impacts the morphology of the fused structures. Dual, pH-triggered fusion of zwitterionic polymersomes are also explored. Chapter 3 reports the charge-mediated fusion of oppositely charged polymersomes and highlights the effect of size discrepancy on final nano-object morphology. In addition, this chapter determines the mode of fusion for a model ROMPISA system by fluorescence analysis. Chapter 4 examines the encapsulation of water-soluble cargo within ROMPISA nano-objects and how the mechanism of formation largely influences this ability.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):