Multifunctional hybrid nanostructures: Co-encapsulation of assorted nanoparticles within block copolymer micelles

POLY 517

Byeong-Su Kim, bskim@chem.umn.edu and T. Andrew Taton. Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, 207 Pleasant Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
We describe a simple and versatile protocol to prepare multifunctional nanostructures by encapsulation of different nanoparticles in amphiphilic block copolymer micelles. This method permits simultaneous packaging of different functionalities within a nano-sized copolymer micellar container. We have demonstrated the co-encapsulation of metal (Au), magnetic (r-Fe2O3, Fe3O4), and semiconductor (CdSe/ZnS) nanoparticles in different combinations to form multicomponent micelles that retain the precursor particles' distinct properties. Because these multifunctional hybrid nanostructures spontaneously assemble from solution by simultaneous desolvation of nanoparticles and amphiphilic block copolymer components, we anticipate that this can be used as a general protocol for preparing multifunctional nanostructures without explicit multi-material synthesis or surface functionalization of nanoparticles.