Oppositely charged polyelectrolyte molecules or blocks of copolymers can associate with one another in fluid phases known as complex coacervates. Bulk coacervates have very low interfacial tension with water and therefore produce very well-spread, uniform coatings and encapsulants. As blocks in copolymers, interactions between oppositely charged blocks can lead to new self-assembled structures such as micelles, vesicles and gels. Our work examines oppositely charged polypeptides as well-defined polymers and blocks to look at coacervate formation and self-assembly. We have mapped the phase behavior in detail for several polypeptide pairs as a function of molecular weight, degree of neutralization and other relevant variables. See for example . In addition, we have made block copolymers including some of these same pairs to make a number of micellar structures. Our objective is a comprehensive understanding of phase behavior in multicomponent polyelectrolyte systems akin to our understanding of neutral polymer blends and block copolymers.

Phase behavior and self-assembly driven by polyelectrolyte complexation

242nd National Meeting (2011)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.