Hydrophilic macroions, with sizes ranging between simple ions (point charges valid for the Debye-Hückel Theory) and colloidal suspensions (usually described by the DLVO theory), demonstrate unique solution behavior by self-assembling into ordered, single layer, hollow, spherical “blackberry” structures. Counterion-mediated attraction is considered as the main driving force for the self-assembly behavior.<br/>Herein, we investigated the solution behavior of ionic polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) and cyclodextrin (CD) which have well-defined size, shape, mass, and charge density using laser light scattering (LLS). Sub-nanometer sized ionic POSS provides a valuable opportunity to explore the unknown size boundary between simple ions and macroions. Whereas studying ionic CD, a simple biomolecule-based macroion, expands our understanding beyond inorganic macroion. We found the transition from single macroions to blackberries, as well as the sizes of blackberries, can be achieved by adjusting the parameters such as the macroionic charge density, solvent polarity, or adding extra electrolytes.    <br/>Understanding the solution behaviors of macroions is of great significance in polymer, biology, and many other fields of science, since polyelectrolytes and biomacromolecules are all complex macroions.

Self-assembly of nanometer scaled macroions in dilute solution

249th National Meeting (2015)

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