Key roles for chain flexibility in block copolymer membranes that contain pores or make tubes

Nano Lett. 2005 Dec;5(12):2343-9. doi: 10.1021/nl051515x.

Abstract

Block copolymer amphiphiles that self-assemble into membranes present robust and functionalizable alternatives to biological assemblies. Coarse-grained molecular dynamics shows that thick bilayers of A-B copolymers accommodate protein-like channels and also tend to regulate transport. This occurs as flexible, hydrophilic A chains insert into the pore and obstruct water entry. A-B-A triblocks that exploit "hairpin" and "straight" conformations also show assembly into novel nanotubules and further highlight the key roles for chain flexibility in biomimetic block copolymer assemblies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation
  • Elasticity
  • Membranes, Artificial*
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Models, Molecular*
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Nanotubes / chemistry*
  • Nanotubes / ultrastructure*
  • Phase Transition
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Porosity

Substances

  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Polymers