Reversible Assembly and Disassembly of Amphiphilic Assemblies by Electropolymerized Polyaniline Films: Effects Rendered by Varying the Electropolymerization Potential

Abstract

Polymer films that respond to a variety of stimuli are attractive candidates for location-specific guest molecule delivery. These systems release the guest molecules by polymer erosion; thus, these are mono-use systems. If a polymer film is used to disassemble amphiphilic assemblies containing sequestered guest molecules, the polymer erosion issue can be circumvented. However, charge-bearing vinyl polymers, upon interaction with amphiphilic assemblies, are known to adapt to a conformation that results in encapsulating guest molecules instead of releasing them. On the contrary, it has earlier been reported that a rigid, charge-bearing, and water-insoluble conjugated polyaniline film can effectively disassemble amphiphilic assemblies without causing much harm to the film. Herein, we demonstrate the effect rendered by varying the electropolymerization potential on the interaction efficiency between the positive charge-bearing polyaniline film and oppositely charged amphiphilic assemblies. In addition, it is also demonstrated that a film of oxidized polyaniline can be regenerated for repetitive disassembly of the amphiphilic assemblies, and concomitant guest molecule delivery.