Self-assembly Technique Research Articles

Ginsenoside Rg3 nanoparticles with permeation enhancing based chitosan derivatives were encapsulated with doxorubicin by thermosensitive hydrogel and anti-cancer evaluation of peritumoral hydrogel injection combined with PD-L1 antibody.

Combination of chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy has greatly improved the anticancer effect on multiple malignancies. However, the efficiency on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is limited, since most patients bear "cold" tumors with low tumor immunogenicity. Doxorubicin (DOX), one of the most effective chemotherapy agents, can induce immunogenic cell death (ICD) and thus initiating immune response. In this study, to maximize the ICD effect induced by DOX, chitosan and cell-penetrating peptide (R6F3)-modified nanoparticles (PNPs) loaded with ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3) were fabricated using the self-assembly technique, followed by co-encapsulation with DOX based on thermo-sensitive hydrogel. Orthotopic tumor model and contralateral tumor model were established to observe the antitumor efficacy of the thermo-sensitive hydrogel combined with anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy, besides, the biocompatibility was also evaluated by histopathological. Rg3-PNPs strengthened the immunogenic cell death (ICD) effect induced by DOX. Moreover, the hydrogel co-loading Rg3-PNPs and DOX provoked stronger immune response in originally nonimmunogenic 4T1 tumors than DOX monotherapy. Following combination with PD-L1 blocking, substantial antitumor effect was achieved due to the recruitment of memory T cells and the decline of adaptive PD-L1 enrichment. The hydrogel encapsulating DOX and highly permeable Rg3-PNPs provided an efficient strategy for remodeling immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and converting immune "cold" 4T1 into "hot" tumors.

Enhanced survival of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus in simulated gastrointestinal conditions using layer-by-layer encapsulation

The release behavior of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus from single bilayer microcapsules of alginate-chitosan (AC) and its double bilayer (ACAC) was investigated in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF). Methods Multilayer polyelectrolyte AC microcapsules were fabricated using the layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly technique through electrostatic interactions. Results AC and ACAC microcapsules kept their integrity and mechanical stability in simulated gastric conditions. Bacterial cells remained inside microcapsules in SGF and dissolution of microcapsules was observed in SIF. To improve the bacterial survivability, L. rhamnosus was co-encapsulated in a double bilayer of AC hydrogels with calcium carbonate as an antacid agent. Conclusions The LbL self-assembly technology provides stable and target release for ACAC microcapsules. Therefore, the double bilayer polyelectrolyte microcapsules have a remarkable potential for successful application in the targeted and controlled delivery of different probiotics and drugs.

Layer-by-layer assembly of peptides-decorated coaxial nanofibrous membranes with antibiofilm and visual pH sensing capability

The countermeasure of biofilm infections leaving a challenge due to a dense antibiotic-resistant barrier formed by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). Although antibiotic alternative methods have been developed to combat biofilms, develop effective remedies coupling with timely feedback about the therapeutic effect are still in urgent demand. To this end, we construct an intelligent coaxial electrospun nanofibrous membranes (ENMs) that integrated therapy of infections and in situ visualized diagnosis. Specifically, pH-sensitive alizarin was incorporated into polyamide 6 to subtly consist core layer and curcumin (Cur) was formulated with degradable polyglycolic acid (PGA) to composed of the shell layer. The shell layer can gradually release curcumin along with the degradation of PGA. Moreover, epsilon-poly-L-lysine (ε-PL) was deposited on coaxial ENMs via layer-by-layer self-assembly technique to disturb EPS integrity. As a result of the treatment, two different Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria displayed increased susceptibility to the drug hybrids. The degradation of PGA would trigger a sustained release of Cur and ε-PL, and once the core layer exposing, the acidic microenvironment of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm could be detected in situ by emerging visualized color change to timely feedback. Besides, the ENMs showed good biocompatibility. It paves a feasible and effective avenue for constructing a facile treatment and diagnosis platform for wound biofilm infections.

Utilizing TPGS for Optimizing Quercetin Nanoemulsion for Colon Cancer Cells Inhibition

Background: Colorectal cancer is one of the most challenging cancers to treat. Exploring novel therapeutic strategies is necessary to overcome drug resistance and improve patient outcomes. Quercetin (QR) is a polyphenolic lipophilic compound that was chosen due to its colorectal anticancer activity. Nanoparticles could improve cancer therapy via tumor targeting by utilizing D-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (vitamin-E TPGS) as a surfactant in a nanoemulsion preparation, which is considered an efficient drug delivery system for enhancing lipophilic antineoplastic agents. Thus, this study aims to develop and optimize QR-loaded nanoemulsions (NE) using TPGS as a surfactant to enhance the QR antitumor activity. Method: The NE was prepared using a self-assembly technique using the chosen oils according to QR maximum solubility and TPGS as a surfactant. The prepared QR-NE was evaluated according to its particle morphology and pH. QR entrapment efficiency and QR in vitro drug release rate were determined from the selected QR-NE then we measured the QR-NE stability. The anticancer activity of the best-selected formula was studied on HT-29 and HCT-116 cell lines. Results: Oleic acid was chosen to prepare QR-NE as it has the best QR solubility. The prepared NE, which had particles size < 200 nm, maximum entrapment efficiency > 80%, and pH 3.688 + 0.102 was selected as the optimal formula. It was a physically stable formula. The prepared QR-NE enhanced the QR release rate (84.52 ± 0.71%) compared to the free drug. QR-NPs significantly improved the cellular killing efficiency in HCT-116 and HT-29 colon cancer cell lines (lower IC50, two folds more than free drug). Conclusion: The prepared QR-NE could be a promising stable formula for improving QR release rate and anticancer activity.

Construction of Wogonin Nanoparticle-Containing Strontium-Doped Nanoporous Structure on Titanium Surface to Promote Osteoporosis Fracture Repair.

M2 polarization of macrophage is an important immunomodulatory event that attenuates inflammation. To regulate the immune microenvironment in osteoporotic conditions for enhancing bone healing, strontium-doped nano-structure is fabricated on the surface of titanium implant via microarc oxidation and electrochemical deposition technology, followed by the addition of multiplayer coatings embedded with silk fibroin-based wogonin nanoparticles (Ti-MAO/Sr/LBLWNP ) by layer-by-layer self-assembly technique (LBL). It is found that Ti-MAO/Sr/LBLWNP can release wogonin and Sr2+ in a sustainable manner for more than 7 and 21 days. In vitro studies show that Ti-MAO/Sr/LBLWNP significantly upregulates the expression of CD206 while reducing the expression of CD86. Meanwhile, Ti-MAO/Sr/LBLWNP can promote the expression level of M2 macrophage anti-inflammatory factor (TGF-β1, Arg-1), which improves the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of osteoblasts through paracrine signaling. Compared to bare titanium, Ti-MAO/Sr/LBLWNP significantly inhibits the expression of inflammatory factors around the implant and effectively promotes new bone formation at pre-implant interface after implantation for 4 weeks. This study provides a simple and effective method to develop functional titanium alloy materials for osteoporotic fracture repair.

Chlorophyll Detection by Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance Using Functionalized Carbon Quantum Dots Triangle Ag Nanoparticles.

An optical sensor-based localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) sensor was demonstrated for sensitive and selective chlorophyll detection through the integration of amino-functionalized carbon quantum dots (NCQD) and triangle silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The additions of amino groups to the CQD enhance the detection of chlorophyll through electrostatic interactions. AgNPs-NCQD composite was fabricated on the surface of the silanized glass slide using the self-assembly technique. The experimental results showed that the AgNPs-NCQD film-based LSPR sensor detects better than AgNPs and AgNPs-CQD films with a good correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.9835). AgNPs-NCQD showed a high sensitivity response of 2.23 nm ppm−1. The detection and quantification limits of AgNPs-NCQD are 1.03 ppm and 3.40 ppm, respectively, in the range of 0.05 to 6 ppm. Throughout this study, no significant interference was observed among the other ionic species (NO2−, PO4−, NH4+, and Fe3+). This study demonstrates the applicability of the proposed sensor (AgNPs-NCQD) as a sensing material for chlorophyll detection in oceans.

A Novel Responsive Sensor for Penicillium italicum Fruit Fungus Based on Mesoporous CaMn4O8-G-SiO2 Nanocomposite

In this study, we present the development of a novel CaMn4O8–G–SiO2 (CaMnGS) sensor to detect the presence of Penicillium italicum mold. CaMnGS as ternary type nanocomposite was synthesized using a self-assembly technique. CaMnGS sample demonstrated outstanding stability, high selectivity, and notable characteristics for Penicillium italicum fungus detection. For Penicillium italicum fungus sensing, the CaMnGS displayed a large linear range of (50–100) μL, and a low detection limit of 0.50 μL. Significantly, the CaMnGS sensor was capable of swiftly detecting the Penicillium italicum fungus in wastewater. The CaMnGS has been proven to improve the selectivity for Penicillium italicum and had tremendous potential for Penicillium italicum fungal sensing. The mesoporous CaMnGS sensor may also detect the presence or absence of the fungus Penicillium italicum. This method might be used to identify the fungus Penicillium italicum. This is also the first attempt to discuss the fabrication of an electrochemical sensor employing a mesoporous CaMnGS nanoparticle composite as a platform for the selective detection of Penicillium italicum.Graphical AbstractPenicillium italicum sensing

Self-assembly as a tool to study microscale curvature and strain-dependent magnetic properties

The extension of 2D ferromagnetic structures into 3D curved geometry enables to tune its magnetic properties such as uniaxial magnetic anisotropy. Tuning the anisotropy with strain and curvature has become a promising ingredient in modern electronics, such as flexible and stretchable magnetoelectronic devices, impedance-based field sensors, and strain gauges, however, has been limited to extended thin films and to only moderate bending. By applying a self-assembly rolling technique using a polymeric platform, we provide a template that allows homogeneous and controlled bending of a functional layer adhered to it, irrespective of its shape and size. This is an intriguing possibility to tailor the sign and magnitude of the surface strain of integrated, micron-sized devices. In this article, the impact of strain and curvature on the magnetic ground state and anisotropy is quantified for thin-film Permalloy micro-scale structures, fabricated on the surface of the tubular architectures, using solely electrical measurements.

Effect of surfactants on encapsulation of hexadecane phase change material in calcium carbonate shell for thermal energy storage

Microencapsulation of hexadecane core, an organic phase change material using inorganic calcium carbonate shell was carried out through self-assembly technique. The microcapsules prepared with mixed surfactants sodium dodecyl sulfate/non-polar polyvinylpyrrolidone (1:1 mass ratio) and core/shell of 1:1 mass ratio were found to produce spherical morphology observed from Field emission scanning electron microscope images. Fourier transform infrared analysis established no interaction between core and shell, while Energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer ensured presence of calcium carbonate. Latent heat of phase transformations, melting/crystallization temperatures, and encapsulation efficiency parameters were obtained from Differential scanning calorimetry, while Thermogravimetry analysis indicated the temperature range of its applicability. Latent heat of melting and corresponding encapsulation efficiencies estimated with varying core/shell mass ratios were between 59.48 J·g−1–95.92 J·g−1 and 26.85 %–43.12 %, respectively. Sample with equal amount of core/shell (1:1) was found to best microcapsules based on morphology and latent heat value. Encapsulation efficiency obtained from thermogravimetry analysis was consistent with those noted from differential scanning calorimetry. 100 thermal cycles (0 to 30 °C) indicated appreciable stability with temperature fluctuations, which may be useful as a cheap energy storage material in textile applications.

RGD Nanoarrays with Nanospacing Gradient Selectively Induce Orientation and Directed Migration of Endothelial and Smooth Muscle Cells.

Directed migration of cells through cell-surface interactions is a paramount prerequisite in biomaterial-induced tissue regeneration. However, whether and how the nanoscale spatial gradient of adhesion molecules on a material surface can induce directed migration of cells is not sufficiently known. Herein, we employed block copolymer micelle nanolithography to prepare gold nanoarrays with a nanospacing gradient, which were prepared by continuously changing the dipping velocity. Then, a self-assembly monolayer technique was applied to graft arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD) peptides on the nanodots and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) on the glass background. Since RGD can trigger specific cell adhesion via conjugating with integrin (its receptor in the cell membrane) and PEG can resist protein adsorption and nonspecific cell adhesion, a nanopattern with cell-adhesion contrast and a gradient of RGD nanospacing was eventually prepared. In vitro cell behaviors were examined using endothelial cells (ECs) and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) as a demonstration. We found that SMCs exhibited significant orientation and directed migration along the nanospacing gradient, while ECs exhibited only a weak spontaneously anisotropic migration. The gradient response was also dependent upon the RGD nanospacing ranges, namely, the start and end nanospacings under a given distance and gradient. The different responses of these two cell types to the RGD nanospacing gradient provide new insights for designing cell-selective nanomaterials potentially used in cell screening, wound healing, etc.

Fabrication of a bionic compound eye on a curved surface by using a self-assembly technique.

Microlens arrays on curved surfaces are regarded as critical elements of bionic compound eyes (BCEs), which exhibit the comparative advantages of a wide field of view and tracking fast-moving objects. However, the fabrication of a curved microlens array is still challenging. Along these lines, in this work, a straightforward, rapid, and low-cost technique for the fabrication of curved microlens arrays is reported by using the self-assembly technique. A reactive ion etching process treated the surface of the curved polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate to generate a hydrophobic-hydrophilic pattern. Then, the curved microlens array can be realized by dewetting a liquid glue onto the substrate using the dip-coating method and followed by crosslinking. The proposed BCE structure consists of 2400 microlenses (400 - µm diameter and 440 - µm center distance) arranged in a hexagonal configuration on a curved PDMS surface (34 - mm diameter and 40.4 - mm curvature radius). A field-of-view of 50° was demonstrated, which has potential applications in various fields including imaging sensors, medical diagnostics, machine vision systems, and photodetectors.

Synthesis of a novel prolonged action inhibitor with lotus leaf-like appearance and its suppression on methane/hydrogen/air explosion

A novel inhibitor of PA-MEL@NH2-Al2O3 was synthesized by using supramolecular self-assembly technique with phytic acid (PA) and melamine (MEL) as the building blocks. Bauxite is a kind of mining waste, which is abundant in Al2O3 and is used as loading matrix. By right of lotus leaf-like structure, the hygroscopicity of PA-MEL@NH2-Al2O3 is greatly weakened. The feasibility of inhibiting CH4/H2/air explosion by different concentrations of PA-MEL@NH2-Al2O3 was explored in a 20 L Spherical explosive vessel. The optimum inhibitory effect is obtained when the concentration is 0.25 g/L. The maximum pressure (Pmax) and maximum pressure rise rate ((dP/dt)max) decrease by 52.41 % and 83.50 % respectively. The induction time and the time to maximum pressure are prolonged to 193 and 400 ms, respectively. The synergistic inhibition mechanism of physics and chemistry is illustrated in the analysis of post-explosion residues. This work provides an efficient and promising approach for the suppression of CH4/H2/air explosion by synthesizing the prolonged action inhibitor with a lotus leaf-like structure.

Preparation and performance of CNTs-Pt formaldehyde sensor and CNTs-Au glucose sensor

PurposeSince carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were discovered by Iijima in 1991, they have gained more and more attention by people because of their unique physical and chemical properties. The CNTs have one-dimensional nanostructure, high surface adsorption capacity, good conductivity and electronic ballistic transmission characteristics and therefore have excellent mechanical, electrical, physical and chemical properties. CNTs are ideal basic materials to make nanometer gas sensors. Nanometallic materials function as to enhance electrode activity and promote the electron transfer, so if composite nanometallic materials M (such as Au, Pt, Cu and Pd) and CNTs are used, all kinds of their characters of components would have coeffect. Electrochemical sensors by use of such composite as electrode would have a higher detection sensitivity.Design/methodology/approachCNTs were synthesized via chemical vapor deposition technique and were purified afterward. CNTs-M(Pt,Au) suspension was prepared by chemical deposition using spinning disc processor (SDP) and was coated on gold electrode. The modified electrodes were constructed, based on immobilization of glucose oxidase on an Au electrode by electrostatic effect. CNTs-Pt/ glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) electrodes were made by electrochemically deposition of platinum particles on GCE modified by CNTs. The microstructures of the harvested CNTs, CNTs-M (M = Au, Pt) were analyzed under scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The application of the sensor in medical detection has been evaluated.FindingsThe results shown that CNTs-Au biosensors exhibit good reproducibility, stability and fast response to glucose detection, it can be used in the clinic detection of glucose concentration in human serum. Using CNTs-Pt/GCE for formaldehyde detection exhibited high sensitivity and good reproducibility.Originality/valueThis study modified CNTs by using self-assembled techniques through SDP with nano Pt and Au by electrodeposition for the first time. CNTs-Pt/GCE electrode was prepared by depositing platinum particles electrochemically on GCE modified by CNTs. CNTs-Au-modified electrode was prepared by immobilization of glucose oxidase on an Au electrode first by electrostatic effect. Electrochemical behaviors of glucose at CNTs-Au and formaldehyde at CNTs-Pt/GCE were investigated by cyclic voltammetry.

Construction of framework confined ordered mesoporous Pt/TixAlOy catalysts and applied for the catalytic oxidation of propane

The framework confined Pt/TixAlOy catalysts were prepared by a one-step evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA) technique, and their activities for the catalytic oxidation of propane were investigated. The Pt/TixAlOy catalysts exhibited high specific surface area due to the ordered mesoporous structure. With the increase of TiO2 contents, the specific surface area and acidic sites of Pt/TixAlOy catalysts increased. The specific surface area and acidic sites could improve the exposure of the active sites and electron transfer of Pt and TiO2, which was beneficial to catalytic oxidation of propane. However, too high acidic sites of catalysts could lead to coke deposition and clogging of the pores, and the addition of TiO2 had the optimal value. The Pt/Ti0.1AlOy catalyst exhibited superior catalytic activity, which could be attributed to the higher specific surface area, higher the percentage of Pt2+ and lattice oxygen, abundant acid sites, and higher redox properties. In addition, the Pt/Ti0.1AlOy catalyst also exhibited superior sulfur resistance due to the multiple acidic sites of catalysts.

In situ discrimination of polymorphs and phase transformation of sulfamerazine using quartz crystal microbalance

A novel strategy utilizing the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) was developed for the in situ discrimination of polymorphic nucleation (form-I and form-II) and phase transformation of sulfamerazine (SMZ) in cooling crystallization. According to Ostwald's rule of stages, metastable form-I of SMZ is first nucleated and then shifted to stable form-II by solution-mediated phase transformation. Through surface modification with the self-assembled monolayer technique of a functional group, QCM distinctively detects the formation of the two polymorphs. The results indicated that –NH2 (among the several functional groups tested) selectively accommodated stable form-II on the QCM sensor's surface and completely prevented the adsorption of metastable form-I on the surface. Therefore, the–NH2-terminated QCM detected the formation of form-I only using the solution viscosity variation on the surface. However, it monitored the nucleation and growth of form-II via the solid mass change on the surface during the phase transformation of form-I to form-II. This strategy suggests a new and precise solution for in situ discrimination of SMZ polymorphs and their phase transformation.

Carbon nanocapsules stabilized Cu2O nanocubes as the high-performance electrode material for metal ion battery

Volume expansion and structural instability of electrode materials are the major challenges to limit the ion battery development, especially for electrochemical conversion reactions-based materials. Herein, we developed hollow cuprous oxide nanocubes (HCON) as anode materials for lithium ion battery using a surfactant free, low-cost and large-scale synthesis approach based on self-assembly principle in NaCl solution. HCON delivered significantly high capacity of 202 mAh/g at current density of 1000 mA/g after 200 cycles for Li ion storage and 261 mA h/g at current density of 500 mA/g after 50 cycles for Na ion storage. Furthermore, catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) technique is employed to address partially crystalline carbon coating on HCON surface for stabilizing structure during Li+ insertion and extraction processes. Partially crystalline carbon decorates including nanodots and nanolayers are produced on HCON surface in relatively lower temperature range of 110–140 °C in CCVD process resulting in the formation of Cu2O/[email protected] hybrid. And Cu2O/[email protected] anode kept discharge retention of 84% for 200 cycles with reversible capacity of 265.3 mA h/g even at high rate of 2000 mA/g, significantly better than pure HCON anode and delivered discharge capacity of 11.3 times of pure HCON electrode (23.4 mAh/g). The reasonable combination of self-assembly approach and CCVD technique offers an effective way to introducing carbon nanomaterials in atomic level for designing high-performance electrode materials in ion battery.

Honeycomb-Structured Porous Films from Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate): Physicochemical Characterization and Mesenchymal Stem Cells Behavior.

Surface morphology affects cell attachment and proliferation. In this research, different films made of biodegradable polymers, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHB-co-HV), containing different molecular weights, with microstructured surfaces were investigated. Two methods were used to obtain patterned films—water-assisted self-assembly (“breath figure”) and spin-coating techniques. The water-assisted technique made it possible to obtain porous films with a self-assembled pore structure, which is dependent on the monomer composition of a polymer along with its molecular weight and the technique parameters (distance from the nozzle, volume, and polymer concentration in working solution). Their pore morphologies were evaluated and their hydrophobicity was examined. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from bone marrow were cultivated on a porous film surface. MSCs’ attachment differed markedly depending on surface morphology. On strip-formed stamp films, MSCs elongated along the structure, however, they interacted with a larger area of film surface. The honeycomb films and column type films did not set the direction of extrusion, but cell flattening depended on structure topography. Thus, stem cells can “feel” the various surface morphologies of self-assembled honeycomb films and change their behavior depending on it.

Self-assembly drug-albumin nanocomposites for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease treatment

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic metabolic liver disease closely related to obesity, which has become a global health problem. However, current pharmacological therapies for NAFLD are limited by potential side effects, low effectiveness and poor aqueous solubility. Herein, we designed functionalized drug-albumin nanocomposites (BAM15@BSA NPs), which were prepared by self-assembly of the anti-obesity small-molecule drug (BAM15) and bovine serum albumin (BSA), for treatment of NAFLD. The proposed BAM15@BSA NPs not only improve aqueous solubility and half-life of BAM15 but also exhibit hepatic-targeted capacity and an increased therapeutic efficacy. In vitro experiments revealed that BAM15@BSA NPs possessed excellent biocompatibility, and improved resistance to adipogenesis and reduced lipid accumulation in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. In vivo, BAM15@BSA NPs showed liver targeting ability and powerful anti-obesity effects without altering body temperature or affecting food intake, and could effectively alleviate hepatic steatosis and improve therapeutic efficacy for NAFLD treatment. The above findings demonstrated that BAM15@BSA NPs potentially served as a safe and effective drug for NAFLD treatment.

Nanostructured materials for circular dichroism and chirality at the nanoscale: towards unconventional characterization [Invited

In this work, we review the last attempts to use nanostructured materials for the enhancement of the chiro-optical effects at the nanoscale. Starting from the numerical design, we review different geometries that exhibit circular dichroic behavior in the far field; we then focus on the new branch of near-field chirality, where numerous nanostructures have been proposed for background-free chiral sensing. The next section reports on nanofabrication methods, with a special focus on self-assembling, cost- and time-efficient techniques. Finally, we review the chiro-optical experiments. Besides conventional extinction-based techniques, we are today able to reveal chiro-optical effects via photothermal behavior and photoluminescence, going down to single nanostructure chirality with sophisticated near-field techniques. We believe that the novel designs, state-of-the-art nanofabrication and modern characterization techniques have come to a stage to provide chiro-optical sensors and light components based on nanostructures.

(Bio)degradable and Biocompatible Nano-Objects from Polymerization-Induced and Crystallization-Driven Self-Assembly.

Polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) and crystallization-driven self-assembly (CDSA) techniques have emerged as powerful approaches to produce a broad range of advanced synthetic nano-objects with high potential in biomedical applications. PISA produces nano-objects of different morphologies (e.g., spheres, vesicles and worms), with high solids content (∼10-50 wt %) and without additional surfactant. CDSA can finely control the self-assembly of block copolymers and readily forms nonspherical crystalline nano-objects and more complex, hierarchical assemblies, with spatial and dimensional control over particle length or surface area, which is typically difficult to achieve by PISA. Considering the importance of these two assembly techniques in the current scientific landscape of block copolymer self-assembly and the craze for their use in the biomedical field, this review will focus on the advances in PISA and CDSA to produce nano-objects suitable for biomedical applications in terms of (bio)degradability and biocompatibility. This review will therefore discuss these two aspects in order to guide the future design of block copolymer nanoparticles for future translation toward clinical applications.