Dual-responsive supramolecular colloidal microcapsules from cucurbit[8]uril molecular recognition in microfluidic droplets. Issue 38 (12th September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yu, Ziyi; Lan, Yang; Parker, Richard M.; Zhang, Wangqing; Deng, Xu; Scherman, Oren A.; Abell, Chris
• Is Part Of: Polymer chemistry. Volume 7:Issue 38(2016)
• Page Start: 5996
• Page End: 6002
• Publication Date: 2016-09-12
• Subjects: Polymers -- Periodicals; Macromolecules -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; 547.705
• DOI: 10.1039/c6py01171c
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1759-9954

Abstract

Abstract : Thermal and light dual-responsive supramolecular colloidal microcapsules have been successfully prepared by combining cucurbit[8]uril-based host–guest recognition with the self-assembly of colloidal particles within microfluidic droplets. Abstract : The macrocyclic host, cucurbit[8]uril, is used to facilitate cross-linking of colloidal particles and polymers in microdroplets resulting in thermo- and photo-responsive supramolecular colloidal microcapsules. Methyl viologen-bearing colloidal particles were prepared using template polymerisation and combined with cucurbit[8]uril and an azobenzene-functionalised polymer within microfluidic droplets. The colloidal particles self-assembled at the droplet interface, whereupon polymeric cross-links formed via ternary host–guest complexation with cucurbit[8]uril. The resultant supramolecular colloidal microcapsules were uniform in size and were able to retain a macromolecular cargo. It is shown that the capsule skin porosity, and consequently the rate of release of encapsulated cargo, can be remotely controlled via either temperature or light triggers. This simple and versatile method could be extended to other polymer or colloidal derivatives for the fabrication of nano- and microcapsules with dual stimuli response for controlled release.