The relationship between molecular architecture and the nature of interactions with lipid bilayers has been studied for a series of poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(propylene oxide)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO-PPO-PEO) triblock copolymers using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and thermal analysis (differential scanning calorimetry, DSC). The number of molecular repeat units in the hydrophobic po...

Fluorescence spectroscopy is used to probe local environments within regions of different polarity and hydrophobicity in aqueous aggregates of PEO(109)-PPO(41)-PEO(109) triblock copolymers. These copolymer aggregates have well characterized microphases in aqueous solution. Concentrations and temperatures for our studies are chosen such that the copolymers are in unimer, micellar, or micellar hy...

Functional organic thin films often demand precise control over the nanometer-level structure. Interlayer diffusion of materials may destroy this precise structure; therefore, a better understanding of when interlayer diffusion occurs and how to control it is needed. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy paired with C60(+) cluster ion sputtering enables high-resolution analysis of the atomic composi...

Block copolymer (BCP) self-assembly is a low-cost means to nanopattern surfaces. Here, we use these nanopatterns to directly print arrays of nanodots onto a conducting substrate (Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) coated glass) for application as an electrochemical sensor for ethanol (EtOH) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) detection. The work demonstrates that BCP systems can be used as a highly efficient, fle...

The recent development of light irradiation systems has facilitated the emergence of new therapies based on light-sensitive drugs. However, photosensitizers have a tendency to self-associate in physiologic environment, leading to a loss of their physical properties. Hence, nanometric formulations have been assessed, because this limits self-association and enables accumulation in solid tumors o...

Crystallization and melting in poly(ethylene oxide) are followed in real-time using hotstage atomic force microscopy (AFM). Hedritic morphology is observed at various stages of development. Lamellar growth rates are estimated and found to agree with values obtained by conventional optical microscopy. The presence of a depletion zone is detected at the crystal/melt interface.