228d Self-Assembly of Complex Polymeric Vesicles

G.J.A. Sevink, Soft Matter Group, Universiteit Leiden, LIC, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, Netherlands and Andrei V. Zvelindovsky, Centre for Materials Science, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, United Kingdom.

Understanding the principles of vesicle evolution is key to the understanding of membrane-driven processes in biology as well as the design and function of self-assembled synthetic nanocapsules in nanotechnology. In spite of tremendous effort, the complete nanocapsule formation-pathway from a homogeneous molecular mixture to a collection of interacting and fusing soft capsules was not understood. We study self-assembly of polymeric amphiphiles into a zoo of nanocapsules by large-scale mesoscopic computer simulations based on dynamic version of self-consistent field theory. We show that the nanocapsular structure can be tailored by controlling both kinetic and thermodynamic factors. We investigate the kinetics of formation of spherical vesicles, onions, lamellar droplets, droplets with torroidal and helicoidal internal structures, etc. From earlier experimental observations some of these structures believed to be exotic ones. We show, however, that they all form a part of a rather complex phase diagram. Complete pathway of vesicular formation is resolved in detail: homogeneous molecular mixture – spherical micelles – cylindrical micelles – platelets – closure to a vesicle. Formation of an onion follows the similar route, with an additional stage of stack of platelets. As a part of vesicular evolution, the fusion of two vesicles is observed. It demonstrates a very non-trivial (and being intensively disputed by several groups) pathway via intermediate perforations of vesicular walls.