Breakthrough in rapid polymer nanostructure production

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have developed a new method for the rapid scalable preparation of uniform nanostructures directly from block polymers.  

This novel approach, led by the Dove and O'Reilly groups, significantly reduces processing time from a week to just minutes, enabling high-throughput production of precision polymer nanomaterials. 

Publishing their findings today (14 Mar) in Nature Chemistry, the teams outline a rapid seed preparation technique that supersaturates polymer solutions in a flow system. 

The process facilitates uniform seed micelle formation and allows for the integration of seed preparation and living crystallization-driven self-assembly (CDSA). This achieves end-to-end production of nanostructures in just three minutes, surpassing existing synthetic methods by orders of magnitude. 

This new method offers a powerful, scalable, and precise approach to developing diverse and complex polymer nanoparticles and paves the way for their scalable synthesis and potential applications in catalysis, biomedical engineering, and energy transfer.  

Overall, the versatility and efficiency of this new method open numerous possibilities for its application in various fields and marks a significant step forward in the field of precision nanomaterials. 

Dr. Rachel K. O'Reilly, one of the lead researchers, comments: "This innovative method represents a significant leap forward in the field of nanomaterials. By drastically reducing the processing time and increasing throughput, we can now produce high-quality nanostructures at a scale that was previously unattainable." 

Dr. Andrew P. Dove adds "The integration of seed preparation and living CDSA in a continuous flow setup is a game-changer. It not only enhances efficiency but also ensures uniformity and reproducibility, which are critical for the practical application of these nanostructures." 

Laihui Xiao, the first author of the study, comments, "Our flash-freezing strategy is a key innovation that allows us to achieve rapid and uniform seed formation. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for the scalable synthesis of precision nanomaterials."  

Precision polymer nanomaterials have several potential applications including significantly advancing drug delivery systems – allowing therapeutic agents to be carried directly to targeted cells, enhancing the treatment of diseases such as cancer.  

Being able to produce well-defined nanostructures quickly and efficiently also opens new possibilities in energy transfer applications – developing advanced materials for solar cells and other renewable energy technologies.  

ENDS  

For more information, interviews or an embargoed copy of the research paper, please contact Tony Moran, International Communications Manager t.moran@bham.ac.uk  tel: +44 (0)7827 832312. 

 Notes to editor:  

•  The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world’s top 100 institutions. Its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers, teachers and more than 8,000 international students from over 150 countries.  

• ‘Direct Preparation of 2D Platelets from Polymer Enabled by Accelerated Seed Formation’ - Laihui Xiao, Tianlai Xia, Jian Zhang, Sam J. Parkinson, Julia Y. Rho, 4 Andrew P. Dove, Rachel K. O' Reilly is published in Nature Chemistry.