Complexes of star-shaped cationic polyelectrolytes with anionic liposomes: Towards multi-liposomal assemblies with controllable stability
Abstract Complexes were formed via the electrostatic interaction between 30–50 nm anionic liposomes and a star-shaped polyelectrolyte, poly{[2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethyl ammonium iodide}, having cationic arms that radiate from a silicon-based central core. The complexation was investigated with attention given to assessing the capacity of the cationic stars for the anionic liposomes (both liquid and solid); the integrity of the complexed liposomes; and the stability of the resulting star/liposome complexes in aqueous salt solutions. We have found that by changing the content of anionic groups in the liposomal membrane as well as the phase-state of membrane, the stability of star/lipos…
Efficient size control of copper nanoparticles generated in irradiated aqueous solutions of star-shaped polyelectrolyte containers
Physical chemistry, chemical physics 17(17), 11490-11498(2015). doi:10.1039/C5CP00269A
Structural Study of Star Polyelectrolytes and Their Porous Multilayer Assembly in Solution
Star polyelectrolytes with responsive properties to external stimuli, such as pH, temperature and ionic condition, were utilized to fabricate layer-by-layer (LbL) microcapsules . The microstructure of star polyelectrolytes was first studied in semi-dilute solution by in situ small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). These measurements show that with the addition of salts, arms of strong cationic star polyelectrolytes will contract and the spatial ordering of the stars would be interrupted. SANS measurements were also performed on the microcapsules in order to study their internal structure and responsive properties in solution. The results show that with the increase of shell thickness, microc…
Electrostatically Driven Complexation of Liposomes with a Star-Shaped Polyelectrolyte to Low-Toxicity Multi-Liposomal Assemblies
Anionic liposomes are electrostatically complexed to a star-shaped cationic polyelectrolyte. Upon complexation, the liposomes retain their integrity and the resulting liposome-star complexes do not dissociate in a physiological solution with 0.15 M NaCl. This provides a multi-liposomal container for possible use as a high-capacity carrier.