Supramolecular assembly of crosslinkable monomers for degradable and fluorescent polymer nanoparticles

Abstract

Intermolecular B–N coordination has been recognized as a promising driving force for molecular self-organization. However, direct utilization of this intermolecular interaction as a building bridge for the supramolecular self-assembly of chemical functionalities to form nano-sized architectures remains a daunting challenge. Here, we outline a multiple intermolecular B–N coordination based supramolecular system, where small boronate molecules can be brought together in solution to form nanoparticles with controllable sizes and morphologies. We not only demonstrate the intrinsic switchable fluorescence and the stimuli-responsive capabilities of designed boronate molecules, but also show that the stabilized or surface functionalized nanoparticles are degradable in response to pH and D-glucose and able to retain the fluorescence features of the boronate molecules. Additionally, the degraded nanoparticles can repair themselves through the reformation of B–N coordination.