Perfluoroalkylated linear polyglycerols and their supramolecular assemblies in aqueous solution

Abstract

In this study, amphiphiles composed of linear polyglycerols (LPGs) with hydroxyl, methoxy, and ethoxy side groups and end capped with one or two perfluorooctyl chains (R_f8) have been designed to form supramolecular architectures. The amphiphiles and bolaamphiphiles are capable of self-assembling into spherical and flat micelles as well as nonionic unilamellar vesicles (niosomes) in aqueous solution. The fluorous compartments of the micelles preferentially encapsulate a trifluoromethylated Disperse Red 1 compared to the unaltered dye. Micellar solutions of methoxy LPG compounds show a transition in water at temperatures of 38 °C (2) and 33 °C (5) in which reversibly larger agglomerates are formed. Both amphiphiles also form very stable unilamellar vesicles with diameters ranging from 30 nm up to 10 μm, if prepared via a thin film hydration method, which remain intact above 38 °C.