Stable and robust nanotubes formed from self-assembled polymer membranes

Kristian Helmerson, Joseph E. Reiner, Rani B. Kishore, Ana Jofre, Maria Allegrini, Candace Pfefferkorn, Jeffrey M. Wells

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference PaperResearchpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

We create long polymer nanotubes by directly pulling on the membrane of polymersomes using either optical tweezers or a micropipette. The polymersomes are composed of amphiphilic diblock copolymers and the nanotubes formed have an aqueous core connected to the aqueous interior of the polymersome. We stabilize the pulled nanotubes by subsequent chemical cross-linking. The cross-linked nanotubes are extremely robust and can be moved to another medium for use elsewhere. We demonstrate the ability to form networks of polymer nanotubes and polymersomes by optical manipulation. The aqueous core of the polymer nanotubes together with their robust character makes them interesting candidates for nanofluidics and other applications in biotechnology.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationOptical Trapping and Optical Micromanipulation III
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2006
Externally publishedYes
EventOptical Trapping and Optical Micromanipulation III - San Diego, United States of America
Duration: 13 Aug 200617 Aug 2006

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume6326
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Conference

ConferenceOptical Trapping and Optical Micromanipulation III
Country/TerritoryUnited States of America
CitySan Diego
Period13/08/0617/08/06

Keywords

  • Crosslink
  • Liposomes
  • Microfluidics
  • Nanotubes
  • Optical scalpel
  • Optical tweezers
  • Polymersomes

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