In the journal Nature, researchers published a novel pathway that would allow for preprogrammable self-assembly of nanoparticles. The potential nanomedical applications of this discovery could be endless.
A team of Finnish and German researchers designed the preprogrammable system of nanoparticles through the use of triblock terpolymers. These macromolecules have unique characteristics that are pivotal for the functionality of a finished nanoparticle. In many ways, the chemical properties of the triblock terpolymers are like the amino acid codes used for protein synthesis.
In the study, researchers used two terpolymers with A-D-C and A-B-C characteristics. A-D-C has two bonding sites and A-B-C has one bonding sites. The number of bonding sites in each terpolymer is essential for the self-assembly of the final nanoparticle. When dissolved together, the two types of terpolymers will aggregate in certain patterns based on their unique chemical properties. The size of the the first-step self-assembled nanoparticles is 50 nanometers. These structures will then aggregate, forming the next hierarchical level of the nanoparticle.
In the world of nanomedicine, self-assembling preprogrammable terpolymers could be revolutionary. Since the macromolecules can be designed with whatever chemical properties are needed, medical researchers could custom-tailor nanoparticles for use in nanomedicine.