Transition from smectic nanofibers to smectic vesicles in the self-assemblies of PEG-b-liquid crystal polycarbonates

Abstract

This work reports on the self-assemblies of amphiphilic biodegradable cholesterol-containing block copolymers PEG-b-PMCC. The polymers are prepared through the ring opening polymerization (ROP) of a methyl and cholesteryl substituted trimethylenecarbonate monomer (MCC). They can self-assemble into smectic ellipsoidal vesicles in water through the transition from smectic nanofibers.