Self Organized Nanostructures of Amphiphilic Block Copolymers

A novel class of biohybrid copolymers comprising a synthetic block conjugated to a polypeptide or polynucleotide block has attracted considerable attention. Their self-assembly gives rise to diverse ordered structures in aqueous media and at solid-liquid interfaces. The ability of biopolymer blocks to take part in specific interactions with target molecules opens up a new perspective for the design of novel generations of label-free diagnostic systems, or of smart vector systems that can deliver drugs or biologically active molecules.

Based on these considerations, the European ­Union funded a Marie Curie Research Training Network “Self-Organized Nanostructures of Amphiphilic Copolymers (Polyamphi)”. This network, consisting of 14 research teams from seven European countries, worked successfully from 2004 to 2008. Some of the results obtained in these collaborations are presented in the two volumes. The editors present an overview of the state-of-the-art in experimental research and theory of self-organisation via self- and co-assembly of amphiphilic or hydrophilic ionic (macro)molecules in aqueous solutions and at interfaces.