Functionalization-induced self-assembly under ambient conditions via thiol-epoxide “click” chemistry

Polymer micelles were formed using thiol-epoxide “click” chemistry to trigger functionalization-induced self-assembly (FISA) of block copolymers by modifying a reactive glycidyl methacrylate block with solvophobes. Ambient conditions, polymer concentrations up to 10 wt%, and an array of functional thiols were found effective for nanoparticle synthesis. Real-time analysis enabled direct observation of the self-assembly process, revealing mechanistic details and a critical degree of functionalization required for micellization.