In situ monitoring of polymeric patchy micelles upon non-covalent post-assembly modification

Polymeric patchy micelles (PPMs) are nanostructures with distinct regions on their surfaces, offering unique properties for various applications. Herein, we present a straightforward method for monitoring the structure of PPMs formed via non-covalent post-assembly modification (NCPAM). By employing 1-pyrenemethylamine, a pyrene-based molecule, as both a modifier and fluorescent probe, we demonstrate that the formation of PPMs with a higher order aggregation state of pyrene induces a stronger pyrene excimer emission. This leads to variations in the excimer-to-monomer emission ratio, serving as a parameter for studying structural changes in PPMs during NCPAM. In situ monitoring of PPM formation and temperature-dependent transformations is achieved using fluorescent analytical method, providing valuable insights into their structural evolution and dynamic behaviour. This study offers a straightforward approach to understanding and controlling PPM structures, facilitating the design of advanced nanomaterials for diverse applications.