Temperature-Directed Self-Assembly of Multifunctional Polymeric Tadpoles

Multicompartment tadpole nano-objects are a rare and intriguing class of structures with potential in a wide range of applications. Here, we demonstrate the synthesis of chemically multifunctional polymer tadpoles made at high weight fractions of polymer (>10 wt %). The tadpoles are synthesized using two different thermoresponsive MacroCTAs with either alkyne or pyridyldisulfide end-groups, allowing chemical functionality in the head, tail, or both. Water-soluble molecules or polymers were coupled to either the head, tail or both without a change in tadpole configuration. In addition, the tadpoles can be dried, rehydrated, and stored in water for 5 months without a change in shape. This method represents a new and an important synthetic development in the design of nano-objects.