Researchers Publish Study on Self-Assembling, Preprogrammable Nanoparticles

In the journal Nature, researchers published a novel pathway that would allow for preprogrammable self-assembly of nanoparticles. The potential nanomedical applications of this discovery could be endless.A team of Finnish and German researchers designed the preprogrammable system of nanoparticles through the use of triblock terpolymers. These macromolecules have unique characteristics that are pivotal for the functionality of a finished nanoparticle. In many ways, the chemical properties of the triblock terpolymers are like the amino acid codes used for protein synthesis.In the study, researchers used two terpolymers with A-D-C and A-B-C characteristics. A-D-C has two bonding sites and A-B-C has one bonding sites. The number of bonding sites in each terpolymer is essential for the self-assembly of the final nanoparticle. When dissolved together, the two types of terpolymers will aggregate in certain patterns based on their unique chemical properties. The size of the the first-step self-assembled nanoparticles is 50 nanometers. These structures will then aggregate, forming the next hierarchical level of the nanoparticle.In the world of nanomedicine, self-assembling preprogrammable terpolymers could be revolutionary. Since the macromolecules can be designed with whatever chemical properties are needed, medical researchers could custom-tailor nanoparticles for use in nanomedicine.