Structure and Exchange Kinetics of Nanocrystalline Micelles, Telechelic Hydrogels and Self-Assembling Antimicrobial Peptides

Abstract

Self-assembly represents an easy way to create large quantities of various kinds of nanoparticles. Small molecules are “programmed” to self-organize into nanostructures, without external manipulation. These nanostructures are of great commercial interest, not only as drug delivery vehicles but also as components of complex fluids, cleaning materials and other everyday products. In this dissertation, we investigated fundamental laws governing self-assembly. As a model system, we used amphiphilic polymer molecules carrying both water-repellent and water-compatible blocks, which spontaneously self-organize into so-called “micelles” when dispersed in water. We then examined how the self-assembly of these micelles was affected when we blended polymers of different length or when we let them crystallize. We also discovered a new mechanism how molecules move between different micelles. The results of this thesis will help to create more kinds of useful nanoparticles in the future. In addition, we investigated self-assembled structures, so-called “fibers”, of an antimicrobial peptide, a potential new antibiotic. The fibers proved to be extraordinarily stable which is helpful insight for the further development of this drug candidate.