The possible applications of branched copolymers are far reaching because of
their various combinations of functionality and architectural diversity. More
importantly, the domains and chain-end functionalities of the branched
copolymers can be readily varied, via the simple and scalable Strathclyde route, to
optimize/tailor the properties of the polymers for a specific application by careful
choice of monofunctional monomers, branching monomers, and chain transfer
agents.
In the present thesis, branched copolymers were utilized as emulsifying agents for
the production of oil-in-water emulsion droplets. These emulsion droplets were
used as a platform to create novel emulsion-based supracolloidal materials. The
chemical composition and architectural structure of the branched copolymers were
specifically chosen to create stable emulsions and provide the correct
functionalities required for the application.
Calcium phosphate (CaP) microcapsules were fabricated by utilizing oil-in-water
emulsion droplets, stabilized with branched copolymer, as templates. The
branched copolymer was designed to provide a suitable architecture and
functionality to produce stable emulsion droplets, and permit the mineralization of
CaP at the surface of the oil droplet. These CaP capsules were made fluorescent
by post-functionalization of the CaP shell with a fluorescent conjugate.
Oil-in-water emulsion droplets stabilized with Laponite clay disc functionalized
with pH-responsive branched copolymers were microfluidically spun into
supracolloidal fibers. These supracolloidal fibers can be used as a tool to delivery
volatile compounds in a time-controlled manner. The dried fibers created were
low-weight porous materials. It was also discovered that these supracolloidal
fibers can be utilized as a storage material for emulsion droplets, where emulsion
droplets are ‘locked’ in the fiber structure under acidic condition, and are released
from the fiber upon basification of the system. The release of emulsion droplets
from the fiber can be time-controlled by programming the transient acidic pH
states of the system by combining a fast acidic promoter with a feedback-driven
biocatalytically controlled slow generation of base in a close system.