Complex Multicompartment Micelles from Simple ABC Linear Triblock Copolymers in Solution

For the simple ABC linear terpolymer composed of a solvophilic A block and two solvophobic B and C blocks, the solution-state self-assembly is systematically investigated by dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulations, and several complex multicompartment micelles beyond the conventional wisdom, such as helix-on-sphere, cage, ring, bowl, raspberry-onion and so on, are predicted from the simulations. The detailed phase diagrams clearly point out the regions of building these complex multicompartment micelles. Thus, the complex multicompartment micelles can be obtained from the simple linear ABC terpolymers. This work advances the molecular-level understanding of multicompartment micelles from the simple linear ABC terpolymers, which will be useful for the future application of novel micelles.