posted on 2020-03-04, 14:09authored byBingqing Qian, Shaowei Shi, Haiqiao Wang, Thomas P. Russell
Polyelectrolyte
microcapsules can be produced either by the layer-by-layer
assembly technique or the formation of polyelectrolyte complexes at
the liquid–liquid interface. Here, we describe the design and
construction of DNA microcapsules using the cooperative assembly of
DNA and amine-functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane
(POSS-NH2) at the oil–water interface. “Janus-like”
DNA surfactants (DNASs) assemble in situ at the interface, forming
an elastic film. By controlling the jamming and unjamming behavior
of DNASs, the interfacial assemblies can assume three different physical
states: solid-like, elastomer-like, and liquid-like, similar to that
seen with thermoplastics upon heating, that change from a glassy to
a rubbery state, and then to a viscous liquid. By the interfacial
jamming of DNASs, the liquid structures can be locked-in and reconfigured,
showing promising potentials for drug delivery, biphasic reactors,
and programmable liquid constructs.