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Colloidal molecules (CMs) are precisely defined assemblies of nanoparticles (NPs) that mimic the structure of real molecules, but externally programming the precise self‐assembly of CMs is still challenging. In this work, we show that the photo‐induced self‐assembly of complementary copolymer‐capped binary NPs can be precisely controlled to form clustered ABx or linear (AB)y CMs at high yield (x is the coordination number of NP‐Bs, and y is the repeating unit number of AB clusters). Under UV light irradiation, photolabile p‐methoxyphenacyl groups of copolymers on NP‐A*s are converted to carboxyl groups (NP‐A), which react with tertiary amines of copolymers on NP‐B to trigger the directional NP bonding. The x value of ABx can be precisely controlled between 1 and 3 by varying the irradiation duration and hence the amount of carboxyl groups generated on NP‐As. Moreover, when NP‐A* and NP‐B are irradiated after mixing, the assembly process generates AB clusters or linear (AB)y structures with alternating sequence of the binary NPs. This assembly approach offers a simple yet non‐invasive way to externally regulate the formation of various CMs on demand without the need of redesigning the surface chemistry of NPs for use in drug delivery, diagnostics, optoelectronics, and plasmonic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer‐grafted hairy nanoparticles (HNPs) that combine the unique properties of inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) and polymers are attractive building blocks for the layer‐by‐layer assembly of functional hybrid materials, but the adsorption behaviors of HNPs on substrates remain unclear. This article describes a systematic study on the adsorption behaviors of charged polymer‐grafted HNPs on oppositely charged substrates in different solvent media via a combination of experiments and simulations. It is shown in simulations that the adsorption process of HNPs is associated with the release of counterions around charged polymers on HNPs, thus resulting in a higher energy barrier of NP adsorption than bare NPs without charged polymer tethers. This energy barrier decreases with decreasing the dielectricity of solvents or ionization degree of grafted polymers or increasing ionic strength of the solution. Furthermore, the theoretical prediction is confirmed in experiments by using a model system of poly(acrylic acid)‐grafted silica NPs and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride)‐modified wafers. The work provides guidance for the electrostatic assembly of HNPs into functional hybrid composites with applications in membranes, optical devices, and biomedicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zhihong Nie, Yutao Sang, and their colleagues have published a research article in Angewandte Chemie International Edition on the photo-induced self-assembly of copolymer-capped nanoparticles into colloidal molecules. They use photolabile copolymer ligands to control the self-assembly of binary nanoparticles A and B into clustered ABx or linear (AB)y structures. This research demonstrates the ability to generate colloidal molecules with precise structures using UV light. [Extracted from the article]

In an article published in Angewandte Chemie, researchers Zhihong Nie, Yutao Sang, and their team discuss the UV light-induced generation of colloidal molecules with controlled structures. They use photolabile copolymer ligands to control the self-assembly of complementary copolymer-capped binary nanoparticles, resulting in clustered ABx or linear (AB)y structures. This research provides insights into the potential applications of photo-induced polymers in the field of nanotechnology. [Extracted from the article]

[Display omitted] • The secondary structure of peptide can be fine tuned by methods for self-assembly. • The nanomedicine substantially improves the binding affinity to NRP-1 protein. • The optimized nanomedicine shows good anti-angiogenesis and anti-tumor effects. Currently, combination therapy has become a popular research topic in cancer therapy. However, the outcome of the current combination therapy strategy does not satisfy the demand for clinical applications because of factors such as their overlapping toxicities, poor drug payload, and inevitable therapy resistance. Supramolecular self-assembly of peptides holds great potential for solving relevant problems and achieving superior therapeutic effects. In this study, we aimed to propose supramolecular self-assemblies based on a combination therapy strategy, consisting of a heptapeptide A7R for the inhibition of angiogenesis, the chemotherapeutic drug HCPT for treating numerous tumors with high efficacy, and an efficient self-assembling molecular FFY to improve drug loading and cell permeability. We regulated the secondary structure of nanomaterials by optimizing the pathways of self-assembly and significantly improved the affinity of A7R peptide to NRP-1. Endothelial tube formation in Matrigel and a tumor mouse model (in vivo) were then performed to demonstrate the superior antitumor effects of our supramolecular self-assemblies both in vitro and in vivo. In summary, this work not only provides a promising platform for the development of effective combination therapy, but also offers a useful strategy to prepare self-assembled nanomaterials with optimized performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]