Langmuir-Blodgett films of unidirectionally aligned a-helical diblock copolypeptides

Promotie: mw. T.L.T. Nguyen, 14.45 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen
Proefschrift: Langmuir-Blodgett films of unidirectionally aligned a-helical diblock copolypeptides
Promotor(s): prof.dr. A.J. Schouten
Faculteit: Wiskunde en Natuurwetenschappen
Contact: Le-Thu Thi Nguyen, tel. 050-363 4522, e-mail: t.l.t.nguyen@rug.nl

Langmuir-Blodgett films of unidirectionally aligned a-helical diblock copolypeptides

This thesis is devoted to the study of α-helical poly(α-L-glutamic acid)-b-poly(γ-methyl-L-glutamate-ran-γ-stearyl-L-glutamate) with 30 mol% of stearyl (PLGA-b-PMLGSLG) amphiphilicdiblock copolypeptides for the fabrication of α-helical double-brush Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) monolayers. The influence of the polymerization conditions on the helicity of the diblock copolymers was investigated. The double-brush formation and helix orientation in Langmuir and LB monolayers were studied. Different physico-chemical phenomena concerning fabrication and manipulation of the diblock copolypeptide LB films were explored in order to fully understand and control the film structure and properties. These ultra-thin films combine the unique properties arising from the unidirectionally aligned helix macrodipole and the liquid-like features of the side chain mantle of the hydrophobic block. Such systems are promising for thin film applications requiring incorporation and orientation of bio- and optical molecules.