Preparation of shell cross-linked micelles by polyelectrolyte complexation

Shell shock: Shell cross-linked (SCL) micelles (3) are prepared by polyelectrolyte complexation by using a micelle-forming cationic ABC triblock copolymer (1) in conjunction with an anionic diblock copolymer cross-linker (2). This ionic cross-linking approach involves polymeric reagents that form physical complexes rapidly in aqueous solution at ambient temperature. Moreover, the product is surprisingly tolerant to added electrolyte.