New Method Enables Rapid Production of Polymer Nanostructures

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have introduced a method for the rapid and scalable production of polymer nanostructures. Reducing synthesis time from a week to just three minutes, their breakthrough supports high-throughput manufacturing for advanced applications in healthcare, energy and materials science.

A research collaboration between the Dove and O’Reilly groups at the University of Birmingham has led to a new method that drastically shortens the time required to create uniform polymer nanostructures. Published in Nature Synthesis, the study presents a rapid seed preparation technique that supersaturates block polymer solutions in a continuous flow system.

The process enables uniform seed micelle formation and integrates seed preparation with living crystallisation-driven self-assembly (CDSA) – resulting in the complete synthesis of nanostructures in just three minutes.

"This innovative method represents a significant leap forward in the field of nanomaterials. By drastically reducing the processing time and increasing throughput, we can now produce high-quality nanostructures at a scale that was previously unattainable," says Professor Rachel K. O'Reilly from the University of Birmingham.

Professor Andrew P. Dove adds: "The integration of seed preparation and living CDSA in a continuous flow setup is a game-changer. It not only enhances efficiency but also ensures uniformity and reproducibility, which are critical for the practical application of these nanostructures."

Laihui Xiao, first author of the study, further explains: "Our flash-freezing strategy is a key innovation that allows us to achieve rapid and uniform seed formation. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for the scalable synthesis of precision nanomaterials."

The method opens up new opportunities in several fields:

• Drug delivery: Well-defined nanostructures can deliver therapeutic agents directly to targeted cells, improving treatment precision for diseases like cancer.
• Energy transfer: Uniform polymers can support the development of high-performance materials for solar cells and renewable energy technologies.
• Catalysis and materials development: The approach enhances control and consistency for large-scale manufacturing.

As Professor O'Reilly summarises: "The versatility and efficiency of this new method open numerous possibilities for its application in various fields and marks a significant step forward in the field of precision nanomaterials."