Real-time label-free imaging of living crystallization-driven self-assembly

Yujie Guo, Tianlai Xia, Vivien Walter, Yujie Xie, Julia Y. Rho, Laihui Xiao, Rachel K. O’Reilly () and Mark I. Wallace ()
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Yujie Guo: King’s College London
Tianlai Xia: University of Birmingham
Vivien Walter: King’s College London
Yujie Xie: University of Birmingham
Julia Y. Rho: University of Birmingham
Laihui Xiao: University of Birmingham
Rachel K. O’Reilly: University of Birmingham
Mark I. Wallace: King’s College London

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract Living crystallization-driven self-assembly (CDSA) of semicrystalline block copolymers is a powerful method for the bottom-up construction of uniform polymer microstructures with complex hierarchies. Improving our ability to engineer such complex particles demands a better understanding of how to precisely control the self-assembly process. Here, we apply interferometric scattering (iSCAT) microscopy to observe the real-time growth of individual poly(ε-caprolactone)-based fibers and platelets. This label-free method enables us to map the role of key reaction parameters on platelet growth rate, size, and morphology. Furthermore, iSCAT provides a contrast mechanism for studying multi-annulus platelets formed via the sequential addition of different unimers, offering insights into the spatial distribution of polymer compositions within a single platelet.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57776-9

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