Publication Report
Title: Charge Separation Length of Zwitterions Dictates Coacervation-Mediated Microphase Separation of Zwitterionic Double Hydrophilic Block Copolymers in Water
Authors: Yuji Higaki,* Yuri Mitsunobu, Ayuho Miyamoto, Yasuhiro Eguchi, and Saya Maeda
Journal: Macromolecules, in press
Can we control the microphase separation of double-hydrophilic block copolymer solutions simply through the design of zwitterions?
We explored this question by investigating double hydrophilic block copolymers (DHBCs) composed of poly(carboxybetaine methacrylate) (PCB2) and poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (PSBX) with systematically varying the charge separation length (CSL)—the spacer length between the cationic and anionic groups of the zwitterion. Longer CSLs enhance the cohesive interactions and dipole moments between zwitterionic pairs, forming denser pseudo-networks with a higher apparent transient crosslink density. This modulation significantly alters the water-uptake capacity and triggers preferential water partitioning between the phase-separated domains. As a result, the microphase separation behavior and ordering thresholds in concentrated aqueous solutions change dramatically, enabling the programmable control of mesoscopic water-in-water phase-separated microcompartments.
Behind the Research: Dedication and Teamwork
This work was initially launched and developed by Ayuho Miyamoto, and subsequently brought together and systematically organized into a comprehensive study by Yuri Mitsunobu. Carrying out this project—from the rigorous precise synthesis of block copolymers with narrow molecular weight distributions to comprehensive synchrotron SAXS structural analyses—required tremendous perseverance, focus, and patience. I am genuinely proud of both of them for pursuing the underlying scientific truth with continuous dedication and well-planned efforts.
Ayuho always kept a bright smile on her face while approaching her tasks with a sharp, rational, and exceptionally responsible mindset. Her pragmatic approach and work ethic were vital in establishing the project's foundation.
Yuri possessed remarkable resilience; even when confronted with challenging or failed synthetic experiments, she never gave up and persisted until she achieved success. Beyond her experimental drive, she was exceptionally caring and supportive of junior lab members, contributing greatly to mentoring the next generation in our group.
Congratulations, Ayuho and Yuri!
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