Formation of bowl-shaped nanoparticles by self-assembly of cinnamic acid-modified dextran

The self-assembly of amphiphilic copolymers has attracted much attention because of their various morphologies and potential applications. Bowl-shaped nanoparticles could apply in many aspects due to their interior cavity, specific concave structure and high surface area. In this study, dextran (Dex) was hydrophobic modified by cinnamic acid (CINN) via esterification reaction between the hydroxyl group of Dex and the carboxyl group of CINN. The modification degree of CINN could be achieved by changing the feed ratios between Dex, CINN and the coupling agent. The cinnamic acid-modified dextran (Dex-CINN) composed of Dex as hydrophilic segment and CINN as hydrophobic segment could self-assemble into bowl-shaped nanoparticles with a single dimple on the surface. Furthermore, the size of the dimples could be controlled by changing the modification degree of CINN, concentration of Dex-CINN and the rate of water addition. The morphologies of bowl-shaped nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM).