A synthetic strategy for the preparation of sub-100 nm functional polymer particles of uniform diameter

Abstract

An amphiphilic block copolymer surfactant is used to impart peripheral surface functionality to polymer nanoparticles synthesized via emulsion polymerization. Particles ranged in size from ca.55 nm by SEM (ca. 82 nm by DLS) to just over 200 nm. Particles displaying latent functionality were readily functionalized directly after polymerization using a fluorescent dye.