Complex Nanoscale Objects Exhibiting Selective Responsive Characteristics

pH-Responsive shell-crosslinked knedel-like nanoparticles (SCKs) and shell-crosslinked rod-shaped nanostructures (SCRs) presenting distinct chemical reaction platforms and core vs. shell chemistry were prepared from strategies involving the self assembly of well-defined linear diblock copolymers. Covalent shell-crosslinking reactions between chromophoric crosslinkers and the shell domain of the nanostructures were performed to give rise to unique photophysical properties in a pH-responsive manner. Physical encapsulation of guest molecules within the nanostructure framework was also performed to allow for guest loading and release profiles to be monitored.;Controlling the chemical composition and the number and polydispersity of monomer repeat units is important in the subsequent physico-chemical properties of the assembled nanostructures. Utilization of a living radical polymerization technique, nitroxide-mediated radical polymerization, has allowed for facile manipulation of such a critical parameter. In addition, two self assembly methods were adopted to afford spherical vs. rod-shaped nanostructures from a single diblock copolymer batch. It is demonstrated throughout the chapters that these two unique morphologies constitute markedly different photophysical properties as well as guest loading and release behaviors.