Bergmann Stephan, Wrede Oliver, Huser Thomas, Hellweg Thomas
Biomolecular Photonics, Department of Physics, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany.
Phys Chem Chem Phys. 2018 Feb 14;20(7):5074-5083. doi: 10.1039/c7cp07648g.
We present a new method to resolve the network morphology of colloidal particles in an aqueous environment via super-resolution microscopy. By localization of freely diffusing fluorophores inside the particle network we can resolve the three dimensional structure of one species of colloidal particles (thermoresponsive microgels) without altering their chemical composition through copolymerization with fluorescent monomers. Our approach utilizes the interaction of the fluorescent dye rhodamine 6G with the polymer network to achieve an indirect labeling. We calculate the 3D structure from the 2D images and compare the structure to previously published models for the microgel morphology, e.g. the fuzzy sphere model. To describe the differences in the data an extension of this model is suggested. Our method enables the tailor-made fabrication of colloidal particles which are used in various applications, such as paints or cosmetics, and are promising candidates for drug delivery, smart surface coatings, and nanocatalysis. With the precise knowledge of the particle morphology an understanding of the underlying structure-property relationships for various colloidal systems is possible.
我们提出了一种通过超分辨率显微镜解析水性环境中胶体颗粒网络形态的新方法。通过定位颗粒网络内自由扩散的荧光团，我们可以解析一种胶体颗粒（热响应性微凝胶）的三维结构，而无需通过与荧光单体共聚来改变其化学成分。我们的方法利用荧光染料罗丹明6G与聚合物网络的相互作用来实现间接标记。我们从二维图像计算三维结构，并将该结构与先前发表的微凝胶形态模型（例如模糊球体模型）进行比较。为了描述数据中的差异，建议对该模型进行扩展。我们的方法能够定制制造用于各种应用（如油漆或化妆品）的胶体颗粒，并且是药物递送、智能表面涂层和纳米催化的有前途的候选者。有了颗粒形态的精确知识，就有可能理解各种胶体系统潜在的结构-性质关系。
