Work

Influence of block microstructure on the interaction of styrene-maleic acid copolymer aggregates and lipid nanodiscs

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: membranes, the impact of both block distribution and end group chemistry on copolymer-membrane interactions was investigated. It was found that mismatched hydrophilic and hydrophobic end groups on the styrene block and alternating block, respectively, impeded membrane disruption and subsequent solubilisation. This highlights not only how the amphiphilic balance of these blocks is important for efficient nanodisc formation, but also how end groups influence these and may be optimised towards extraction of more challenging MPs. The work contributes to a better understanding of SMA behaviour and offers insight into how these nanomaterials may be better designed and tailored for specific applications.

Source: Soft Matter

DOI: 10.1039/d5sm01014d