Researchers at the University of Birmingham developed a novel technique for rapidly and scalably creating homogeneous nanostructures directly from block polymers. The study was published in Nature Synthesis.
The innovative method from the Dove and O’Reilly groups enables the high-throughput synthesis of precise polymer nanoparticles, reducing processing time from a week to just a few minutes.
The process combines seed preparation with living crystallization-driven self-assembly (CDSA), facilitating consistent seed micelle production. This approach surpasses current synthetic methods by orders of magnitude, allowing for the creation of nanostructures in approximately three minutes.
This technique enables the scalable synthesis of diverse and complex polymer nanoparticles, with potential applications in energy transfer, biomedical engineering, and catalysis. It provides a scalable, accurate, and efficient method for nanoparticle creation.
The method’s effectiveness and versatility present numerous opportunities for use in other industries, marking a significant advancement in the field of precision nanomaterials.
This innovative method represents a significant leap forward in the field of nanomaterials. By drastically reducing the processing time and increasing throughput, we can now produce high-quality nanostructures at a scale that was previously unattainable.
Rachel K. O’Reilly, Professor, University of Birmingham
Professor Andrew P. Dove added, “The integration of seed preparation and living CDSA in a continuous flow setup is a game-changer. It not only enhances efficiency but also ensures uniformity and reproducibility, which are critical for the practical application of these nanostructures.”
Our flash-freezing strategy is a key innovation that allows us to achieve rapid and uniform seed formation. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for the scalable synthesis of precision nanomaterials.
Laihui Xiao, Study First Author, University of Birmingham
Precision polymer nanoparticles have numerous potential applications, including significant advancements in drug delivery systems. These nanoparticles could enable therapeutic agents to target specific cells directly, improving the treatment of diseases like cancer.
The rapid and efficient production of well-defined nanostructures also opens new opportunities in energy transfer applications, such as the development of advanced materials for solar cells and other renewable energy technologies.
Journal Reference:
Xiao, L., et al. (2025) Direct preparation of two-dimensional platelets from polymers enabled by accelerated seed formation. Nature Synthesis. doi.org/10.1038/s44160-025-00767-x
