PhD position: Janus nanorods by supramolecular self-assembly of polymers in solution for biological applications

We have very recently proposed an original strategy to prepare Janus nanorods (JNR) by supramolecular self-assembly in solution of two different polymers bearing complementary hydrogen bonding units. The hydrogen bonding units have been designed not only to drive the self-assembly into one-dimensional structures (nanorods), but also to force each polymer on either-side of the rods (Janus character) independently of the chemical structure of the polymer arms.

Although this strategy has been proven successful, its full potential is far from being explored and many questions remain. For that reason, the objective of this PhD will be to:

- Explore the role of the preparation process on the characteristics of new biocompatible JNR (length, diameter, dispersity) and determine the mechanism by which the JNR are formed in solution through hydrogen bonding.

- Investigate how changing the chemical structure, functionality and molar mass of the polymers affects their characteristics (length, diameter, dispersity, and functionality)

- Investigate the adhesion and responsiveness of JNR onto polysaccharide matrices since JNR will be used as double-sided nano-tapes for cell and organoid culture.

For that purpose, state-of-the art physico-chemical characterization techniques of polymers will be used including: light, X-ray and neutron scattering, Transmission Electron Microscopy (also in cryo-mode), UV-Vis, DOSY/NOESY NMR spectroscopy and QCM-D in particular. The PhD will also have the opportunity to visit the other partners’ laboratories to get some knowledge about the scientific expertise of the other partners.