Bespoke block copolymer nano-objects via polymerisation-induced self-assembly (PISA) in aqueous media

Over the past decade or so, polymerisation-induced self-assembly (PISA) has become widely recognised as a powerful and versatile platform technology for the rational synthesis of a wide range of block copolymer nano-objects. In this lecture, I will focus on PISA syntheses in aqueous media, with particular emphasis being paid to (i) readily sterilisable biocompatible worm gels, (ii) spherical nanoparticles for the preparation of Pickering (nano)emulsions and (iii) 'shape-shifting' nano-objects that can form spheres, worms or vesicles simply by varying the solution temperature.