Engineering, Characterization and Directional Self-Assembly of Anisotropically Modified Nanocolloids

Along with traditional attributes such as the size, shape, and chemical structure of polymeric micro‐objects, control over material distribution, or selective compartmentalization, appears to be increasingly important for maximizing the functionality and efficacy of biomaterials. The fabrication of tri‐ and tetracompartmental colloids made from biodegradable poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) polymers via electrohydrodynamic co‐jetting is demonstrated. The presence of three compartments is confirmed via flow cytometry. Additional chemical functionality is introduced via the incorporation of acetylene‐functionalized polymers into individual compartments of the particles. Direct visualization of the spatioselective distribution of acetylene groups is demonstrated by confocal Raman microscopy as well as by reaction of the acetylene groups with azide‐biotin via ‘click chemistry’. Biotin–streptavidin binding is then utilized for the controlled assembly and orientation of bicompartmental particles onto functionalized, micropatterned substrates prepared via chemical vapor deposition polymerization. The fabrication of anisotropic microparticles containing up to four distinct compartments from biodegradable polymers is demonstrated via electrohydrodynamic co‐jetting. The particles are selectively surface‐modified with biotin and assembled on streptavidin, presenting substrates with specific orientation. The particles and their assemblies have application in diagnostic assays and energy storage devices.