ABC triblock copolymer micelles: spherical versus worm-like micelles depending on the preparation method.

Well-defined ABC triblock copolymers based on two hydrophilic blocks, A and C, and a hydrophobic block B are synthesized and their self-assembly behavior is investigated. Interestingly, at the same solvent, concentration, pH, and temperature, different shape micelles are observed, spherical and worm-like micelles, depending on the preparation method. Specifically, spherical micelles are observed with bulk rehydration while both spherical and worm-like micelles are observed with film rehydration.