What dynamics govern the morphological transformations of block copolymer micelles?

In a recent article published in Macromolecules, researchers from the LRP reveal that the morphological transitions from spherical micelles to cylindrical micelles are directly governed by elementary stochastic events of fusion and fragmentation at equilibrium. By establishing a quantitative link between time-resolved fluorescence and structural transformations monitored by light scattering, this work provides new insight into nano-objects that are central to strategies for encapsulating and transporting hydrophobic molecules, particularly anticancer drugs. Beyond this fundamental advance, the study opens new perspectives for controlling formulations based on amphiphilic block copolymers, in connection with their stability, morphological transformations, and the tuning of their rheological properties.