RESUMEN
Diblock oligomeric peptide-polymer amphiphiles (PPAs) are biohybrid materials that offer versatile functionality by integrating the sequence-dependent properties of peptides with the synthetic versatility of polymers. Despite their potential as biocompatible materials, the rational design of PPAs for assembly into multichain nanoparticles remains challenging due to the complex intra- and intermolecular interactions emanating from the polymer and peptide segments. To systematically explore the impact of monomer composition on nanoparticle assembly, PPAs were synthesized with a random coil peptide (XTEN2) and oligomeric alkyl acrylates with different side chains: ethyl, tert-butyl, n-butyl, and cyclohexyl. Experimental characterization using electron and atomic force microscopies demonstrated that the tail hydrophobicity impacted accessible morphologies. Moreover, the characterization of different assembly protocols (i.e., bath sonication and thermal annealing) revealed that certain tail compositions provide access to kinetically trapped assemblies. All-atom molecular dynamics simulations of micelle formation unveiled key interactions and differences in core hydration, dictating the PPA assembly behavior. These findings highlight the complexity of PPA assembly dynamics and serve as valuable benchmarks to guide the design of PPAs for a variety of applications, including catalysis, mineralization, targeted sequestration, antimicrobial activity, and cargo transportation.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Mothers who live with mental illness face diverse challenges. Research suggests that partner support or otherwise is likely to have a crucial influence on mothers' abilities to manage these challenges, yet little is known about how this plays out. In this study, we aimed to explore the roles played by male partners in the mothering experiences of women living with mental illness. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative secondary analysis using interview data collected from 18 participants in two previous qualitative studies. Both studies focused on the mothering experiences of women who lived with mental illness. In both studies, the importance of male partners was striking. The data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis. RESULTS: The roles of partners in women's experiences of mothering were multiple and dynamic, with each male partner playing a unique combination of roles. These included: facilitator; teammate; unfulfilled potential; distraction; dismantler, and threat to child. Roles were influenced by: mothers' interpretations; partners' behaviors, characteristics and circumstances; the family's living and custody arrangements; mothers' active management strategies; and a range of external controls and supports. CONCLUSIONS: Health professionals need to consider the complex roles partners play. This crucial aspect of mothers' social environments can be optimized by directly supporting and enabling partners themselves, and by supporting mothers to actively shape their partners' roles.