Evolution and recent progress of non-spherical chiral micro- and nanoparticles: preparation, design, and advanced applications

Chirality and chiral materials demonstrate ever-growing importance. Non-spherical chiral polymer particles have witnessed increasing interest in recent years, owing to their fascinating physicochemical properties as well as wide-ranging applications. There is a trend to develop new technologies based on existing technical principles, and the design and synthesis of polymer particles will play a vital role in the further development of chiral applications. In this review, the state-of-the-art research progress of non-spherical chiral polymer particles in the past ten years is summarized. First, the preparation strategies of non-spherical chiral polymer particles are detailed from multiple perspectives, including emulsion polymerization, precipitation polymerization and suspension polymerization, as well as special processes such as spray drying, microfluidics, photolithography, and self-assembly. In addition, this review adds to the development from spherical to non-spherical particle morphology. Then, the applications of the resulting beguiling particles in chiral separation, asymmetric catalysis, drug release, and circularly polarized luminescence are illustrated. Finally, the challenges and opportunities that exist in the field are pointed out. This review aims to offer important guidance and stimulate more research attention to this rapidly developing field.