Journal article
Preparation and Aqueous Solution Properties of Thermoresponsive Biocompatible AB Diblock Copolymers
Dainton Building, Department of Chemistry, University of Sheffield, Brook Hill, Sheffield, Yorkshire, S3 7HF, United Kingdom
The Kroto Research Institute, Department of Engineering Materials, University of Sheffield, Broad Lane, Sheffield, Yorkshire, S3 7HQ, United Kingdom
Biocompatibles UK Ltd., Chapman House, Farnham Business Park, Weydon Lane, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 8QL, United Kingdom
The synthesis of a series of amphiphilic AB diblock copolymers in which the A block comprises poly(2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl phosphorylcholine) [PMPC] and the B block comprises poly(2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate) [PHPMA] by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is reported. The aqueous solution properties of these new diblock copolymers were examined using dynamic light scattering and variable temperature 1H NMR spectroscopy.
Copolymers with shorter thermoresponsive PHPMA blocks formed relatively large aggregates, while copolymers with longer PHPMA blocks formed smaller aggregates. This apparently “anomalous” self-assembly behavior occurs because the PHPMA block becomes more hydrophobic as its degree of polymerization is increased.
Therefore, shorter PHPMA blocks lead to the formation of loose highly hydrated aggregates, whereas longer blocks formed more compact dehydrated aggregates. In addition, these new PMPC-PHPMA diblock copolymers are highly biocompatible and can mediate the relatively rapid efficient uptake of a fluorescent dye by human dermal fibroblast cells.
Interestingly, dye uptake kinetics appear to depend on the hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance of the copolymer. This not only bodes well for in vitro imaging of live cells for biomedical applications but also highlights the importance of copolymer design to ensure efficient drug delivery.
Language: | English |
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Publisher: | American Chemical Society |
Year: | 2009 |
Pages: | 1875-1887 |
ISSN: | 15264602 and 15257797 |
Types: | Journal article |
DOI: | 10.1021/bm9002915 |