Cyclic Graft Copolymer Unimolecular Micelles: Effects of Cyclization on Particle Morphology and Thermoresponsive Behavior.

ABSTRACT: The synthesis of cyclic amphiphilic graft copolymers with a hydrophobic polycarbonate backbone and hydrophilic poly(N-acryloylmorpholine) (PNAM) side arms via a combination of ring-opening polymerization (ROP), cyclization via copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC), and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization is reported. The ability of these cyclic graft copolymers to form unimolecular micelles in water is explored using a combination of light scattering, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryoTEM) analyses, where particle size was found to increase with increasing PNAM arm length. Further analysis revealed differences in the solution conformations, loading capabilities, and morphologies o

SUBMITTER: Williams RJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4861350 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature