Controlled self-assembly into diverse stimuli-responsive microstructures: from microspheres to branched cylindrical micelles and vesicles.

ABSTRACT: A series of amphiphilic PDMAEMA-SS-PCL chains with variable ratios of hydrophilic poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) to hydrophobic poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) were prepared via ring-opening polymerization, in which the two different moieties were linked via a disulfide bond with reduction responsiveness. After cross-linking by the photodegradable o-nitrobenzyl linkage, the amphiphilic chains could self-assemble into microspheres, branched cylindrical micelles and vesicles, which were responsive to the reduction agent dl-dithiothreitol and UV light irradiation through different mechanisms.

SUBMITTER: Zhou X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9080933 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature