Self-assembly behavior and biocompatible cross-linking of double hydrophilic linear-brush block copolymers

Al Nakeeb, N., Willersinn, J. and Schmidt, B. V.K.J. (2017) Self-assembly behavior and biocompatible cross-linking of double hydrophilic linear-brush block copolymers. Biomacromolecules, 18(11), pp. 3695-3705. (doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.7b01094) (PMID:28954187)

Abstract

The self-assembly of a novel double hydrophilic block copolymer (DHBC) architecture is presented. By combining linear biomacromolecule pullulan with biocompatible poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether) methacrylate) (P(OEGMA))-brush blocks via copper(I) catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition, a novel DHBC linear-brush combination is obtained. Self-assembly in water was observed via optical microscopy and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Moreover, DLS investigations showed that self-assembly efficiency significantly relies on the degree of polymerization of the brush-block. Furthermore, the self-assembly of the formed particles was investigated with cryogenic scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM). To preserve the aggregates at lower concentrations, a biocompatible and FDA approved cross-linking agent, namely, sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP), was utilized for cross-linking. The reaction of STMP and pullulan was followed by 31P NMR, while the presence of the cross-linking agent within the particles could be detected via the combination cryo-SEM and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Schmidt, Dr Bernhard
• Authors: Al Nakeeb, N., Willersinn, J., and Schmidt, B. V.K.J.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry
• Journal Name: Biomacromolecules
• Publisher: American Chemical Society
• ISSN: 1525-7797
• ISSN (Online): 1526-4602
• Published Online: 27 September 2017