Dual thermo- and photo-responsive micelles based on miktoarm star polymers

Blasco, E., Schmidt, B. V.K.J. , Barner-Kowollik, C., Piñol, M. and Oriol, L. (2013) Dual thermo- and photo-responsive micelles based on miktoarm star polymers. Polymer Chemistry, 4(16), pp. 4506-4514. (doi: 10.1039/C3PY00576C)

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Abstract

We report the synthesis and characterization of three novel azobenzene-containing miktoarm star polymers AB3 (Mn = 14 800, ĐM = 1.22, Mn = 17 400, ĐM = 1.10 and Mn = 26 200, ĐM = 1.12) as well as their self-assembly properties in water. The three polymers are composed of an azopolymer and three identical arms of poly(N,N-diethylacrylamide) (PDEAA), featuring thermo-responsive properties. By carefully selecting the polymerization degree of PDEAA, and consequently the hydrophobic/hydrophilic ratio, a specific miktoarm polymer has been identified that forms stable micelles in water as is clearly revealed by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). In addition, the thermo- and photo-responsive properties of the polymeric micelles in water were investigated. Encapsulation of Nile Red was probed via fluorescence spectroscopy as well as its release from the loaded probes triggered by UV irradiation, which causes a trans-to-cis isomerisation of the azobenzene moieties.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Schmidt, Dr Bernhard
Authors: Blasco, E., Schmidt, B. V.K.J., Barner-Kowollik, C., Piñol, M., and Oriol, L.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry
Journal Name:Polymer Chemistry
Publisher:Royal Society of Chemistry
ISSN:1759-9954
ISSN (Online):1759-9962
Published Online:03 June 2013

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