Stimuli-responsive supramolecular assemblies via self-assembly of adamantane-containing block copolymers. (26th June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Noh, Hyeongju; Myung, Sayun; Kim, Min Jae; Yang, Si Kyung
• Is Part Of: Polymer. Volume 175(2019)
• Page Start: 65
• Page End: 70
• Publication Date: 2019-06-26
• Subjects: Supramolecular polymers -- Self-assembly -- Host-guest interactions; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Périodiques; Polymérisation -- Périodiques; 547.7
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2019.05.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-3861

Abstract

Abstract: Poly(norbornene)-based block copolymers containing either adamantane, tetraethylene glycol (TEG) monomethyl ether, or n -butyl side-chains were synthesized using ring-opening metathesis polymerization. The adamantane- and TEG-functionalized AB diblock copolymer is amphiphilic enough to form micelles in aqueous media. In contrast, the other diblock copolymer functionalized with adamantane and n -butyl groups is not amphiphilic because both side-chains are hydrophobic. Upon addition of β-cyclodextrin, however, the hydrophobic adamantane side-chains are decorated with hydrophilic β-cyclodextrins through host-guest interactions, affording amphiphilic AB diblock copolymers that can be self-assembled into micellar structures. The polymeric micelles obtained using the two different approaches in this study can also be disassembled through competitive host or guest molecules. The self-assembly and disassembly processes are characterized by SEM and TEM images. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Well-defined amphiphilic block copolymers are prepared by ROMP. Adamantane-containing block copolymers are self-assembled into spherical micelles. Polymeric micelles can be disassembled in response to competitive host or guest molecules.