Synthesis and self-assembly of amphiphilic diblock polycarbonates with various pendant hydrophilic groups. (23rd March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhai, Hong; Chen, Kaibin; Meng, Yue; Wu, Zejia; Deng, Rongli; Bai, Ying; Zhou, Jing; Quan, Daping
• Is Part Of: Polymer. Volume 244(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-03-23
• Subjects: Amphiphilic diblock polycarbonates -- Ring-opening polymerization -- Self-assembly; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Périodiques; Polymérisation -- Périodiques; 547.7
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2022.124664
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-3861

Abstract

Abstract: Self-assembled micro-paricles have been proven to be efficient microcarriers for delivering various therapeutic agents. Polycarbonates have demonstrated excellent biodegradability and biocompatibility as material for polymeric microcarriers. A diblock polycarbonate with tunable block length and active sites is synthesized via one-pot sequential ring-opening polymerization (ROP). The polymer acts as a material platform for versatile modifications to prepare a series of amphiphilic diblock polycarbonates which can self-assemble into microparticles. The effect of different hydrophilic pendent groups controlling the morphology and surface charge of the assemblies is systematically investigated. The non-equilibrium spherical particles with varying sizes are formed in one day, and the spheres can further assemble into multi-compartments vesicles (MCVs). Cationic, anionic or neutral carriers can be prepared depending on the type of pendant groups attached. The versatile amphiphilic copolymer assemblies have good potential in biomedical applications. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Versatile material platform to prepare amphiphilic diblock copolymers with various pendant groups. One-pot sequential ring-opening polymerization with controlled molecular weight and moderate polydispersity. Diblock polycarbonates which can self-assemble into micro carriers. Varying sizes and morphologies of micelles controlled by chemical design.