Synthesis of multifunctional ABC stars with a reduction-labile arm by consecutive ROP, RAFT and ATRP processes

Star amphiphilic block copolymers: synthesis via polymerization-induced self-assembly and crosslinking within nanoparticles, and solution and interfacial properties

The star amphiphilic block copolymer of star s-PNIPAM-b-PS is synthesized and it shows characteristics significantly different from those of the linear block copolymer counterpart.

Synthesis, self-assembly and drug release behaviors of reduction-labile multi-responsive block miktobrush quaterpolymers with linear and V-shaped grafts

Stimuli-tunable topological/morphological transitions and drug release properties based on novel disulfide-functionalized coil–comb–coil quaterpolymers were revealed.

Thermoresponse and self-assembly of an ABC star quarterpolymer with O2 and redox dual-responsive Y junctions

The stimuli-tunable LCST-type phase transition and self-assembly behaviors of a multi-responsive 3-miktoarm star bearing O₂/redox-sensitive and H-bond-switchable Y junctions were revealed.

Synthesis and self-assembly of a dual-responsive monocleavable ABCD star quaterpolymer

A modularly synthesized core-functionalized PEG-PSt-PCL-PAA miktoarm star can self-assemble into hollow nanocapsules that are sensitive to pH/redox stimuli and H-bond/polyion complexation.

Facile synthesis of thermo-, pH-, CO2- and oxidation-responsive poly(amido thioether)s with tunable LCST and UCST behaviors

Multi-responsive N-substituted poly(amido thioether) copolymers synthesized by one-pot amine–thiol–acrylate polyaddition could exhibit composition-dependent and stimuli-triggered single or double thermoresponsivity.

Rational Design of Multi-Stimuli-Responsive Nanoparticles for Precise Cancer Therapy

Stimuli-responsive nanoparticles with target capacity are of great interest in drug delivery for cancer therapy. However, the challenge is to achieve highly smart release with precise spatiotemporal control for cancer therapy. Herein, we report the preparation and properties of multi-stimuli-responsive nanoparticles through the co-assembly of a 3-arm star quaterpolymer with a near-infrared (NIR) photothermal agent and chemotherapeutic compound. The nanoparticles can exhibit NIR light/pH/reduction-responsive drug release and intracellular drug translocation in cancer cells, which further integrate photoinduced hyperthermia for synergistic anticancer efficiency, thereby leading to tumor ablation without tumor regrowth. Thus, this rational design of nanoparticles with multiple responsiveness represents a versatile strategy to provide smart drug delivery paradigms for cancer therapy.

Synthesis and Star/Linear Topology Transformation of a Mechanically Linked ABC Terpolymer

The synthesis of an ABC star terpolymer containing one polymer chain connected mechanically through a rotaxane linkage and its topology transformation to a linear structure are reported. Pseudo[2]rotaxane, which was designed as the key trifunctional species for the star polymer synthesis, comprised a sec-ammonium axle with ethynyl and hydroxy groups and a crown ether wheel with a trithiocarbonate group. Stepwise polymer connections to the pseudo[2]rotaxane using the three groups afforded a rotaxane-linked ABC star terpolymer. The topology transformation from star to linear by the removal of the attractive interaction between the axle and wheel components yielded a linear ABC terpolymer via the wheel shifting to the axle end. The spectroscopic and solution property changes clearly indicated the occurrence of the polymer topology change.

Synthesis and properties of couplable ABCDE star copolymers by orthogonal CuAAC and Diels–Alder click reactions

Well-defined ABCDE star quintopolymers generated by a modular and orthogonal strategy could self-assemble into intriguing nanoobjects sensitive to thermal and pH stimuli.

Synthesis and properties of an acid-labile dual-sensitive ABCD star quaterpolymer

Copolymer aggregates formed from an amphiphilic ABCD star could exhibit acid-induced topological and morphological transformations and stimuli-triggered drug delivery properties.