Hydrophobically Modified Polycarboxybetaine: From Living Radical Polymerization to Self-Assembly

Dextran based amphiphilic self-assembled biopolymeric macromolecule synthesized via RAFT polymerization as indomethacin carrier

This work demonstrates a facile pathway to develop a biopolymer based amphiphilic macromolecule through reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, using dextran (a biopolymer) as starting material. Also, a new hydrophobic monomer [2-methyl-acrylic acid 1-benzyl-1H-[1,2,3] triazol-4-ylmethyl ester (MABTE)] has been synthesized using methacrylic acid via "click" approach. The resultant copolymer displays controlled radical polymerization characteristics: narrow polydispersity (Ð) and controlled molecular weight as obtained through advanced polymer chromatography (APC) analysis. In aqueous solution, the copolymer can proficiently be self-assembled to provide micellar structure, which has been evidenced from field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses. The in-vitro cytotoxicity study illustrates the nontoxic nature of the copolymer up to 100 μg/mL polymer concentration. The copolymer has been found to be worthy as an efficient carrier for the sustained release of hydrophobic drug: Indomethacin (IND).