1H NMR Relaxation Studies of the Micellization of a Poly(ethylene oxide)−Poly(propylene oxide)−Poly(ethylene oxide) Triblock Copolymer in Aqueous Solution

Comparative Thermodynamic Studies of the Micellization of Amphiphilic Block Copolymers before and after Cyclization

The enthalpy and entropy of micellization in water, ΔH_mic and ΔS_mic, respectively, of three linear amphiphilic BAB block copolymers consisting of either poly(methyl acrylate) (M_n ∼ 1200 and 700 Da) or poly(ethyl acrylate) (M_n ∼ 800 Da) as hydrophobic (B) segments and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) as the hydrophilic (A, M_n ∼ 3000 Da) segment were determined by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). The ΔH_mic and ΔS_mic of the cyclic AB block copolymers obtained by cyclization of the linear triblock copolymers were determined under the same conditions. The ΔH_mic value of the cyclic copolymers was smaller than that of their linear precursors. The ΔS_mic value showed the same trend, but the relative difference between the cyclized and linear copolymers was less pronounced. The hydrodynamic diameter (D_h), critical micelle concentration (CMC), molecular weight (M_w-mic), and second virial coefficient (A₂) of the micelles were determined. The D_h value of the cyclic copolymer micelles was smaller than the linear counterpart. On the other hand, the CMC value became larger, whereas the A₂ value was comparable or increased by cyclization. Overall, the results suggest that, in the unimer state, the hydrophobic segments of the cyclized copolymers form a tightly coiled structure to minimize contact with water, resulting in the smaller ΔH_mic value. Contrary to the linear copolymer micelles, the cyclic copolymer micelles have no "dangling chains", which may explain the topology-driven slight difference in the ΔS_mic value.

Effect of Pyrrolidinium Formate Ionic Liquid on Micellization of Direct and Reverse Pluronics in Aqueous Solutions

The behavior of direct and reverse Pluronic, copolymer nonionic surfactants, poly(ethylene oxide) PEO, and poly(propylene oxide) PPO copolymers, in aqueous solution and in the pyrrolidinium formate ([pyrr][F]) ionic liquid, was investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR spectroscopy). The study was performed for a fixed Pluronic concentration at room temperature. We showed that in aqueous solution, the spectra associated with the direct and reverse Pluronics are similar irrespective of the difference in length of the various PPO and PEO blocks, their positions and the PPO:PEO ratio. The study of those same Pluronics dissolved in a pure pyrrolidinium formate solution showed that the Pluronic types were soluble and that the micellization process can take place at room temperature. The interaction between the Pluronic 10R5 aqueous solutions and the [pyrr][F] for various ionic liquid volumes is reported.

Monitoring the encapsulation of chlorin e6 derivatives into polymer carriers by NMR spectroscopy

The encapsulation of five derivatives of chlorin e6 with different hydrophobicity and aggregation properties into a series of five poloxamer-type triblock copolymer micelles (BCMs) with varying numbers of polyethylene and polypropylene glycol (PEG, PPG) units was monitored using 1H NMR spectroscopy. NMR chemical shift and line shape analysis, as well as dynamic methods including diffusion ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) and T1 and T2 relaxation time measurements of the chlorin and the polymer resonances, proved useful to assess the chlorin–BCM compatibility. The poloxamers had high capability to break up aggregates formed by chlorins up to intermediate hydrophobicity. Physically entrapped chlorins were always localized in the BCM core region. The loading capacity correlated with chlorin polarity for all poloxamers among which those with the lowest number of PPG units were most efficient. DOSY data revealed that relatively weakly aggregating chlorins partition between the aqueous bulk and micellar environment whereas more hydrophobic chlorins are well retained in the BCM core region, rendering these systems more stable. T1 and T2 relaxation time measurements indicated that motional freedom in the BCM core region contributes to encapsulation efficiency. The BCM corona dynamics were rather insensitive towards chlorin entrapment except for the poloxamers with short PEG chains. The presented data demonstrate that 1H NMR spectroscopy is a powerful complementary tool for probing the compatibility of porphyrinic compounds with polymeric carriers such as poloxamer BCMs, which is a prerequisite in the development of stable and highly efficient drug delivery systems suitable for medical applications like photodynamic therapy of tumors.

Structural and dynamical aspects of PEG/LiClO4 in solvent mixtures via NMR spectroscopy

Motivated by the potential usefulness of polyethylene glycol (PEG)/Li⁺ salt mixtures in several industrial applications, we investigated the structure and dynamics of PEG/LiClO₄ mixtures in D₂ O and its mixtures with CD₃ CN and DMSO-d₆ , in a series of PEG-based polymers with a wide variation in their molecular weights. ¹ H NMR chemical shifts, T₁ /T₂ relaxation rates, pulsed-field gradient NMR diffusion experiments, and 2D HOESY NMR studies have been performed to understand the structural and dynamical aspects of these mixtures. Increasing the temperature of the medium results in a significant perturbation in the H-bonded structure of PEG in its PEG/LiClO₄ /D₂ O mixtures as observed from the increase in chemical shifts. On the other hand, the addition of molecular cosolvents has a negligible effect. The hydrodynamic structure of PEG shows a pronounced variation at low temperature with increasing molecular weight, which, however, disappears at higher temperatures. Increasing the temperature leads to a decrease in the hydrodynamic structure of PEG, which can be explained on the basis of solvation-desolvation phenomena. The 2D HOESY NMR spectra reveal a new finding of Li⁺ -water binding in the PEG/LiClO₄ /D₂ O mixtures with the addition of molecular solvents, suggesting that the Li⁺ cation diffuses freely in the D₂ O mixtures of polymers as compared with the polymer mixtures with DMSO or CD₃ CN.

Double stimuli-responsive polysaccharide block copolymers as green macrosurfactants for near-infrared photodynamic therapy

The NIR absorbing photosensitizer phthalocyanine zinc (PC(Zn)) was stabilized in aqueous media as water-dispersible nanoparticles with a reduction- and pH-responsive full polysaccharide block copolymer. A cellular uptake and also photo switchable intracellular activity of the cargo upon irradiation at wavelengths in the near infrared region were shown. The block copolymer was synthesized by applying a copper-free click strategy based on a thiol exchange reaction, creating an amphiphilic double-stimuli-responsive mixed disulfide. The dual-sensitive polysaccharide micelles represent a non-toxic and biodegradable green macrosurfactant for the delivery of phthalocyanine zinc. By encapsulation into micellar nanoparticles, the bioavailability of PC(Zn) increased significantly, enabling smart photodynamic therapy for future applications in cancer-related diseases.

Complexing Cations by Poly(ethylene oxide): Binding Site and Binding Mode

The binding of K⁺ and Ba²⁺ cations to short poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) chains with ca. 4-25 monomeric units in methanol was studied by determining the effective charge of the polymer through a combination of electrophoretic NMR and diffusion NMR experiments. These cations were previously found to bind to long PEO chains in a similar strong manner. In addition, ¹H chemical shift and longitudinal spin relaxation rate changes upon binding were quantified. For both systems, binding was stronger for the short chains than that for the longer chains, which is attributed mainly to interactions between bound ions. For K⁺ ions, the equilibrium binding constant of a cation to a binding site was measured. For both cations, the binding site was estimated to consist of ca. six monomeric units that coordinated with the respective ions. For the systems with barium, a significant fraction of the bound ions are (BaAnion)⁺ ion pairs. This leads to a strong anion effect in the effective charge of the oligomers acquired upon barium ion binding. For K⁺, the coordinating oligomer segment remains rather mobile and individual oligomers exchange rapidly (≪s) between their free and ion-complexing states. In contrast, segmental dynamics slows significantly for the oligomer section that coordinates with the barium species, and for individual oligomers, binding and nonbinding sections do not exchange on the time scale of seconds. Hence, oligomers also exchange slowly (>s) between their free and barium complexing states.

Tunable amphiphilic graft copolymers bearing fatty chains and polyoxazoline: synthesis and self-assembly behavior in solution

Synthesis and self-assembly behavior in solution of tunable copolymers with amphiphilic grafts based on fatty chain polymethacrylate and polyoxazoline.

Dual thermo- and light-responsive dendron-jacketed homopolymers containing photoswitchable azobenzene groups via a macromonomer route

The novel dendron-jacketed homopolymer containing photoswitchable azobenzene groups and short oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG) units was synthesized via a macromonomer route, which can exhibit interesting dual thermo- and light-responsive behaviours.

NMR Relaxometry for the Thermal Stability and Phase Transition Mechanism of Flower-like Micelles from Linear and Cyclic Amphiphilic Block Copolymers

Linear and cyclic amphiphilic block copolymers consisting of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) as the hydrophilic segment and poly(methyl acrylate) or poly(ethyl acrylate) as the hydrophobic segments were synthesized and self-assembled to form flower-like micelles. The micelles from linear (methyl acrylate)12(ethylene oxide)73(methyl acrylate)12 (Mn = 1000-3200-1000, l-MOM) showed a cloud point (Tc) at 46 °C by the transmittance of the micellar solution, whereas that of cyclic (methyl acrylate)30(ethylene oxide)79 (Mn = 2600-3500, c-MO) increased to 72 °C, as previously reported. DLS showed comparable diameters (l-MOM, 14 nm; c-MO, 12 nm) and Tc values (l-MOM, 48 °C; c-MO, 75 °C). For the investigation of the difference in Tc and the phase transition mechanism based on the polymer topology, NMR relaxometry was performed to determine the spin-lattice (T1) and spin-spin (T2) relaxation times. A decrease in T2 of the PEO segment in both l-MOM and c-MO was observed above Tc, suggesting that slow large-scale motions, such as the detachment of a chain end from the core, bridging, and interpenetration of the micelles, were inhibited. T1 of the PEO segment in l-MOM continuously increased in the experimental temperature range, indicating that the segment is hydrated even above its Tc. On the other hand, that of c-MO reached a ceiling above its Tc, likely due to the prevention of the rotation of the PEO main chain bonds caused by dehydration. Similar results were obtained for linear (ethyl acrylate)8(ethylene oxide)79(ethyl acrylate)8 (Mn = 800-3500-800, l-EOE) and its cyclic (ethyl acrylate)15(ethylene oxide)78 (Mn = 1500-3400, c-EO).

How can photoisomerization of azobenzene induce a large cloud point temperature shift of PNIPAM?

We present a comprehensive study of the photo-induced phase transition of azobenzene-containing poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) in block copolymers (BCPs) upon the isomerization of azobenzene in the mixed solvent of water and dioxane.

Micelles, mixed micelles, and applications of polyoxypropylene (PPO)-polyoxyethylene (PEO)-polyoxypropylene (PPO) triblock polymers

This review gives a brief outline of various micellar properties of triblock polymers such as critical micellization concentration, critical micellization temperature, and microviscosity. Detailed discussion of the effect of temperature on micellar properties of various triblock polymer mixtures is given. Applications of triblock polymers in solubilization as drug delivery agents, as nano drug, for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles, for cobalt determination, etc. are discussed.

Looped structure of flowerlike micelles revealed by 1H NMR relaxometry and light scattering

We present experimental proof that so-called "flowerlike micelles" exist and that they have some distinctly different properties compared to their "starlike" counterparts. Amphiphilic AB diblock and BAB triblock copolymers consisting of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as hydrophilic A block and thermosensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAm) B block(s) were synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). In aqueous solutions, both block copolymer types form micelles above the cloud point of pNIPAm. Static and dynamic light scattering measurements in combination with NMR relaxation experiments proved the existence of flowerlike micelles based on pNIPAm(16kDa)-PEG(4kDa)-pNIPAm(16kDa) which had a smaller radius and lower mass and aggregation number than starlike micelles based on mPEG(2kDa)-pNIPAm(16kDa). Furthermore, the PEG surface density was much lower for the flowerlike micelles, which we attribute to the looped configuration of the hydrophilic PEG block. (1)H NMR relaxation measurements showed biphasic T(2) relaxation for PEG, indicating rigid PEG segments close to the micelle core and more flexible distal segments. Even the flexible distal segments were shown to have a lower mobility in the flowerlike micelles compared to the starlike micelles, indicating strain due to loop formation. Taken together, it is demonstrated that self-assemblies of BAB triblock copolymers have their hydrophilic block in a looped conformation and thus indeed adopt a flowerlike conformation.

Fluorescence of commercial Pluronic F127 samples: Temperature-dependent micellization

We present a novel approach of using the butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) antioxidant found in commercial Pluronic F127 samples as a marker of polymer aggregation. The BHT marker was compared to the pyrene dye and static light scattering methods as a way to measure the critical micelle concentration (CMC) and critical micelle temperature (CMT). The n→π(∗) transitions of BHT are sensitive to the microenvironment as demonstrated by plotting the fractional intensities of its excitation (≈280nm) and emission (≈325nm) peaks. BHT is more sensitive to changes in temperature than concentration. The partition coefficient increases ≈40-fold for pyrene compared to ≈2-fold for BHT when the temperature is increased from 25 to 37°C. CMT values determined using the BHT fluorescence decrease with increasing F127 concentration. Our results show that BHT can be used as a reliable marker of changes in the microenvironment of Pluronic F127.

Hierarchical micellar structures from amphiphilic invertible polyesters: 1H NMR spectroscopic study

The environment-dependent behavior of invertible polyesters has been studied by 1H NMR spectroscopy. In dilute toluene solutions, the micelle exterior is made up of the lipophilic fragments, and the interior consists of the hydrophilic constituents. The polyester inverts the structure in an aqueous medium to form micelles with a hydrophobic inner part and a hydrophilic outer part. Increasing polyester concentration leads to the formation of hierarchical structures both in toluene and in an aqueous medium as a result of the aggregation of unimolecular micelles and the formation of hydrophilic and lipophilic domains. On the contrary, no unimolecular micelles or micellar aggregation has been observed in acetone or chloroform.

Micellization in aqueous solution of an ethylene oxide–propylene oxide triblock copolymer, investigated with 1H NMR spectroscopy, pulsed-field gradient NMR, and NMR relaxation

(1)H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has been applied to study the temperature and concentration-induced micellization of a poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) triblock copolymer, Pluronic P105, in D(2)O solutions in the temperature range from 5 to 45 degrees C and the concentration range from 0.01 to 15% (w/v). The intrinsic probes, the chemical shift, and the half-height width of the PO CH(3) signal are very sensitive to the local environment and can be used to characterize the temperature and concentration-dependent aggregation process. When the temperature approaches the critical micellization temperature or the polymer concentration reaches the critical micellization concentration, the chemical shift of the PO CH(3) signal moves toward lower ppm values and the half-height width of the PO CH(3) signal shows a sudden increase. It indicates that the methyl groups are experiencing a progressively less polar environment and transferring from water to the hydrophobic micellar core. The hydrodynamic radius of the unimers and the micelles are determined as be 1.8 and 5.0 nm by means of pulsed-field gradient spin-echo (PGSE) NMR. They were independent of temperature and concentration. The drastic shortening of spin-lattice relaxation time T(1) for the PO CH(3)/CH(2) protons in the transition region suggested that the PPO blocks are located in a "liquid-like" micellar core, whereas the exponential increase of T(1) for the PEO CH(2) protons implied that the PEO blocks are still keeping in contact with surrounding water. Thermodynamics analysis according to a closed association model shows that the micellization process is entropy-driven and has an endothermic micellization enthalpy.

Controlled synthesis and association behavior of graft Pluronic in aqueous solutions

Poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) was grafted onto Pluronic F127 (PEO-PPO-PEO) to produce novel amphiphilic PVP-g-F127 graft copolymers. A controlled synthesis method was used to graft PVP onto different parts of F127. Two types of graft polymers were obtained: one has PVP grafted onto the PEO part of F127 and the other has PVP grafted onto the PPO part of F127. The association behavior of the two modified polymers was examined using differential scanning calorimetry, surface tension measurements, and dynamic light scattering.