Synthesis, thermoresponsivity and multi-tunable hierarchical self-assembly of multi-responsive (AB)mC miktobrush-coil terpolymers

Stimuli-responsive miktobrush-coil terpolymers can exhibit unique physical properties and hierarchical self-assembly behaviors dependent on composition, concentration and external stimuli.

Ionic Polymethacrylate Based Delivery Systems: Effect of Carrier Topology and Drug Loading

The presented drug delivery polymeric systems (DDS), i.e., conjugates and self-assemblies, based on grafted and star-shaped polymethacrylates have been studied for the last few years in our group. This minireview is focused on the relationship of polymer structure to drug conjugation/entrapment efficiency and release capability. Both graft and linear polymers containing trimethylammonium groups showed the ability to release the pharmaceutical anions by ionic exchange, but in aqueous solution they were also self-assembled into nanoparticles with encapsulated nonionic drugs. Star-shaped polymers functionalized with ionizable amine/carboxylic groups were investigated for drug conjugation via ketimine/amide linkers. However, only the conjugates of polybases were water-soluble, giving opportunity for release studies, whereas the self-assembling polyacidic stars were encapsulated with the model drugs. Depending on the type of drug loading in the polymer matrix, their release rates were ordered as follows: Physical ≥ ionic > covalent. The studies indicated that the well-defined ionic polymethacrylates, including poly(ionic liquid)s, are advantageous for designing macromolecular carriers due to the variety of structural parameters, which are efficient for tuning of drug loading and release behavior in respect to the specific drug interactions.

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.

Multicompartment Micelles by Aqueous Self-Assembly of μ-A(BC) n Miktobrush Terpolymers

The aqueous self-assembly of μ-A(BC) _n miktobrush terpolymers has been studied using dynamic light scattering and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy. In this system, the A block is hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide), "O", the B block is hydrophobic poly(methylcaprolactone), "C", and the C block is hydrophobic and oleophobic poly(perfluoropropylene oxide), "F". Two terpolymers were examined: one with an average of about two C blocks and two F blocks and another with an average of about three C blocks and two F blocks. In both cases, the total molar mass is near 40 kg mol^-1, and the volume fraction of the single O block is greater than 50% of the whole. Both samples form multicompartment micelle structures with subdivided solvophobic cores of C and F domains. The morphologies observed are generally analogous to those previously observed for the self-assembly of μ-ABC miktoarm star terpolymers, namely, "raspberry" and "hamburger" micelles; however, an intriguing multicompartment polymersome morphology with compartmentalized solvophobic bilayers is also observed. These results are interpreted in terms of the relative strengths of the competing interactions among the three blocks and the solvent and in terms of the constraints imposed by the miktobrush architecture.

Synthesis and properties of stimuli-sensitive heterografted toothbrush-like terpolymers with a linear handle and two types of V-shaped grafts

Straightforward syntheses were performed to generate amphiphilic heterograftedPNIPAM(PAA)_2m(PCL)_2mcopolymers, which could self-assemble into versatile nanoobjects for thermo, pH and additive triggered controlled release of doxorubicin.

Structure, function, self-assembly, and applications of bottlebrush copolymers

Bottlebrush polymers are a type of branched or graft polymer with polymeric side-chains attached to a linear backbone, and the unusual architectures of bottlebrushes provide a number of unique and potentially useful properties. These include a high entanglement molecular weight, enabling rapid self-assembly of bottlebrush block copolymers into large domain structures, the self-assembly of bottlebrush block copolymer micelles in a selective solvent even at very low dilutions, and the functionalization of bottlebrush side-chains for recognition, imaging, or drug delivery in aqueous environments. This review article focuses on recent developments in the field of bottlebrush polymers with an emphasis on applications of bottlebrush copolymers. Bottlebrush copolymers contain two (or more) different types of polymeric side-chains. Recent work has explored the diverse properties and functions of bottlebrush polymers and copolymers in solutions, films, and melts, and applications explored include photonic materials, bottlebrush films for lithographic patterning, drug delivery, and tumor detection and imaging. We provide a brief introduction to bottlebrush synthesis and physical properties and then discuss work related to: (i) bottlebrush self-assembly in melts and bulk thin films, (ii) bottlebrushes for photonics and lithography, (iii) bottlebrushes for small molecule encapsulation and delivery in solution, and (iv) bottlebrush micelles and assemblies in solution. We briefly discuss three potential areas for future research, including developing a more quantitative model of bottlebrush self-assembly in the bulk, studying the properties of bottlebrushes at interfaces, and investigating the solution assembly of bottlebrush copolymers.

Synthesis of bottlebrush polymers via transfer-to and grafting-through approaches using a RAFT chain transfer agent with a ROMP-active Z-group

A novel dithiocarbamate chain transfer agent for reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization with a directly polymerizable Z-group was synthesized and used to make bottlebrush polymers via multiple strategies.

One-pot synthesis of well-defined amphiphilic alternating copolymer brushes based on POSS and their self-assembly in aqueous solution

The amphiphilic alternating copolymer brushes P(MIPOSS-alt-VBPEG) with a sequence of alternating MIPOSS and polyethylene glycol (PEG) side chains were synthesized via RAFT polymerization, and they could form spherical aggregates.

The first amphiphilic graft copolymer bearing a hydrophilic poly(2-hydroxylethyl acrylate) backbone synthesized by successive RAFT and ATRP

This paper reports the first synthesis of well-defined amphiphilic graft copolymers, consisting of a hydrophilic poly(2-hydroxyethyl acrylate) (PHEA) backbone and hydrophobic polystyrene side chains, by the combination of RAFT polymerization, ATRP, and the grafting-from strategy.

Synthesis and self-assembly of a novel fluorinated triphilic block copolymer

The morphological evolution of triphilic copolymer P(MMA-co-MAA)-b-PFEMA aggregates self-assembling in DMF/H₂O solutions with an increase in water content.

Synthesis and properties of heterografted toothbrush-like copolymers with alternating PEG and PCL grafts and tunable RAFT-generated segments

Novel (A-g-D)(B-alt-C)_mD-type heterografted toothbrush-like copolymers with great potential in smart drug delivery systems and thermo-responsive surface materials are investigated.

Precision polymers: a kinetic approach for functional poly(norbornenes)

Control over monomer sequence in the ring-opening metathesis polymerization of functional norbornenes is explored based on the difference in reactivity of endo and exo isomers.