Temporal and Triggered Evolution of Host-Guest Characteristics in Amphiphilic Polymer Assemblies

J Am Chem Soc. 2016 Jun 22;138(24):7508-11. doi: 10.1021/jacs.6b04099. Epub 2016 Jun 10.

Abstract

An amphiphilic polymer with cleavable side chain and main chain functional groups has been designed and synthesized. Specific cleavage of either of its functional groups was found to have an effect on the morphology of the assembly. Degradation of the main chain is shown to cause morphology of the supramolecular assembly to evolve with time from a micelle-like assembly to a vesicular assembly. On the other hand, stimulus-induced cleavage of the side chains causes these nanoassemblies to disassemble. These temporal (main chain) and triggered (side chain) degradation processes have implications in the design of degradable polymers as supramolecular scaffolds for biological applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Polymers / chemical synthesis*
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Surface-Active Agents / chemical synthesis*
  • Surface-Active Agents / chemistry

Substances

  • Polymers
  • Surface-Active Agents