The conventional compositions of block copolymers most often employ the elements C, H, and perhaps O or N. We are expanding the elemental composition of block copolymer by using Boron containing monomers. The synthesis of a novel silyl-protected oxanorbornene imide carborane (SONIC) monomer as well as its homo and co-polymerization by ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) to obtain amphiphilic diblock copolymers is described. The subsequent functionalization with oligo ethylene oxide side chains and fluorescent dye labeling of these block polymers, as well as their solution behavior have been investigated. Initial biological studies have shown the incorporation of the carborane-containing polymers in carcinoma cells. These findings pave the way for future investigations of these polymeric architectures as delivery agents for boron neutron capture therapy of cancer.
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