Synthesis and characterization of MPEG-b-PDPA amphiphilic block copolymer via atom transfer radical polymerization and its pH-dependent micellar behavior

摘要

Block copolymer micelles are generally formed via the self-assembly of amphiphilic block copolymers in an aqueous medium. The hydrophilic and hydrophobic blocks form shell and core micelles, respectively. The block copolymers of methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (MPEG)-b-poly(2-diisopropylamino)ethyl methacrylate (PDPA) were synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization, with the macroinitiator synthesized by the coupling of 2-bromoisobutyryl bromide with MPEG in the presence of a triethyl amine base catalyst. The atom transfer radical polymerization of 2-diisopropylamino)ethyl methacrylate was performed in conjunction with anN,N,N′,N′’,N′’-pentamethyl-diethylenetriamine/copper bromide catalyst system, in DMF, at 70°C. The pH induced micellization/demicellization was studied using fluorescence, with a pyrene probe. Furthermore, the pH dependent micellization was confirmed using the microviscosity method, with a dipyme fluorescence probe. The pH dependant micelle size distribution was studied using dynamic light scattering. The characterization of the synthesized polymers was established using gel permeation chromatography and from the1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.