title: Poly(ethylene glycol) block copolymers.
abstract: The ubiquitous use of poly(ethylene glycol) in the biomaterials field has also boosted the research activity in the chemical derivatization of this polymer. We focused our interest on the preparation of tailor-made poly(ethylene glycol)-based structures and on the study of structure-activity relationships for its functionalization, as preliminary steps for the preparation of smart functional materials. More specifically, amphiphilic and cationic block copolymers were prepared for prospective use in the preparation of self-assembled carriers, and Michael-type addition of thiols onto acrylates was studied as a model for end-group reaction leading to hydrogel formation.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Department of Materials, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and University of Zurich. tirelli@biomed.mat.ethz.ch
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Tirelli
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Lutolf
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Napoli
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Hubbell
mesh_terms: D001665:Binding Sites; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D020100:Hydrogels / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D008956:Models, Chemical; D008958:Models, Molecular; D008970:Molecular Weight; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism*; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship; D013379:Substrate Specificity; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D020100:Hydrogels; D013501:Surface-Active Agents; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols