pH-induced release from P2VP-PEO block copolymer vesicles.
The pH-induced release of hydrophilic dyes from poly(2-vinylpyridine-b-ethylene oxide) (P2VP-PEO) block copolymer vesicles is investigated. The structure of the vesicles is characterized using small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). A decrease of the pH below 5 leads to protonation and dissolution of the poly-2-vinylpyridine blocks which induces rupture and dissolution of the vesicle membrane. Details of the rupture, dissolution, and release process are studied by fluorescence video microscopy, gel electrophoresis, and high-performance ultrafiltration.
Borchert
Uwe
U
Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Hamburg, D-20146 Hamburg, Germany.
Lipprandt
Ute
U
Bilang
Matthias
M
Kimpfler
Andrea
A
Rank
Anja
A
Peschka-Süss
Regine
R
Schubert
Rolf
R
Lindner
Peter
P
Förster
Stephan
S
D020285:Cryoelectron Microscopy; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D018715:Microscopy, Video; D033363:Neutron Diffraction; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry*; D011145:Polyvinyls / Q000737:chemistry*
D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011145:Polyvinyls; C520949:poly(2-vinylpyridine-block-ethylene oxide); D011092:Polyethylene Glycols