Synthesis and properties of amphiphilic star polysulfides.
We here present the synthesis and characterisation of linear and star-shaped amphiphilic block copolymers based on hydrophobic polysulfides (poly(propylene sulfide), PPS) and hydrophilic polyethers (poly(ethylene glycol), PEG). We also discuss the proof of the principle of their responsiveness to oxidising conditions. In a water environment, these polymers aggregate in the form of sub-micron carriers that, due to the sensitivity to oxidation reactions typical of PPS, can be used for responsive drug delivery. In this first study we have focused on the study of large aggregates, which do not apparently show dramatic differences in behaviour when polymer chains with different degrees of branching are studied.
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, United Kingdom.
Lei
L
Wang
Giona
G
Kilcher
Nicola
N
Tirelli
D005453:Fluorescence; D016877:Oxidants / Q000737:chemistry; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry; D013440:Sulfides / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry*; D014783:Viscosity; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry
D016877:Oxidants; D013440:Sulfides; D014867:Water; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; C032915:polysulfide