Synthesis of well-defined glycopolymers and some studies of their aqueous solution behaviour.
Well-defined polymers with carbohydrate residues pendant to the main chain (glycopolymers) were prepared by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerisation. Excellent control over molecular weight and narrow polydispersities (1.1-1.2) were achieved over a range of molecular weights. In addition, efficient synthesis of block copolymers by sequential monomer addition with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic non-carbohydrate blocks was demonstrated. The aqueous solution behaviour of amphiphilic block glycopolymers was investigated, revealing the formation of multivalent carbohydrate-bearing aggregates in solution with the capability for the solubilisation of hydrophobic species (a water-insoluble dye). One such amphiphilic glycopolymer shows by TEM the formation of a worm-like micelle phase. Further investigations of these novel bioactive macromolecular assemblies are underway.
Cameron
Neil R
NR
Department of Chemistry, Durham University, South Road, Durham, UK DH1 3LE.
Spain
Sebastian G
SG
Kingham
James A
JA
Weck
Stefan
S
Albertin
Luca
L
Barker
Carl A
CA
Battaglia
Giuseppe
G
Smart
Thomas
T
Blanazs
Adam
A
D008970:Molecular Weight; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry; D012996:Solutions
D011134:Polysaccharides; D012996:Solutions