Dual redox and thermoresponsive double hydrophilic block copolymers with tunable thermoresponsive properties and self-assembly behavior.
The synthesis, tunable thermoresponsive properties, and self-assembly of dual redox and thermoresponsive double hydrophilic block copolymers having pendant disulfide linkages (DHBCss) are reported. Well-defined DHBCss composed of a hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) block and a dual thermo- and reduction-responsive random copolymer block containing pendant disulfide linkages are synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization. Their lower critical solution temperature (LCST) transitions are adjusted through modulating pendant hydrophobic-hydrophilic balance with disulfide-thiol-sulfide chemistry. Further, these DHBCss derivatives are converted to disulfide-crosslinked nanogels at temperatures above LCST through temperature-driven self-assembly and in situ disulfide crosslinking. They exhibit enhanced colloidal stability and further reduction-responsive degradability, thus demonstrating versatility of dual thermo- and reduction-responsive smart materials.
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Nicky
N
Chan
So Young
SY
An
Nathan
N
Yee
Jung Kwon
JK
Oh
D057927:Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; D015394:Molecular Structure; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D010316:Particle Size; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry*; D013499:Surface Properties; D013696:Temperature
D011108:Polymers
LCST; atom transfer radical polymerization; double hydro­philic block copolymer; self-assembly; thiol-disulfide degradation