Responsive linear-dendritic block copolymers.
The combination of dendritic and linear polymeric structures in the same macromolecule opens up new possibilities for the design of block copolymers and for applications of functional polymers that have self-assembly properties. There are three main strategies for the synthesis of linear-dendritic block copolymers (LDBCs) and, in particular, the emergence of click chemistry has made the coupling of preformed blocks one of the most efficient ways of obtaining libraries of LDBCs. In these materials, the periphery of the dendron can be precisely functionalised to obtain functional LDBCs with self-assembly properties of interest in different technological areas. The incorporation of stimuli-responsive moieties gives rise to smart materials that are generally processed as self-assemblies of amphiphilic LDBCs with a morphology that can be controlled by an external stimulus. Particular emphasis is placed on light-responsive LDBCs. Furthermore, a brief review of the biomedical or materials science applications of LDBCs is presented.
Dpt. Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias - Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Aragón (ICMA), Universidad de Zaragoza-CSIC, Pedro Cerbuna 12, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain.
Eva
E
Blasco
Milagros
M
Piñol
Luis
L
Oriol
D050091:Dendrimers / Q000737:chemistry*; D046911:Macromolecular Substances / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry; D015394:Molecular Structure; D010316:Particle Size; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry; D013499:Surface Properties
D050091:Dendrimers; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D011108:Polymers
block copolymers; click chemistry; dendritic polymers; self-assembly; stimuli-responsive