Synthesis and Characterization of Biocompatible Thermo-Responsive Gelators Based on ABA Triblock Copolymers

The synthesis of biocompatible, thermo-responsive ABA triblock copolymers in which the outer A blocks comprise poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and the central B block is poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) is achieved using atom transfer radical polymerization with a commercially available bi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biomacromolecules 2005-03, Vol.6 (2), p.994-999
Main Authors: Li, Chengming, Tang, Yiqing, Armes, Steven P, Morris, Christopher J, Rose, Susanna F, Lloyd, Andrew W, Lewis, Andrew L
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acrylic Resins - chemistry
Applied sciences
Biocompatible Materials - chemical synthesis
Exact sciences and technology
Hydrogels - chemical synthesis
Hydrogels - chemistry
Methacrylates - chemistry
Micelles
Nanostructures
Organic polymers
Phase Transition
Phosphorylcholine - analogs & derivatives
Phosphorylcholine - chemistry
Physicochemistry of polymers
Polymers - chemical synthesis
Polymers - chemistry
Polymers with particular properties
Polymethacrylic Acids
Preparation, kinetics, thermodynamics, mechanism and catalysts
Temperature
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Summary:The synthesis of biocompatible, thermo-responsive ABA triblock copolymers in which the outer A blocks comprise poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and the central B block is poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) is achieved using atom transfer radical polymerization with a commercially available bifunctional initiator. These novel triblock copolymers are water-soluble in dilute aqueous solution at 20 °C and pH 7.4 but form free-standing physical gels at 37 °C due to hydrophobic interactions between the poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) blocks. This gelation is reversible, and the gels are believed to contain nanosized micellar domains; this suggests possible applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering.
ISSN:1525-7797
1526-4602
DOI:10.1021/bm049331k