Light-responsive terpolymers based on polymerizable photoacidsElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: NMR data for intermediates during monomer synthesis, protected and deprotected terpolymers; SEC data for protected and deprotected terpolymers; absorption spectra for deprotected terpolymers (P[MMAx-co-DMAEMAy-co-NMAz]) and unprotected monomers at different pH; emission spectra for unprotected monomers; representative SEM images and DLS data for nanoparticle suspensions. See DOI: 1

• Main Authors: Wendler, Felix, Schneider, Kilian R. A, Dietzek, Benjamin, Schacher, Felix H
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1759-9954; 1759-9962
• DOI: 10.1039/c7py00571g

We present the synthesis and characterization of amphiphilic terpolymers containing photoacids based on 1-naphthol using reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer radical polymerization (RAFT). The respective poly(methyl methacrylate- co -2-( N , N -dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate- co -1-naphthol methacrylate/methacrylamide) P[MMA x - co -DMAEMA y - co -NMA z /NMAm z ] terpolymers were prepared starting from 1-naphthol derived monomers t NMA and t NMAm via RAFT polymerization und subsequent deprotection of the hydroxyl groups. The resulting materials were characterized using size exclusion chromatography and UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy, the latter also enabling the determination of p K a in the ground as well as the excited state of the monomers (NMA and NMAm). Afterwards, nanoprecipitation led to the formation of nanoparticles in aqueous media, which exhibited photo-responsive behavior upon UV-irradiation. Nile Red was encapsulated into the nanoparticles as a model hydrophobic guest molecule and we could demonstrate light-triggered release. We present the synthesis and characterization of amphiphilic terpolymers containing photoacids based on 1-naphthol using reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer radical polymerization (RAFT).