Synthesis and Self-Assembled Behavior of pH-Responsive Chiral Liquid Crystal Amphiphilic Copolymers Based on Diosgenyl-Functionalized Aliphatic Polycarbonate.

ABSTRACT: The morphological control of polymer micellar aggregates is an important issue in applications such as nanomedicine and material science. Stimuli responsive soft materials have attracted significant attention for their well-controlled morphologies. However, despite extensive studies, it is still a challenge to prepare nanoscale assemblies with responsive behaviors. Herein, a new chiral liquid crystal (LC) aliphatic polycarbonate with side chain bearing diosgenyl mesogen, named mPEG₄₃-PMCC₂₅-P(MCC-DHO)₁₅, was synthesized through the ring-opening polymerization and coupling reaction. The self-assembled behavior of the LC copolymer was explored. In aqueous solution, the functionalized copolymer could self-organize into different nanostructures with changing pH value, such as nanospheres and nanofibers. This would offer new possibilities in the design of nanostructured organic materials.

SUBMITTER: Guo ZH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5535235 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature