Shape-shifting thermoreversible diblock copolymer nano-objects via RAFT aqueous dispersion polymerization of 4-hydroxybutyl acrylate.

ABSTRACT: 2-Hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA) is a useful model monomer for understanding aqueous dispersion polymerization. 4-Hydroxybutyl acrylate (HBA) is an isomer of HPMA: it has appreciably higher aqueous solubility so its homopolymer is more weakly hydrophobic. Moreover, PHBA possesses a significantly lower glass transition temperature than PHPMA, which ensures greater chain mobility. The reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) aqueous dispersion polymerization of HBA using a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG₁₁₃) precursor at 30 °C produces PEG₁₁₃-PHBA_200-700 diblock copolymer nano-objects. Using glutaraldehyde to crosslink the PHBA chains allows TEM studies, which reveal the formation of spheres, worms or vesicles under appropriate conditions. Intere

SUBMITTER: Deane OJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8549797 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature