Chemical structure, thermal and mechanical properties of poly(nucleotide)–cationic amphiphile films

Abstract

Here we report on the characterization of transparent supramolecular films blended with negatively charged polymers with cationic amphiphiles. The films are prepared by conjugating, through electrostatics, the cationic amphiphiles to the poly(nucleotide) backbone then through hydrophobic interactions, in consequence, to form amphiphatic films. Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectra present the chemical structure of the poly(nucleotide) and cationic amphiphile in the films. Homopoly(nucleotides) are used as the reference materials. The chain length and secondary structure of the poly(nucleotide) can affect the mechanical and thermal behaviors of the films.