Issue 13, 2018

Pure hydrophilic block copolymer vesicles with redox- and pH-cleavable crosslinks

Abstract

The self-assembly of a novel double hydrophilic block copolymer consisting of biocompatible blocks, namely pullulan-b-poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone), is presented. Completely hydrophilic spherical structures with an average apparent radius of 800 nm at increased concentrations in water are observed via dynamic light scattering as well as cryo scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy techniques. Moreover, the pullulan block is converted to present aldehyde groups acting as anchor point for crosslinker attachments. It is demonstrated, that the oxidized self-assembled particles could be crosslinked via the bifunctional crosslinker cystamine forming dynamic covalent imine linkages with aldehyde groups. The afforded vesicles with an average diameter of 700 nm are stable upon high dilution and could be observed via cryo scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, it is possible to cleave the crosslinking bonds with the treatment of acid or the application of a reducing agent. The responsivity is a key feature taking future applications in the biomedical sector into account.

Graphical abstract: Pure hydrophilic block copolymer vesicles with redox- and pH-cleavable crosslinks

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
20 Jul 2017
Accepted
09 Aug 2017
First published
22 Aug 2017
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY license

Polym. Chem., 2018,9, 1626-1637

Pure hydrophilic block copolymer vesicles with redox- and pH-cleavable crosslinks

J. Willersinn and B. V. K. J. Schmidt, Polym. Chem., 2018, 9, 1626 DOI: 10.1039/C7PY01214D

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