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Poly(Pentafluorophenyl Methacrylate)‐Based Nano‐Objects Developed by Photo‐PISA as Scaffolds for Post‐Polymerization Functionalization
Author(s) -
Couturaud Benoit,
Georgiou Panagiotis G.,
Varlas Spyridon,
Jones Joseph R.,
Arno Maria C.,
Foster Jeffrey C.,
O'Reilly Rachel K.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
macromolecular rapid communications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.348
H-Index - 154
eISSN - 1521-3927
pISSN - 1022-1336
DOI - 10.1002/marc.201800460
Subject(s) - polymerization , chain transfer , copolymer , polymer chemistry , dynamic light scattering , surface modification , materials science , dispersion polymerization , methacrylate , micelle , chemistry , chemical engineering , nanoparticle , radical polymerization , nanotechnology , polymer , organic chemistry , aqueous solution , engineering
The preparation of a functional fluorine‐containing block copolymer using reversible addition–fragmentation chain‐transfer dispersion polymerization in DMSO as a “platform/scaffold” is explored. The nanostructures, comprised of poly(ethyleneglycol)‐ b ‐poly(pentafluorophenyl methacrylate) or PEG‐ b ‐P(PFMA), are formulated via photo‐initiated polymerization‐induced self‐assembly (PISA) followed by post‐polymerization modification using different primary amines. A combination of light scattering and microscopy techniques are used to characterize the resulting morphologies. It is found that upon varying the degree of polymerization of the core‐forming block of PFMA, only uniform spheres (with textured surfaces) are obtained. These nanostructures are subsequently modified by cross‐linking using a non‐responsive and a redox‐responsive diamine, thus imparting stability to the particles in water. In response to intracellular glutathione (GSH) concentration, destabilization of the micelles occurs as evidenced by dynamic light scattering. The well‐defined size, inherent reactivity of the nanoparticles toward nucleophiles, and GSH‐responsiveness of the nanospheres make them ideal scaffolds for drug delivery to intracellular compartments with reductive environments.