The synthesis of amphiphilic diblock copolymers: An investigation into the formation of micelles as a function of hydrophobic block length

<p>Acrylate-based amphiphilic diblock copolymers show great potential for anti-cancer drug transport due to their ability to aggregate into protective core-shell micelles. Using RAFT polymerization, copolymers containing poly(acrylic acid) and poly(methyl acrylate) blocks were made with high monomer conversion and narrow distributions of molecular weight for eventual use in medicinal applications. Based on previous findings of copolymers with low weight hydrophobic blocks failing to micellize, it was hypothesized that increasing the poly(methyl acrylate) block length would allow for micelle formation. 1H-NMR experiments conducted in the presence of an aqueous solution yielded diminished and broadened resonances of the lengthened hydrophobic block, which confirmed effects of micellization. As a result, a rigid hydrophobic core may be substituted with a longer flexible acrylate block for biological use. The adoption of longer core chain lengths in a micellar system may be useful in other transport applications when precipitation of drugs in vivo remains an issue.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Open Access Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Chemistry

Year dc:date.available

2012

Author dc:creator

• Kawchak, Kevin S.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Gregg Wilmes, Ph.D., Chair
• Donald Snyder, Ph.D.
• Jamie Scaglione, Ph.D.

• anti-cancer drug
• micellar system
• medicinal applications
• copolymers
• Chemistry

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.emich.edu/theses/385

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.emich.edu:theses-1753