Reversible Metallo‐Supramolecular Block Copolymer Micelles Containing a Soft Core

An amphiphilic metallo‐supramolecular poly(ethylene‐co‐butylene)‐block‐poly(ethylene oxide) diblock copolymer containing a bis(2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine)ruthenium(II) complex as a supramolecular connection between the two constituting blocks was used to prepare stable aqueous micelles. The micelles were characterized by dynamic light scattering and atomic force microscopy. Individual micelles were observed together with aggregates of micelles. Only the addition of a large excess of competitive ligand caused the cleavage of the very stable ruthenium complex.     

Nonionic Micelles

Current theories and recent results on the thermodynamics of micelle formation and the structure of micelles of nonionic surfactants in water are reviewed. The experimental results are in favor of the mass-action model of micelle formation. This model predicts the existence of micelles below the critical micelle concentration (cmc) and a gradual transition at the cmc. The cmc, as determined conventionally, depends on both the association number, N, and the equilibrium constant, ⁿK_c of closed association on a mole basis. Empirical' relationships between N and ⁿK_c have been found for n-octyl-β-D-glucoside (OG) and two nonylphenol(ethylene glycol)_x ethers (NP) at various temperatures as well as for four different ethylene glvcol acrylamides (EMA) CH₂?C(CH₃)-CO-NR-(CH₂)₁₀-CO-(OCH₂CH₂)₁₅-OCH₃The equilibrium constants of association can be determined by different molecular weight methods, even in the case of polymolecular unimers. Extrathermodynamic relationships exist between the enthalpies and entropies of association.     

Biosilicification Templated by Amphiphilic Block Copolypeptide Assemblies

An amphiphilic poly(L ‐lysine·HBr)‐block‐poly(L ‐leucine) (KL) diblock copolypeptide and its supramolecular assembly are used as a template to direct silica formation, which proceeds by a cooperative process involving biomimetic mineralization and copolypetide reassembly under ambient conditions. Various silica structures can be obtained by using different counterions, changing the chain length of the KL diblocks, and applying a sol–gel mineralization method. We find that the chain length of the KL diblock is an important factor in terms of controlling biosilica morphologies. We also find that the nature of the counterions strongly affects the resulting silica structures. For the same KL diblock, variation of anions from phosphate to sulfate and to carbonate can produce hexagonal silica platelets, silica rods, and fused silica platelets, respectively. In contrast, application of a sol–gel method can replicate the copolypeptide fibril network morphology in water, while employment of ultrasonication to the sol–gel medium transforms the silica fibrils to rigid silica rods. The resulting silica morphology has been systematically characterized using SEM and TEM, and the polypeptide conformation is explored using FT‐IR and CD spectroscopy.

     

Transfection of Mammalian Cells Using Block Copolypeptide Vesicles

An arginine‐leucine block copolypeptide (R₆₀L₂₀) is synthesized, which is capable of forming vesicles with controllable sizes, able to transport hydrophilic cargo across the cell membrane, and exhibit relatively low cytotoxicity. The R₆₀L₂₀ vesicles also possess the ability to deliver DNA into mammalian cells for transfection. Although the transfection efficiency is lower than that of the commercially available transfection agent Lipofectamine 2000, the R₆₀L₂₀ vesicles are able to achieve transfection with significantly lower cytotoxicity and immunogenicity. This behavior is potentially due to its stronger interaction with DNA which subsequently provides better protection against anionic heparin.

     

Two Types of Block Copolymer Micelles with Ion‐Containing Cores

We report a combined experimental and theoretical study of micellization of block copolymer with hydrophilic nonionic corona‐forming blocks and weak polyelectrolyte (wPE) core‐forming blocks with pH‐triggered solubility in aqueous solutions. We demonstrate that in addition to micelles with neutral cores, there exist two other types of micelles with PE‐ or ionomer‐like cores, in which monovalent counterions are released or condensed on core wPE block, respectively. The transition between the two types of micelles occurred upon changes in ionization of the PE core block and resulted in nonmonotonous changes of aggregation number as a function of pH. Such micelles with stimulus responsive cores represent promising nanocarriers for controlled delivery applications.

     

pH-responsive Micelles from a Blend of PEG-b-PLA and PLA-b-PDPA Block Copolymers: Core Protection Against Enzymatic Degradation

pH-responsive micelles with a biodegradable PLA core and a mixed PEG/PDPA shell were prepared by self-assembly of poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(lactic acid) (PEG-b-PLA) and poly(2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl methacrylate)-b-poly(lactic acid) (PDPA-bPLA). The micellization status with different pH and the enzyme degradation behavior were characterized by 1 H-NMR spectroscopy,dynamic light scattering measurement and zeta potential test. The pH turning point of PDPA block was determined to be in the range of5.5-7.0. While the pH was above 7.0, the PDPA block collapsed onto the PLA core and could protect the PLA core from invasion of enzyme, as a result, the micelle exhibited a resistance to the enzymatic degradation.     

Core Crosslinking of Biodegradable Block Copolymer Micelles Based on Poly(ester carbonate)

A biodegradable amphiphilic block copolymer, PEG‐b‐P(LA‐co‐MAC), was used to prepare spherical micelles consisting of a hydrophobic P(LA‐co‐MAC) core and a hydrophilic PEG shell. To improve their stability, the micelles were crosslinked by radical polymerization of the double bonds in the hydrophobic blocks. The crosslinked micelles had similar sizes and a narrow size distribution compared to their uncrosslinked precursor. The improved stability of the crosslinked micelles was confirmed by measurements of the CMC and a thermodynamic investigation. These micelles can internalize into Hela cells in vitro as demonstrated by inverted fluorescence microscopy and CLSM. These stabilized nanoscale micelles have potential use in biomedical applications such as drug delivery and disease diagnosis.

     

嵌段共聚物结晶性胶束

近年来嵌段共聚物在选择性溶剂中由结晶驱动形成胶束的自组装过程因其较好的可控性逐渐受到人们的关注.本文首先综述了嵌段共聚物结晶性胶束形貌和尺寸的影响因素,包括溶剂环境、共聚物结构、结晶温度等.然后介绍了结晶性胶束的活性生长以及"嵌段共胶束";最后提出了该研究领域目前存在的问题和今后可能的发展方向.     

Molecular-Thermodynamic Model of Solubilization in Direct Spherical Micelles of Nonionic Surfactants

Colloid Journal - A thermodynamic model has been formulated for the formation work of a molecular aggregate consisting of molecules of a nonionic surfactant and a solubilisate in a...     

Amphiphilic Block Copolymer Micelles for Gene Delivery

Gene therapy is a promising method to treat acquired and inherited diseases by introducing exogenous genes into specific recipient cells. Polymeric micelles with different nanoscopic morphologies and properties hold great promise for gene delivery system. Conventional cationic polymers, poly(ethyleneimine)(PEI), poly(L-lysine)(PLL), poly(2-dimethyla-minoethyl methacrylate)(PDMAEMA) and novel cationic polymers poly(2-oxazoline)s(POxs), have been incorporated into block copolymers and decorated with targeting moieties to enhance transfection efficiency. In order to minimize cytotoxicity, nonionic block copolymer micelles are utilized to load gene through hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions or covalent conjugations, recently. From our perspective, properties(shape, size, and mechanical stiffness, etc.) of block copolymer micelles may significantly affect cytotoxicity, transfection efficiency, circulation time, and load capacity of gene vectors in vivo and in vitro. This review briefly sums up recent efforts in cationic and nonionic amphiphilic polymeric micelles for gene delivery.     

两亲嵌段共聚物胶束用作医用材料

两亲嵌段共聚物可以在水溶液中自组装形成亲水性链段为外壳、疏水性链段为内核的胶束,这种胶束能够用作药物载体而引起人们极大的关注。本文综述了两亲嵌段共聚物胶束用作医用材料的研究进展,主要内容包括医用两亲嵌段共聚物的种类,胶束化,以及用作诊断试剂载体、药物缓释载体、靶向载体等。两亲嵌段共聚物胶束用作磁共振造影剂载体有利于肿瘤的诊断,用作药物缓释载体可以有效增溶难溶性抗肿瘤药物,延长药物在体内的血液循环时间。此外,通过对胶束表面进行修饰或者施加外场,还可以实现靶向功能。因此,两亲嵌段共聚物胶束在医用材料领域有着广阔的发展前景。     

Bioaffinitive and Nanosized Polymeric Micelles Based on a Reactive Block Copolymer

Summary: Bio‐affinitive, nanosized polymeric micelles with glucosamine in their corona have a specific interaction with Concanavalin A. They are prepared by a substitution reaction of p‐nitrophenol groups in the poly(p‐nitrophenyl acrylate) (PNPA) corona of stable micelles with glucosamine. The nanosized, stable, and reactive micelles are formed by self‐assembly of the diblock copolymer, poly(p‐nitrophenyl acrylate)‐block‐polystyrene (PNPA‐b‐PSt) in nitromethane, followed by a shell cross‐linking reaction. This method may be useful in the preparation of targeted drugs.

A schematic of the formation of stable glucosamine‐carrying micelles from the diblock copolymer, PNPA‐b‐PSt.     

Functional Polyion Complex Micelles for Potential Targeted Hydrophobic Drug Delivery

Polyion complex (PIC) micelles have gained an increasing interest, mainly as promising nano-vehicles for the delivery of various hydrophilic charged (macro)molecules such as DNA or drugs to the body. The aim of the present study is to construct novel functional PIC micelles bearing cell targeting ligands on the surface and to evaluate the possibility of a hydrophobic drug encapsulation. Initially, a pair of functional oppositely charged peptide-based hybrid diblock copolymers were synthesized and characterized. The copolymers spontaneously co-assembled in water into nanosized PIC micelles comprising a core of a polyelectrolyte complex between poly(L-aspartic acid) and poly(L-lysine) and a biocompatible mixed shell of disaccharide-modified poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate). Depending on the molar ratio between the oppositely charged groups, PIC micelles varying in surface charge were obtained and loaded with the natural hydrophobic drug curcumin. PIC micelles’ drug loading efficiency, in vitro drug release profiles and antioxidant activity were evaluated. The preliminary results indicate that PIC micelles can be successfully used as carriers of hydrophobic drugs, thus expanding their potential application in nanomedicine.     

Core Cross-Linked Polymerized Micelles and Dendronized Nanoparticles

Polymerization of 11-acryloylaminoundecanoic acid and its copolymerization with diacrylic monomers were performed under different conditions in micellar (Na-salt in water) and non-micellar states. The effect of conditions of the syntheses on molecular mass of the polymers and hydrodynamic characteristics of their macromolecules was studied. Ionic complexes of core-cross-linked polymerized micelles with different dendrons bearing polymerizable peripheral groups were obtained and their trial polymerizations were performed.     

Hybrid Compound Block Copolymer Micelles Encapsulating Gold Nanoparticles

We report here on the formation of hybrid compound block copolymer micelles encapsulating gold nanoparticles, utilizing a direct and general preparation method. The giant hybrid compound micelles are structured with micelles of PS‐b‐P2VP with gold nanoparticles in their P2VP core and PI‐b‐PS chains as the outer part of the compound micelles. The gold nanoparticles were produced using gold ion‐loaded PS‐b‐P2VP micelles as a nanoreactor, in a PS selective solvent (toluene), by the subsequent reduction of gold ions. The synthesis of the gold nanoparticles was monitored by UV‐vis spectroscopy. The gold containing micelles were then encapsulated in larger micelles of PI‐b‐PS copolymer, by successive utilization of toluene and heptane with the intermediate evaporation of toluene. The nanoassembly of the compound materials comprised a PI corona and a PS compound core, with P2VP/Au⁰ domains, and was characterized using UV‐vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy.

     

Multicompartment Micelles From π-Shaped ABC Block Copolymers

Dissipative particle dynamics simulations were performed on the morphology and structure of multicompartmerit micelles formed from n-shaped ABC block copolymers in water. The influences of chain architectures were studied in a systematic way, and a rich variety of morphologies were observed, such as spherical, wormlike, X-shaped, Y-shaped, ribbon-like, layered rod-like, layered disk-like, as well as network morphologies. The simulations show that the distance between the two grafts plays an important role in control of the morphology. Since n-shaped ABC block copolymers can be reduced to linear ABC and star ABC block copolymers, they are good model copolymers for studying the self-assembly of complex block copolymers into micelles. The knowledge obtained in this work as well as the new morphologies identified provide useful information for future rational design and synthesis of novel multicompartment micelles.     

“双亲性”嵌段共聚物胶束形貌调控的研究*

本文综述了“双亲性”嵌段共聚物在选择性溶剂中胶束行为和胶束形貌的主要影响因素,包括溶液温度、选择性溶剂种类、嵌段长度、链段结晶、链段与溶剂间氢键作用以及共聚物浓度对胶束最终形貌产生影响的因素;系统介绍了对嵌段共聚物胶束形貌进行调控的实验方法;在此同时介绍了对环境刺激如温度和pH变化等具有响应性能的“双亲性”嵌段共聚物在选择性溶剂中胶束行为研究的最新进展;最后提出了该研究领域目前存在的问题和今后的可能发展方向。     

含疏水链节的聚N-异丙基丙烯酰胺共聚物的温敏性

采用溶液聚合法合成了一系列N-异丙基丙烯酰胺(NIPAM)与甲基丙烯酸甲酯、丙烯酸乙酯、丙烯酸丁酯或甲基丙烯酸丁酯的无规共聚物,用浊度观测法和光散射法测定了不同共聚物水溶液的温敏相转变行为.结果表明:所得共聚物的低临界溶解温度(LCST)均低于均聚物PNIPAM的,酯类单体的结构和含量对共聚物的LCST有显著影响,其中酯基上的烷基对共聚物LCST的影响能力大于丙烯酸酯α位上的烷基,前者对增大共聚物的疏水性有更大贡献.通过NIPAM与特定丙烯酸酯单体进行无规共聚可以合成转变温度低于PNIPAM均聚物且具有预设LCST数值的水溶性温敏聚合物.