Evolution of the “knitting pattern” morphology in ABC triblock copolymers

A new morphology of ternary ABC triblock copolymers is presented which results from the asymmetric interaction between a centre block (poly(ethylene-co-butene)) to different end blocks (polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate)). This morphology with the appearance of a “knitting pattern” can be described as an intermediate of a morphology of A, B and C lamellae and a morphology of A and C lamellae with B cylinders at the A/C interface.     

Liposome delivered and polymeric metal complexes as potential sensitizers for the photodynamic therapy of cancer

Different possibilities of macromolecular metal complexes as photosensitizers (PS) for their potential use in the photodynamic therapy of cancer are described. The prepared metal porphyrazin derivatives (metals: Zn(II), Si(IV)(X)₂) exhibit long wavelength absorption and high singlet oxygen quantum yields under irradiation. One possibility is the incorporation of the PSs in liposomal vesicles giving hydrophobic conjugates with low densitiy proteins in the serum after injection. Good tumor accumulation and photodynamic activities are observed. Increased tumor uptake is also known for Pcs covalently connected via the ligand to poly(ethylene glycol monomethyl ether). New compounds contain the hydrophilic polymer at axial substituents of Si(X)₂Pc and Si(X)₂Nc. Some newly synthesized compounds with only one functional group exhibit the possibility of coupling to macromolecules like e.g. monoclonal antibodies.