Baquey G., Sakai K., Perrier S., Biggs S.
Chamelic Ltd, UK
Keywords: block copolymers, micelles, pH responsive, smart surface
Over the last few years, adsorption of polyelectrolytes at solid/liquid interfaces has gained in popularity due to their potential applications for drug delivery, for the preparation of nanosized materials and for the fabrication of smart surface coatings. To develop such a smart surface coating, a series of new amphiphilic diblock copolymers (based on methacrylate derivatives) has been synthesized by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization : a diblock copolymer poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)-block-poly(2-(diethyl amino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDEAEMA-b-PDMAEMA). We studied the micellization behavior in aqueous solution: it is molecularly dissolved in acidic solution as a result of protonation of both the blocks whereas it forms cationic core-shell micelles with the hydrophobic PDEAEMA chains located in the cores and the hydrophilic PDMAEMA chains forming the micelle coronas. Apparently, this approach will enable us to prepare a pH-responsive surface coating film via an easy and straight forward process, without a use of organic solvents, drying and/or annealing procedures. Recent developments based on this smart surface coating technique are presented.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Technical Proceedings of the 2007 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 2
Published: May 20, 2007
Pages: 41 - 44
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Personal & Home Care, Food & Agriculture
Topics: Advanced Materials for Engineering Applications, Personal & Home Care, Food & Agriculture
ISBN: 1-4200-6183-6