Block copolymer organogels – synonymously known as thermoplastic elastomer gels – are soft materials primarily comprised of a nonaqueous, organic solvent and crosslinked by multiblock (&gt;2) copolymers. The innate sensitivity of these gels’ mechanical and rheological properties to molecular and formulation parameters, as well as their facile process-ability, has made them of interest in cushioning, dampening, and viscosity modification technologies for the past few decades. Our current work shows that similar block copolymer organogels hold promise as future drug delivery media via incorporation of an aliphatic, hydrophobic probe or integration of a hydrophilic probe within self-assembled reverse micelles. This presentation will highlight the range of gel nanoscale structures achievable using readily available styrenic block copolymers and mineral oils (formulation-structure relations). Formulation approaches for assembly of nanocarriers within organogels – for the encapsulation and subsequent release of hydrophilic probes – will be also discussed. Next, nanostructure-diffusion relationships will be developed for select copolymer-oil-probe systems using a novel FTIR-based method for characterizing diffusion/release from organogels. Ultimately, the presented results will highlight the potential versatility of block copolymer organogel delivery media realizable through simple formulation strategies.

Recognizing the potential of block copolymer organogel media via formulation-structure-property relationships

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.