Biocompatible block copolymers garnered major interest in biomedical and medicinal applications.  Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is a widely utilized biomedical polymer with its capability to repel cells and proteins, along with its aptitude for exhibiting low toxicity and high hydrophilicity in combination with poly(amino acids) (PAA).  This paper focuses on the synthesis of amphiphilic ABC ter-copolymers based on PEG and PAA copolymers through ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of N-carboxyanhydrides, specifically yielding PEG-b-p(Glu-b-Leu), PEG-b-p(Leu-b-Glu) and PEG-b-p(Glu-co-Leu).  The amphilicity and hydrophilic-lipophilic equilibrium of the copolymers can be manipulated via deprotection of the p(Glu) segment.  These ABC ter-copolymers will undergo self-assembly in aqueous medium and by changing their physical characteristics, self-assembly properties may be influenced as well.  Ultimately, these PEGylated PAA's may provide biomedical delivery vehicles

Novel synthesis of ABC tercopolymers based on poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(amino acid) copolymers

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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