In this study, a series of new photo- and thermo-sensitive amphiphilic block copolymers, poly(triethylene glycol methacrylate)-block-poly(o-nitrobenzyl methacrylate) was synthesized and the polymeric micelles of these copolymers self-assembled in aqueous solution were investigated. The photo-cleavable moiety shows hydrophobic-hydrophilic transition after UV irradiation, and the thermo-responsive moiety undergoes hydrophilic-hydrophobic transition when the temperature is higher than the lower critical solution temperature. The transformation of the self-assembled nanostructures from polymeric micelles to unimers triggered by UV irradiation or temperature change was investigated by monitoring the particle size and morphology of micelles. With increasing exposure time under UV irradiation, the collapse of micelles has been observed. Through the dedicate adjustment of chemical structures, the thermal transition temperature was around body temperature. These indicate that this new series of amphiphilic block copolymers possesses the potential as nanocarriers for in-vivo treatment with the capabilities of both active and passive drug delivery.

Photocleavable and thermoresponsive polymeric micelles: Synthesis, characterization, and application in drug encapsulation

245th National Meeting (2013)

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