2-(Methacryloyloxy)ethyl phosphorylcholine) [MPC] is a biomimetic monomer that confers excellent biocompatibility when copolymerised with other methacrylic monomers. Thus, despite its relatively high cost, MPC-based copolymers are currently used in a range of commercial applications. MPC can be polymerised via controlled radical polymerization with good control over both the molecular weight distribution and the target degree of polymerisation.Copolymerization of MPC with 2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl methacrylate [DPA] yields a pH-responsive polymer which is amphiphilic above pH 6.4, whereas below pH 6.4 it dissolves in aqueous solution as a protonated cationic polyelectrolyte. Thus these pH-responsive block copolymers self-assemble around physiological pH to form highly biocompatible nanostructures depending on the relative block lengths. For example, PMPC25-PDPA30-60 block copolymers form micelles, whereas PMPC25-PDPA70-120 copolymers form vesicles. In particular, the vesicles offer potential applications for the efficient intracellular delivery of bio-active (macro)molecules and DNA. Recent developments regarding this block copolymer system including new synthesis techniques, self-assembly and biological applications will be discussed.

Biocompatible pH responsive nanoparticles

245th National Meeting (2013)

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