This presentation describes the synthesis of our surface polymerization initiator, the production process for creating pocket nanoparticles, and the successful coating of the resulting gold pocket nanoparticles (AuPNPs) with N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM).  We synthesized the framework of the initiator using 4.4'-azobis(4-cyanovaleric acid) and 1,6-hexanedithiol, attaching poly(ethylene glycol)methyl ether to this assembly using DCC/DMAP.  The AuPNPs were assembled through a layering procedure that involved spin coating of a sacrificial polymer layer on a silicon wafer, the vapor deposition of metal layers (e.g., gold and copper), and helium ion beam lithography through a mask to establish the nanoparticle shape.  The polymerization initiator was immobilized on the resulting AuPNPs by the formation of thiolate bonds to the gold particles, and the hydrogel polymer (PNIPAM) was generated by the radical polymerization of a mixture of NIPAM monomer, acrylic acid (AAc), and N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide (BIS).  The size and morphology of the resulting PNIPAM-coated AuPNPs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while the elemental compositions were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX).  The optical properties were evaluated by UV-Vis spectroscopy.  These PNIPAM-coated AuPNPs are promising carriers for drug delivery.Keywords: Thermally and pH Responsive Hydrogel, Gold Pocket Nanoparticles, Ion-beam Lithography, Drug Delivery.

Thermally-responsive PNIPAM-coated pocket nanoparticles

247th National Meeting (2014)

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