The cationic ring-opening polymerization (CROP) of 2-oxazolines and the reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization both represent techniques that provide access to polymers with well-defined molar mass and end groups. Despite the fundamental differences in polymerization mechanism, thermo-responsive polymers can be obtained using both techniques. While in particular the hydrophilic poly(2-oxazoline)s (POx) feature excellent “stealth behavior” when applied for biomedical purposes in vivo, the robustness of RAFT polymerization is perfect to introduce a wide range of functional moieties without the need to apply protection group chemistry. Utilizing the advantage of either polymerization technique, we combined a range of thermo-responsive building blocks in varying polymeric architectures such as di- and tri- block copolymers via direct end-functionalization of the living POx w-chain end starting from both monofunctional as well as bifunctional CROP initiators. On the other hand, the polymerization of POx macromonomers gave access to a multitude of comb and graft copolymers with poly(methacrylate) backbone that recently revealed extraordinary potential for use in drug delivery in first in vivo studies.

CROP and RAFT: A versatile mechanism combination with respect to thermo-responsive polymers

254th National Meeting (2017)

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