Therapeutic approaches employing polymer-based designs have emerged as essential methodologies for drug and gene administration. Scaffolds and carriers compromised of biocompatible and biodegradable polymeric components such as linear block or graft copolymers have been described in previous literature as suitable candidates for biomedical application. However, the practical application of these materials for clinical use are marginal due to limitation in specificity, size, and molecular constructs. Herein, we report the analysis of a library of “Janus-type” linear-dendritic block copolymers (LDBCs) comprised of a hydrophilic polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendron covalently linked to a hydrophobic polyester. Combining the advantageous properties of both linear and dendritic macromolecules, these amphiphilic LDBCs are composed of segments of fundamentally different molecular architecture and chemical property (i.e., hydrophilic and hydrophobic). The immiscibility of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments lead to nanophase-segregation exhibited as the formation of aggregates in water, depending on the ratio between the hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties. Microscopy (TEM) and light scattering (DLS) analysis indicate the size (i.e., diameters) of the nanoparticles ranging from 30-100 nm with positive zeta-potential values (concentrations of 1-10 mg/mL). Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) was employed to obtain direct structural information on the various morphological assemblies in a saturated aqueous solution. Results of the study confirm materials applicable as next generation drug delivery systems.

Synthesis and characterization of “Janus-type” linear-dendritic block copolymers (LDBCs) for therapeutic applications

255th National Meeting (2018)

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