Nucleobase-containing synthetic polymers have gained significant attention for their ability to form self-assembled networks in aqueous solution based on complementary hydrogen bonding. The complementary hydrogen bonding of nucleobases can be exploited in biomaterials for drug delivery, tissue engineering, or bioadhesive applications. This work presents the synthesis, characterization, and self-assembly of nucleobase homopolymers comprised of adenine and thymine, respectively. Adenine and thymine containing homopolymers are synthesized by reversible-addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization using a difunctional chain transfer agent. Controlled polymerization is shown by the results of absolute molecular weight characterization using size exclusion chromatography with online light scattering detection. The results of characterization by dynamic light scattering and spectroscopy reveals self-assembly of polymers with complementary nucleobase pairs.

Synthesis, characterization, and self-assembly of adenine- and thymine-containing polymers for biomedical applications

2019 Spring National Meeting

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