As one of the most promising alternatives to poly(ethylene glycol), poly(2-oxazoline)s do not offer yet the same broad functionalization scope. Particularly, chain-end functionality is highly desirable when it comes to modify surfaces or create advanced macromolecular architectures.<br/>In this presentation, new routes for the preparation of heterotelechelic poly(2-oxazoline)s will be discussed. Both alpha- and omega functionalizations will be described. First, by employing protected initiators, we show that is possible to produce poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)s (PEtOx) with maleimide or thiol alpha functionalities. These are then exploited for further chain-end modifications, protein conjugation, as well as for surface patterning. Secondly, direct termination of the active chain end during cationic ring-opening polymerization affords omega functionality. This route enables the introduction of azide, dithiobenzoate, and norbornene moities, which were subsequently utilized for the synthesis of various PEtOx-stabilized (functional) nanoparticular architectures, such as crosslinked star micelles, crew-cut micelles, nanofibers, and nano/microvesicles.

End-functional poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)s for surface grafting and nanoparticle stabilization

2019 Spring National Meeting

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