Aminated linear and star-shape poly(glycerol methacrylate)s: synthesis and self-assembling properties

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Polyglycerols and analogs are increasingly important in biomedicine.
• Poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) offers versatile functionalization via epoxide groups.
• PGMA derivatives, poly(glycerol methacrylate)s (PGOHMA), are key targets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize linear and star-shape PGMA polymers.
• To functionalize PGMA with various amines, creating polyglycerol-like structures.
• To evaluate the potential of these polymers for drug and nucleic acid delivery.

Main Methods:

• Atom transfer radical polymerization for PGMA synthesis.
• Ring-opening addition with four different amines for functionalization.
• Characterization of polymer properties including water-solubility and complexation ability.

Main Results:

• Polyglycerol-like polymers with hydroxyl and amine groups were successfully synthesized.
• Polymers exhibited tunable water-solubility, forming pH-sensitive nanoassemblies or complexing polynucleotides.
• Aminated polyglycerols showed enhanced oligonucleotide interaction compared to poly(ethyleneimine), achieving high transfection efficacy.

Conclusions:

• Synthesized polyglycerol derivatives are effective for nucleic acid complexation and delivery.
• Linear aminated polyglycerols demonstrate high transfection efficiency.
• These polymers hold significant potential for drug and nucleic acid delivery applications.