Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026

Anionic Polymerization of an Amphiphilic Copolymer for Preparation of Block Copolymer Micelles Stabilized by π-π Stacking Interactions
Published on: October 10, 2016
One-pot synthesis of linear-hyperbranched amphiphilic block copolymers based on polyglycerol derivatives and their
Yurie Oikawa1, Sueun Lee, Do Hyung Kim
1Department of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Iwate University, 4-3-5 Ueda, Morioka, Iwate 020-8551, Japan.
Abstract:
This paper describes the one-pot synthesis of a polyglycidol (PG)-based polymer, poly(ethoxyethyl glycidyl ether) (PEEGE)-b-[hyperbranched polyglycerol (hbPG)-co-PEEGE]x/y, its micelle formulation, and the ability to encapsulate a model therapeutic molecule. Amphiphilic block copolymers were prepared by the sequential addition of ethoxyethyl glycidyl ether (EEGE) to glycidol. The composition of the block copolymers varied from 62:38 to 92:8. Block copolymers with composition x:y≥66:34 were soluble only in organic solvents. Micelles were formulated by injection of deionized water into a tetrahydrofuran block copolymer solution with or without pyrene as a model hydrophobic molecule. The critical micelle concentration was 18.2-30.9 mg/L, and the micelle size was 100-250 nm. The pyrene-containing micelle rapidly collapsed on acidic exposure, allowing conversion of hydrophobic PEEGE to hydrophilic PG, thus, facilitating the release of the encapsulated pyrene. Cytotoxicity data showed high biocompatibility of PG-based block copolymers, suggesting their potential as a drug delivery carrier.
More Related Videos
11:42Synthesis of Monodisperse Cylindrical Nanoparticles via Crystallization-driven Self-assembly of Biodegradable Block Copolymers
Published on: June 20, 2019
09:02Using Polystyrene-block-poly(acrylic acid)-coated Metal Nanoparticles as Monomers for Their Homo- and Co-polymerization
Published on: July 9, 2015
Related Concept Videos
Characteristics and Nomenclature of Copolymers
Step-Growth Polymerization: Overview
Many natural and synthetic polymers are produced by...
Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Overview
Cationic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism
Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism
Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Chain Branching