Synthesis and self-assembly behavior of four-arm poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) star block copolymer in salt solutions

Langmuir. 2007 Feb 27;23(5):2382-8. doi: 10.1021/la062987+. Epub 2007 Jan 30.

Abstract

A well-defined block copolymer consisting of four-arm poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (four-arm PEO56-b-PDEAEMA74) was synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization. The pH-responsive self-assembly behavior was examined by potentiometric titration, surface tensiometry, laser light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy over the course of dissociation by the addition of a base or acid. The apparent hydrodynamic radius (Rh) of the micelle increased from 21 to 56 nm when the degree of protonation of the amine groups was increased from 0 to 0.5 in 0.01 M NaCl solution. In higher concentration NaCl solution, the micelle shrank due to the electrostatic charge screening of the protonated DEAEMA groups. At low pH, the micelles dissociated into unimers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chemistry, Physical / methods
  • Chromatography, Gel
  • Electrochemistry / methods
  • Light
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Methacrylates / chemistry*
  • Micelles
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Models, Chemical
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Nylons / chemistry*
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Potentiometry / methods
  • Salts / pharmacology
  • Scattering, Radiation
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Methacrylates
  • Micelles
  • Nylons
  • Polymers
  • Salts
  • poly(2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)