The innovation engine for new materials

Caroline Jansson

University: 

Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden

Major: 

Chemical Engineering

Mentor(s): 

Pontus Lundberg

Faculty Sponsor(s): 

Craig Hawker

Faculty Sponsor's Department: 

Materials

Project Title: 

TUNING THE PROPERTIES OF AMPHIPHILIC BLOCK COPOLYMERS USING THIOL-ENE CHEMISTRY

Project Description: 

Amphiphilic block copolymers are of great interest for drug delivery applications. They form micelles in aqueous solutions and can be used in carrying hydrophobic pharmaceuticals to human cells. Amphiphilic diblockpolymers, based on poly(allyl glycidyl ether)-b-poly(ethylene oxide), were synthesized and their self-assembly into micelles was characterized. Parameters such as polymeric block lengths and the ratio of the blocks were varied to determine their effect on micellization. Different hydrophobic and pH-responsive compounds were attached to the polymer using thiol-ene chemistry in varying ratios in order to achieve the optimal micelle properties. The micelle size, critical micelle concentration (CMC), and the pH-responsivity of the micelle were characterized and reviewed to determine if the micelles reached the properties that are needed for a pharmaceutical carrier. CMC was dependent on a number of parameters such as blocks ratio and pH. We found the size to be optimal for pharmaceutical applications and show some pH-dependency. As shown, our polymeric platform enables simple functionalization with thiols. Thus, other functionalities could easily be added to tailor the properties for a range of applications.