A novel hybrid polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane-based copolymer with zwitterion: Synthesis, characterization, self-assembly behavior and pH responsive property

Abstract

A novel zwitterionic hybrid amphiphilic copolymer containing polyhedral oligomericsilsesquioxane (POSS), and poly(methacrylate isobutyl POSS)-b-poly (3-dimethyl(methacryloyloxyethyl) ammonium propane sulfonaten-co-2-(diethylamino) ethyl methacrylate-co-styrene) (PMAiBuPOSS-b-P(DMAPS-co-DMAEMA-co-St)), was prepared by the ring open reaction of 1, 3-propane sultone with tertiary amine on the precursor polymer. This hybrid copolymer could self-assemble into spherical micelle with a relatively narrow size distribution. The micelle size exhibited a great dependence on pH, as the size of the micelles was of evidently decreases with the increase of the pH value. Controllable release of pyrene from the micelles was investigated by fluorescent emission spectra. Micelles with more zwitterionic units would lead to less pyrene release and longer equilibrium time. The protein adsorption resistance of the micelles was tested by mixing them with fetal bovine serum. The antifouling ability was improved by increasing the number of zwitterionic units as well as decreasing the number of DMAEMA units. This novel hybrid amphiphilic random copolymer with the pH-responsive and anti-protein-fouling ability, can be potentially used for drug carriers for controlled release.