Induced micellization and micellar transitions in aqueous solutions of non-linear block copolymer Tetronic® T904

Abstract

Tetronics® (Poloxamines) are the least studied block copolymers with an X-shaped molecular geometry formed by four poly (propylene oxide, PPO) and poly (ethylene oxide, PEO) block chains, bonded to a central ethylenediamine group. Compared to their linear counterparts, the Pluronics, Tetronics® are novel, in that they possess superior physicochemical properties, and are relatively less studied. A complete understanding of their solution behavior under different solution conditions can make them competitive candidates for novel drug delivery systems. The micellization behavior and aqueous solution properties of Tetronic® T904 [(EO(15)PO(17)) (2)NCH(2)CH(2)N (PO(17)EO(15))(2)] have been determined by cloud point, viscosity, dynamic light scattering (DLS), small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements. The copolymer formed spherical micelles at 30°C with a core radius (R(c)) of about 2.5 nm, a hard sphere radius (R(hs)) of 5.2 nm and an aggregation number (N(agg)) of 10. The effect of copolymer concentration, temperature, pH and salt on the micellar and phase behavior is examined. The copolymer has been found to exist in aggregated form only at higher pH values of >8. An increase in micelle size and aggregation has been observed for an increase in temperature and salt concentration, mainly due to the dehydration of the hydrated PEO shell. The added salts (NaCl, Na(2)SO(4) and Na(3)PO(4)) induce micellization and favor the micellar transition at lower temperatures due to the "salting out effect"; the effect of anions follows the Hofmeister series (PO(4)(3-)>SO(4)(2-)>Cl(-)).