Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization Technique Research Articles

Modification of graphene oxide by ATRP: A pH-responsive additive in membrane for separation of salts, dyes and heavy metals

Incorporation of hydrophilic multifunctional compounds in to the polymeric membrane’s matrix is one of the useful methods for modification of mixed matrix membranes. Therefore, in this study, preparation and properties of polyethersulfone (PES) mixed matrix membranes with hydrolyzed polymethylmethacrylate (PMMAhyd) grafted on graphene oxide (GO-PMMAhyd) is investigated as an effective additive to improve permeability and antifouling properties. In this respect, grafting of PMMAhyd on the GO surface is done by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) technique and confirm by FTIR, H NMR, EDAX and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). During membrane formation, the membrane surface porosity improves and the hydrophilic GO-PMMAhyd nanoparticles tend to migrate toward the membrane top surfaces which confirms by FE-SEM cross-section images. Moreover, contact angle measurements show that the surface hydrophilicity enhanced after introducing GO-PMMAhyd. More importantly, prepared nanocomposite membranes show excellent performance in the separation of salts, dyes and heavy metal ions. Furthermore, it can be expected that by creating acid groups on graphene oxide plates, prepared mixed matrix membranes were pH-sensitive, so this claim is examined and proved in membranes.

UV-Absorbing Cellulose Nanocrystals as Functional Reinforcing Fillers in Poly(vinyl chloride) Films

Ultraviolet (UV)-responsive poly(cinnamoyloxy ethyl methacrylate) (PCEM) was grafted on cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) via the surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization technique. The resultant PCEM-grafted CNCs (PCEM-g-CNCs) exhibit high UV absorption properties and undergo cross-linking when subjected to UV radiation. When the PCEM-g-CNC nanohybrids were incorporated into poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) matrix, transparent nanocomposite films with UV-blocking characteristics were obtained. Comparison of the optical and mechanical properties of the films before and after UV irradiation confirmed that the PCEM-g-CNCs are excellent thermal and UV stabilizers for PVC. In addition, the tensile properties of the PVC film were increased significantly and further enhanced after UV irradiation.

Cylindrical Micelles with “Patchy” Coronas from the Crystallization-Driven Self-Assembly of ABC Triblock Terpolymers with a Crystallizable Central Polyferrocenyldimethylsilane Segment

Solution self-assembly of a series of linear ABC triblock terpolymers with a central crystallizable poly(ferrocenyldimethylsilane) (PFS) core-forming “B” block and terminal polystyrene (PS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) “A” and “C” blocks has been investigated. Three PS-b-PFS-b-PMMA triblock terpolymers with different block ratios (1, 3.6:1.0:4.7; 2, 7.0:1.0:6.9; and 3, 1.1:1.0:1.4) but with similar degrees of polymerization for the central PFS block were prepared through a combination of living anionic and atom-transfer radical polymerization techniques, together with azide/alkyne “click” chemistry. Cylindrical micelles with a crystalline PFS core were formed in solvents selective for the terminal PS and PMMA blocks. In ethyl acetate, a slightly more selective solvent for the PS block, cylinders with significant microphase separation within the corona in the dry state were observed on the basis of TEM analysis. The use of acetone, which is slightly more selective for the PMMA block than the PS blo...

Folate-conjugated pH-responsive nanocarrier designed for active tumor targeting and controlled release of doxorubicin

A novel type of amphiphilic pH-responsive folate-poly(e-caprolactone)-block-poly(2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate)-co-poly(2-(dimethylamino)-ethylmethacrylate) (FA-PCL-b-P(HEMA-co-DMAEMA)) (MFP) block copolymers were designed and synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and ring opening polymerization (ROP) techniques. The molecular structures of the copolymers were confirmed with 1H NMR, FTIR and GPC measurements. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of MFP in aqueous solution was extremely low (about 6.54 mg/L). The in vitro release behavior of DOX-loaded micelles was significantly accelerated when the pH value of solution decreased from 7.4 to 5.0. In vitro antitumor efficiency was evaluated by incubating DOX-loaded micelles with Hela cells. The results demonstrated that this copolymer possessed excellent biocompatibility, and FA-decorated micelles MFP showed higher cellular uptake than those micelles without the FA moiety, indicating their unique targetability. These folate-conjugated biodegradable micelles are highly promising for targeted cancer chemothe-rapy.

New Ti-IMAC magnetic polymeric nanoparticles for phosphopeptide enrichment from complex real samples

The work describes the preparation of a new magnetic phase for batch enrichment of phosphopeptides. The material exploits the advantages of magnetic solid phase extraction and couples them with the most employed approach for phosphopeptide enrichment, i.e. Ti4+-IMAC. In order to immobilize Ti4+ ions on the surface of the magnetite nanoparticles, they were first covered by a silica shell and then modified to expose at the surface bromine containing groups. Glycidyl methacrylate was subsequently polymerized from these groups using the “grafting from” approach by the activator regenerated by electron transfer–atom transfer radical polymerization (ARGET-ATRP) technique. Finally, the glycidyl groups were reacted with iminodiacetic acid to functionalize the material with moieties suitable for coordination. The prepared material was extensively characterized and subsequently tested for enrichment of a bovine serum albumin mixture with casein to ascertain its potential. With positive results, the new magnetic polymeric material was further employed to set up an enrichment method on yeast protein digest based on shotgun proteomics. The sample to phase ratio was optimized and the best condition compared to a commercial TiO2 spin column. At the end of the comparison, the new material proved better and could enrich a larger total number of phosphopeptides with increased selectivity. All these conclusions and the test performed on a real complex sample within the final shotgun application further support the applicability of the new material in phosphopeptide analysis of real matrices.

POSS-pendanted in epoxy chain inorganic-organic hybrid for highly thermo-mechanical, permeable and hydrothermal-resistant coatings

Organic-inorganic hybrid is prepared by grafting nano-scaled methacrylisobutyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (MA-POSS) onto glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) via the combining of free radical polymerization, epoxy opening reaction and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) techniques. The obtained (MA-POSS)-pendanted epoxy hybrid, PGMA-g-P(MA-POSS), are discussed fot their highly thermo-mechnical property, hydrothermal resistance and permeability based on the self-assembled micelles. In THF solution, PGMA-g-P(MA-POSS) could self-assembly into 110–800 nm sphereric core-shell micelles, while, the pre-curing PGMA-g-P(MA-POSS) distributes 60–600 nm core-shell micelles because the developed three-dimensional network structure makes the PGMA chains twining and cross-linking tightly leading to the shrinkage of particles. These self-assembled micelles have provided the casted films with 0.19–14.4 nm surface roughness, significant water resistance (SCA = 113-123°), high thermal stability (Td = 300–600 °C) and strong adhesive strength (216–333 N). Compared with the poor adhesive strength for commercial epoxy resin (E-51) decreased from 393 N to 28 N after 15 hydrothermal cycles, the obtained PGMA-g-P(MA-POSS) displays super thermal endurance properties and humidity resistance by keeping a relative constant adhesive strength (from 340 N to 337 N). Furthermore, PGMA-g-P(MA-POSS) also gives much better permeability to the protective treated sandstone than E-51. Therefore, PGMA-g-P(MA-POSS) is prospected to serve as coatings with great potential applications.

Recent Progress on Hyperbranched Polymers Synthesized via Radical-Based Self-Condensing Vinyl Polymerization.

This short review article summarizes recent reports on using controlled radical polymerization (CRP) of inimers (compounds containing initiating group and vinyl group in one molecule) or transmers (compounds containing chain transfer group and vinyl group in one molecule) for the synthesis of hyperbranched polymers. These inimers and transmers that carry numerous functional groups could be homopolymerized, i.e., self-condensing vinyl polymerization, or copolymerized with monovinyl monomers, i.e., self-condensing vinyl copolymerization, using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), nitroxide-mediated polymerization (NMP) or reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization techniques, producing hyperbranched polymers and hyperstar polymers with tunable molecular weights, compositions and degree of branching. Recent reports that attempted different strategies to regulate polymer–polymer reactions were introduced, demonstrating possible syntheses of hyperbranched polymers with better defined structures and relatively low molecular weight dispersity. Finally, several CRP-produced hyperbranched polymers were discussed on their applications for encapsulation of guest molecules, nanomedicine, diagnostic imaging and catalysis.

Hg selective adsorption on polypropylene-based hollow fiber grafted with polyacrylamide

A novel polypropylene hollow fiber membrane with a new function of selective adsorption of mercury ions in aqueous solutions was successfully prepared. The surface of the polypropylene hollow fiber membrane was initially modified with polydopamine by surface polymerization, and subsequently grafted with polyacrylamide (PAM) polymer brush via the surface initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) technique (thereafter named as PP-PAM). This study investigated the adsorption performance of Hg(II) ions by PP-PAM and the effect of various influencing factors on Hg(II) ion adsorption. The experiment indicated that the Hg(II) adsorption capacity of the PP-PAM increased with the increase of the pH, and the Hg(II) adsorption kinetics was consistent with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The adsorption isotherm followed the Langmuir model, with the maximum adsorption capacity calculated to be 0.854 mmol/g for Hg(II) ions. The adsorption study in multi-component system indicated that PP-PAM preferentially adsorbs Hg(II) over Pb(II) ions, with significant adsorption capacity difference of the two heavy metal ions. This study provided an efficient method for the preparation of the adsorptive polypropylene hollow fiber membrane, which expands its application for the selective removal of heavy metal ions.

PH and temperature responsiveness in AgNPs stabilized by a new poly(vinylidene fluoride) random graft copolymer

ABSTRACTPoly(vinylidene fluoride)(PVDF)‐graft‐random copolymers(PD) of diethyleneglycol methylether methacrylate(MeO2MA) and dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate(DMAEMA) are synthesized by a combined atom transfer radical coupling and atom transfer radical polymerization technique at three different co‐monomer compositions. The molar ratio of MeO2MA to DMAEMA in PD are measured to be 1:5.8, 1:1.3, and 1:0.5 for PD1, PD2, and PD3 graft copolymers. In PD2 the feed ratio and mole ratio are same indicating an azeotropic composition causing highest yield (89%) and highest molecular weight (9.29 × 105). The grafted chains of PD are temperature and pH responsive and in basic pH they show a sudden increase in size above certain temperature for LCST‐type phase transition, however, this is not observed at pH 4 and 7. PD can generate AgNPs under UV irradiation and morphology of PD at 30 °C varies with pH from vesicle to nanosphere. The AgNPs lie on the surface of the vesicles or assemble with the PD chains forming nanosphere morphology. At different pH, PD samples exhibit plasmon peaks at different wavelengths attributed to various size, shapes and cluster formation. The UV–vis spectra of AgNPs stabilized by PD1 and PD2 samples exhibits similar LCST‐type phase transition as observed above, but that of PD3 does not show any such transition. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 960–970

Soluble and electrically conductive polyaniline‐modified polymers: Incorporation of biocompatible polymeric chains through ATRP technique

ABSTRACTThis article describes the incorporation of biocompatible polymeric chains [poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) and poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)] into the polyaniline backbone through atom transfer radical polymerization technique to produce soluble and electrically conductive polyaniline‐based materials. The chemical structures of all samples as representatives were characterized by means of Fourier transform‐infrared and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies. The electroactivity behaviors and electrical conductivities of the synthesized samples were verified under cyclic voltammetric conditions, and the standard four‐probe method, respectively. In addition, the thermal behaviors and morphologies of the synthesized samples were investigated by means of thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. We envision that the synthesized polyaniline‐modified polymers may be find applications in biomedical fields such as tissue engineering, mainly due to their water solubilities, electrical conductivities, and biocompatibilities. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2017,134, 44720.

Well-defined functional mesoporous silica/polymer hybrids prepared by an ICAR ATRP technique integrated with bio-inspired polydopamine chemistry for lithium isotope separation.

Mesoporous silica/polymer hybrids with well-preserved mesoporosity were prepared by integrating the initiators for continuous activator regeneration (ICAR) atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) technique with the bio-inspired polydopamine (PDA) chemistry. By manipulating the auto-oxidative polymerization of dopamine, uniform PDA layers were deposited on the surfaces and pore walls of ordered mesoporous silicas (OMSs), thereby promoting the immobilization of ATRP initiators. Poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) brushes were then grown from the OMSs by using the ICAR ATRP technique. The evolution of the mesoporous silica/polymer hybrids during synthesis, in terms of morphology, structure, surface and porous properties, was detailed. And, parameters influencing the controlled growth of polymer chains in the ICAR ATRP system were studied. Taking advantage of the abundant epoxy groups in the PGMA platform, post-functionalization of the mesoporous silica/polymer hybrids by the covalent attachment of macrocyclic ligands for the adsorptive separation of lithium isotopes was realized. Adsorption behavior of the functionalized hybrids toward lithium ions was fully investigated, highlighting the good selectivity, and effects of temperature, solvent and counter ions. The ability for lithium isotope separation was evaluated. A higher separation factor could be obtained in systems with softer counter anions and lower polarity solvents. More importantly, due to the versatility of the ICAR ATRP technique, combined with the non-surface specific PDA chemistry, the methodology established in this work would provide new opportunities for the preparation of advanced organic-inorganic porous hybrids for broadened applications.

Preparation of a Polymer Monolithic Column Using Ionic Liquid as Porogen and Its Application in Separations of Proteins and Small Molecules

A polymer-based monolithic column was prepared for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), using ionic liquids as porogen within the confines of a stainless steel column (50 × 4.6 mm i.d.). In the process, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride and dodecyl alcohol were used as bi-porogens, vinyl ester resin as the monomer, ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate as the crosslinker, CCl4 as the initiator, and FeCl2 as the catalytic agent to prepare the polymer-based monolithic column. Scanning electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption–desorption instrument, and mercury intrusion porosimetry were used to assay the characteristics of the monolith, respectively. The optimized monolith showed uniform structure and good permeability. Then, the column was used as the stationary phase of HPLC to separate standard proteins and human plasma with gradient elution. Besides, the monolith was used to separate aromatic compounds from the mixture. The results showed that the addition of IL could effectively improve the structure of monoliths prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization technique. The results also suggested that this kind of monolith could be used as a simple, cheap and effective stationary phase for HPLC.

Metal Ion Ornamented Ultrafast Light-Sensitive Nanogel for Potential in Vivo Cancer Therapy

A smart, ultrafast, light-responsive nanogel is a potential carrier for on-demand and immediate delivery of therapeutic agents. Here, a novel branched pentaerythritol poly(caprolactone)-b-poly(acrylic acid)-based smart, light-responsive nanogel has been fabricated by using ferric ion (Fe3+) as a cross-linker. The mentioned block copolymer has been synthesized by combining both the ring opening and atom transfer radical polymerization techniques. Branched structure of the polymer offers a minute amount (1.5 mol %) of Fe3+ sufficient for nanogel formation. The nanogel looks like a spherically shaped human brain holding the water molecule as like cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. The particle size of the nanogel has been tailored (between 30 and 450 nm) by separately varying both the molar concentration of Fe3+ and polymer chain length. The highly negative zeta potential (−46 mV) of the nanogel promotes its impressive colloidal stability and prolongs the circulation time in vivo. Nanogels securely hold the DOX molecules (maximum drug loading capacity: 26.2%). Exposure of light onto the nanogel (in the presence of lactic acid) produces immediate initiation of de-cross-linking followed by the release of DOX molecules (85.2% at 120 min). The nanogel shows significantly high uptake and acute toxicity against a cancerous cell line (C6 glioma) in vitro. Administration of the DOX-loaded nanogel on the C6 glioma rat model (in vivo) offered tremendous inhibition (∼91%) of tumor growth without any toxic side effects (confirmed by histopathology).

Surface functionalization of graphene oxide with poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)-graft-poly(ε-caprolactone) and its electrospun nanofibers with gelatin

This article describes covalent functionalization of graphene oxide (GO) with poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)-graft-poly(e-caprolactone) [P(HEMA-g-CL)] via ‘living’ polymerization techniques and preparation of its electrospun nanofibers with gelatin. For this purpose, the GO was synthesized by oxidizing pristine graphite powder and then acetyl chloride was incorporated into the GO to afford an atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) macroinitiator (GO-Cl). The synthesized macroinitiator was employed for HEMA polymerization via ATRP technique to produce GO-g-PHEMA. Afterward, CL was graft copolymerized from the hydroxyl groups of the PHEMA via ring-opening polymerization approach to afford GO-g-[P(HEMA-g-CL)] nanocomposite. The solutions of the GO-g-[P(HEMA-g-CL)] and gelatin were electrospun to fabricate uniform, conductive, and biocompatible nanofibers. The morphology, in vitro degradability, biocompatibility, hydrophilicity, and conductivity of the GO-g-[P(HEMA-g-CL)]/gelatin electrospun nanofibers were investigated. It is expected that the prepared nanofibers find application as a scaffolding biomaterial for regenerative medicine, mainly due to their biocompatibility, degradability, and electrical conductivity.

Enhancing Long-Range Ordering of P3HT by Incorporating Thermotropic Biphenyl Mesogens via ATRP

The methoxybiphenyl liquid crystalline mesogen 6-((4′-methoxy-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)oxy)hexyl methacrylate (MeOBP) was incorporated into block copolymers with regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) by a combination of Grignard metathesis (GRIM) and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) techniques. Side chain engineering with a thermotropic liquid crystalline segment produced an improved morphology resulting in field-effect mobilities of ∼10–2 cm2/(V s) measured in organic thin film transistors (OTFTs). It was observed that improved π–π stacking distances between edge-on oriented polythiophene segments upon annealing facilitated charge transport which was accomplished with π–π stacked biphenyl mesogens with P3HT block. Variation of surface morphology of polymer thin films upon annealing was investigated by tapping mode atomic force microscopy (TMAFM). A combined study of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarized optical microscopy (POM) was also performed to identify liquid crystalline...

Preparation of pH-sensitive micelles from miktoarm star block copolymers by ATRP and their application as drug nanocarriers

In this study, novel pH-sensitive micelles were prepared from miktoarm star block copolymer, mPEG-b-P(MMA-co-MAA)2, by the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) technique and dialysis method. Molecular structures and characteristics of the micelles were confirmed by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The self-assembled micelles have a very low critical micelle concentration, indicating a high colloidal stability in aqueous solution. Methotrexate (MTX) was selected as the model drug of poor solubility. A relatively high drug loading capacity was found, and the in vitro release studies revealed that about 26% of the drug was released in simulated gastric fluid (SGF, pH1.2) over 48h compared to the maximum drug release of about 98% in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF, pH7.4). Thus, the pH-sensitive micelles might serve as promising carriers for oral drug delivery of hydrophobic drugs with controlled release behavior.

Chemical and electrochemical grafting of polythiophene onto poly(methyl methacrylate), and its electrospun nanofibers with gelatin

For the first time, chemical and electrochemical grafting of polythiophene (PTh) onto poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) via a combination of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), and Grignard reaction is reported. For this purpose, a PMMA was synthesized by ATRP technique, and then reacted with 2-thienylmagnesium bromide to afford a thiophene-functionalized PMMA macromonomer. The synthesized macromonomer was subsequently used in chemical and electrochemical oxidation copolymerization methods with thiophene monomer to produce PMMA-g-PTh copolymer. In addition, the solutions of the chemically synthesized PMMA-g-PTh copolymer, and gelatin was electrospun to produce uniform, and conductive nanofibers. The chemical structures of all samples as representatives were characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared, and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies. The electroactivity behaviors of the synthesized samples were verified under cyclic voltammetric conditions, and their conductivities were determined using the four-probe technique.

Magnetorheological suspensions based on modified carbonyl iron particles with an extremely thin poly(n-butyl acrylate) layer and their enhanced stability properties

This study is focused on the modification of magnetic carbonyl iron (CI) particles with a thin polymer shell utilizing the atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) technique, enabling control of the molecular weight and polydispersity of the final grafted polymer chains on the surface of CI particles and therefore also allowing tuning of the magnetorheological (MR) performance as well as stability properties (chemical, sedimentation). Hence, the bare CI particles were coated with a poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA) shell by the ATRP technique. The polymerization procedure of polymer grafting on the surface of the CI particles was characterized by gel permeation chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance. The presence of the PBA chain on the CI particles was confirmed by Fourier infrared spectroscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. A saturation magnetization analysis using vibrating sample magnetometer proved that a thin polymer shell negligibly affects their magnetic properties, and data fit into the Jiles–Atherton model allowed the finite magnetization saturation for both bare CI and CI-PBA particles to be obtained. Furthermore, it was proved that a thin PBA coating provides sufficiently enhanced chemical and sedimentation stability properties for such a system, while the MR performance investigated using a rotational rheometer was affected negligibly. Finally it can be stated that a controllable coating performed via the ATRP technique is a useful tool to significantly improve stability properties, while the MR performance maintains values suitable for real-life applications.

Synthesis of TiO2-grafted onto PMMA film via ATRP: Using monomer as a coupling agent and reusability in photocatalytic application

Grafting TiO2 onto PMMA was studied using the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) technique. Each step in the grafting process was monitored by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra. The glass temperature was determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The morphology and bulk composition were characterized by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). The morphology of particles grafted onto the polymer was investigated by the cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The surface composition was measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). As a result, a method of grafting TiO2 onto PMMA was successfully completed and confirmed by various techniques. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated under UV light irradiation. The reusability of TiO2-g-PMMA films was studied in detail.

Peptide‐poly(tert‐butyl methacrylate) conjugate into composite micelles in organic solvents versus peptide‐poly(methacrylic acid) conjugate into spherical and worm‐like micelles in water: Synthesis and self‐assembly

ABSTRACTPeptide–polymer conjugates are versatile class of biomaterials composed of a peptide block covalently linked with a synthetic polymer block. This report demonstrates the synthesis of peptide‐poly(tert‐butyl methacrylate) (Peptide‐PtBMA) conjugates of varying molecular weights via a “grafting from” atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) technique using as‐synthesized peptide‐based initiator in toluene. Peptide‐PtBMA conjugate is soluble in many organic solvents and undergoes self‐assembly into micro/nanospheres in DMF/THF as observed from both FESEM and DLS results. The conjugate micro/nanospheres are nothing but the composite micelles formed by the secondary aggregation of primary micelles generated initially in these organic solvents. The hydrolysis of tert‐butyl groups of Peptide‐PtBMA conjugate leads to the formation of peptide‐poly(methacrylic acid) (Peptide‐PMA) conjugate. The circular dichroism (CD) analysis exhibits the presence of β‐sheet conformation of peptide moiety in synthesized conjugates. The formed Peptide‐PMA conjugate is soluble in water and owing to its amphiphilic character, the conjugate molecules self‐assemble into spherical micelles as well as worm‐like micelles upon increasing the concentration of conjugate in water. However, the sodium salt of Peptide‐PMA conjugates (Peptide‐PMAS) self‐assembles into only spherical swollen micelles in water at higher (pH ∼10). The critical aggregation concentrations (CACs) of both Peptide‐PMA and Peptide‐PMAS micelles are measured by fluorescence spectroscopy. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 3019–3031