Copolymer Concentration Research Articles

Copolymerization of N-[3-dialkylaminopropyl]methacrylamides with acrylic amides and esters in organic solvents

The radical copolymerization of N-[3-(dialkylamino)-propyl]methacrylamides with a number of (meth)acrylic amides and esters in organic solvents over a wide range of molar ratios has been studied. Co-polymerisation constants for five polymerisation systems in 1,4-dioxane and toluene have been determined by the Feinman and Ross method. The influence of the solvent on the kinetics of the copolymerization of the studied monomers was found, which manifests itself in a change of the reactivity ratios of the monomers upon varying the polarity of the medium. For the obtained polymers, the presence of thermosensitive properties in aqueous solutions and the effect of the concentration and composition of copolymers on their solubility in water were shown.

Phase behavior of medium-length hydrophobically associating PEO-PPO multiblock copolymers in aqueous media

HypothesisThe micellization of block copolymers of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) is driven by the dehydration of PPO at elevated temperatures. At low concentrations, a viscous solution of isolated micelles is obtained, whereas at higher concentrations, crowding of micelles results in an elastic gel. Alternating PEO-PPO multiblock copolymers are expected to exhibit different phase behavior, with altered phase boundaries and thermodynamics, as compared to PEO-PPO-PEO triblock copolymers (Pluronics®) with equal hydrophobicity, thereby proving the pivotal role of copolymer architecture and molecular weight. ExperimentsMultiple characterization techniques were used to map the phase behavior as a function of temperature and concentration of PEO-PPO multiblock copolymers (ExpertGel®) in aqueous solution. These techniques include shear rheology, differential and adiabatic scanning calorimetry, isothermal titration calorimetry and light transmittance. The micellar size and topology were studied by dynamic light scattering. FindingsMultiblocks have lower transition temperatures and higher thermodynamic driving forces for micellization as compared to triblocks due to the presence of more than one PPO block per chain. With increasing concentration, the multiblock copolymers in solution gradually evolve into a viscoelastic network formed by soluble bridges in between micellar nodes, whereas hairy triblock micelles jam into liquid crystalline phases resembling an elastic colloidal crystal.

Synergy effect of bactericidal and antifouling with structure reversion and hydrolysis of cationic amphiphilic copolymer PHMA-b-PCBMAE to zwitterionic copolymer

In this study, cationic amphiphilic copolymers of poly(hexadecyl methacrylate)-b-poly(carboxybetaine methacrylate ester) (PHMA-b-PCBMAE) with hydrophobic unit of 100 were synthesized, which can be self-assembled as core-shell nanoparticles with PCBMAE as core and PHMA as shell in chloroform. In response to the change of solvent polarity from chloroform to methanol, the reversion ability of core-shell structure occurred to cationic amphiphilic polymers of PHMA100-b-PCBMAE40, PHMA100-b-PCBMAE50, PHMA100-b-PCBMAE75 and PHMA100-b-PCBMAE100 in an ascending order, which was verified by 1H NMR results. Coatings embedded with the cationic copolymers with PHMA:PCBMAE block ratios of 100:75 and 100:100 showed remarkably decreased water contact angle and protein adsorption amount due to the resulted zwitterionic copolymers upon hydrolysis in aqueous solution. Moreover, dynamic recording of the bactericidal activity against E. coli and S. aureus showed that it took ∼18 h for the copolymers PHMA100-b-PCBMAE75 and PHMA100-b-PCBMAE100 to take effect in bacteria killing and foulant repelling, and the bacteria left on the coating surfaces were <1.0 % in 24 h. The bactericidal results were in good accord with the trend of the nanoparticle reversion ability, indicating that higher PCBMAE contents of the cationic diblock copolymer facilitated core-shell reversion and subsequent hydrolysis to zwitterionic copolymer. Moreover, the regenerable surfaces of the coating furtherly ensured the sustainable bactericidal and antifouling activities.

Study on Scale and Corrosion Inhibition Performance of Phosphorus-Free Copolymer Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate-Acrylic Acid-Sodium Allyl Sulfonate

A free radical polymerization method was used to synthesize the phosphorus-free copolymer hydroxyethyl methacrylate-acrylic acid-sodium allyl sulfonate (HEMA-AA-SAS). The structure of HEMA-AA-SAS was characterized, and the scale inhibition performance of the copolymer was determined. Near 100% of scale inhibition was achieved when the copolymer concentration was 6 mg/L, suggesting that HEMA-AA-SAS had a significant effect on the inhibition efficiency. The corrosion inhibition performance of the copolymer and the effects under different water quality conditions were determined using a rotating sample method. When the copolymer with 7.5 mg/L was implemented, the corrosion inhibition effect on the carbon steel hanging sheet reached 88.12%. The effects of copolymers on calcium carbonate crystals were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), which showed that the copolymers could destroy crystal morphology effectively. Through the calculation of the corrosion activation energy, the results show that the corrosion activation energy increases and the corrosion reaction rate decreases after the copolymer has been added. The copolymer HEMA-AA-SAS has excellent scale and corrosion inhibition performance.

Nanostructuring Biobased Epoxy Resin with PEO-PPO-PEO Block Copolymer

A biobased diglycidyl ether of vanillin (DGEVA) epoxy resin was nanostructured by poly(ethylene oxide-b-propylene oxide-b-ethylene oxide) (PEO-PPO-PEO) triblock copolymer. Due to the miscibility/immiscibility properties of the triblock copolymer in DGEVA resin, different morphologies were obtained depending on the triblock copolymer amount. A hexagonally packed cylinder morphology was kept until reaching 30 wt% of PEO-PPO-PEO content, while a more complex three-phase morphology was obtained for 50 wt%, in which large worm-like PPO domains appear surrounded by two different phases, one of them rich in PEO and another phase rich in cured DGEVA. UV-vis measurements show that the transmittance is reduced with the increase in triblock copolymer content, especially at 50 wt%, probably due to the presence of PEO crystals detected by calorimetry.

Processing, Mechanical and Morphological Properties of GTR Modified by SBS Copolymers.

In this work, ground tire rubber (GTR) was thermo-mechanically treated in the presence of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) copolymers. During preliminary investigation, the effects of different SBS copolymer grades, the variable content of SBS copolymer on the Mooney viscosity, and the thermal and mechanical properties of modified GTR were determined. Subsequently, GTR modified by SBS copolymer and cross-linking agents (sulfur-based system and dicumyl peroxide) was characterized by assessment of rheological, physico-mechanical, and morphological properties. Rheological investigations showed that linear SBS copolymer, with the highest melt flow rate among studied SBS grades, was the most promising modifier of GTR, considering processing behavior. It was also observed that an SBS improves the thermal stability of the modified GTR. However, it was found that higher content of SBS copolymer (above 30 wt%) does not bring any effective changes and, for economic reasons, is inefficient. The results showed that samples based on GTR modified by SBS and dicumyl peroxide have better processability and slightly higher mechanical properties compared to samples cross-linked by a sulfur-based system. This is due to the affinity of dicumyl peroxide to the co-cross-linking of GTR and SBS phases.

Room-Temperature Self-Healable Blends of Waterborne Polyurethanes with 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate-Based Polymers.

The design of self-healing agents is a topic of important scientific interest for the development of high-performance materials for coating applications. Herein, two series of copolymers of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) with either the hydrophilic N,N-dimethylacrylamide (DMAM) or the epoxy group-bearing hydrophobic glycidyl methacrylate were synthesized and studied as potential self-healing agents of waterborne polyurethanes (WPU). The molar percentage of DMAM or GMA units in the P(HEMA-co-DMAMy) and P(HEMA-co-GMAy) copolymers varies from 0% up to 80%. WPU/polymer composites with a 10% w/w or 20% w/w copolymer content were prepared with the facile method of solution mixing. Thanks to the presence of P(HEMA-co-DMAMy) copolymers, WPU/P(HEMA-co-DMAMy) composite films exhibited surface hydrophilicity (water contact angle studies), and tendency for water uptake (water sorption kinetics studies). In contrast, the surfaces of the WPU/P(HEMA-co-GMAy) composites were less hydrophilic compared with the WPU/P(HEMA-co-DMAMy) ones. The room-temperature, water-mediated self-healing ability of these composites was investigated through addition of water drops on the damaged area. Both copolymer series exhibited healing abilities, with the hydrophilic P(HEMA-co-DMAMy) copolymers being more promising. This green healing procedure, in combination with the simple film fabrication process and simple healing triggering, makes these materials attractive for practical applications.

Properties of acrylonitrile styrene acrylate copolymer modified eucalyptus/polyvinyl chloride composites

Eucalyptus/polyvinyl chloride (PVC) composites were prepared by extrusion molding with eucalyptus as filler, PVC as matrix, and different contents of acrylonitrile styrene acrylate copolymer (ASA). The effects of different ASA content on the mechanical properties, water absorption properties, and thermal stability of eucalyptus/PVC composites were studied. The morphology of the tensile section of the composites was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the addition of ASA could improve the mechanical properties, heat resistance, and interfacial compatibility of eucalyptus/PVC composites. It also could reduce the water absorption of the composites. When ASA content was 10 wt%, the mechanical properties and heat resistance of eucalyptus/PVC composite were the best, and the water absorption in 24 h was the lowest.

A Star-Shaped Copolymer with Tetra-Hydroxy-Phenylporphyrin Core and Four PNIPAM-b-PMAGA Arms for Targeted Photodynamic Therapy.

The novel thermosensitive star-shaped tetra-hydroxy-phenylporphyrin-cored (THPP) double hydrophilic poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-b-poly(methylacrylamide glucose) block copolymers (THPP-(PNIPAM-b-PMAGA)4) were synthesized via the reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Notably, the low critical solution temperatures (LCSTs) of THPP-(PNIPAM-b-PMAGA)4 were above normal body temperature (37 °C) which depended on the hydrophilic PMAGA contents of copolymers. When the temperature was higher than the LCST of the copolymer, the copolymer could be neutralized into micelles in aqueous and could be coated with antitumor drugs and released around tumor cells. The MTT study indicated that THPP-(PNIPAM-b-PMAGA)4 had a low toxicity to L929 and HeLa cells in the absence of light. However, THPP-(PNIPAM-b-PMAGA)4 showed a high toxicity with HeLa cells under light irradiation which could be used as a potential photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy (PDT). In addition, THPP-(PNIPAM-b-PMAGA)4 showed specific a recognition function with Concanavalin A (Con A) to achieve active targeted drug delivery. This work provides a new approach for the development of tumor targeting and chemotherapy/PDT.

One-step fabrication of three-dimensional macropore copolymer-modified polycarbonate array by photo-crosslinking for protein immunoassay.

A photocross-linked copolymer was prepared, and could rapidly form a macropore structure in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) without the addition of porogen. The photo-crosslinking process contained the crosslinking of the copolymer itself and that with the polycarbonate substrate. The three-dimensional (3D) surface was achieved through one-step photo-crosslinking of the macropore structure. The macropore structure can be finely regulated by multiple dimensions, including monomer structure of the copolymer, PBS and copolymer concentration. Compared with the two-dimensional (2D) surface, the 3D surface has a controllable structure, a high loading capacity (59 μg cm-2) and immobilization efficiency (92%), and the effect of inhibiting the coffee ring for protein immobilization. Immunoassay results show that a 3D surface immobilized by IgG has high sensitivity (LOD value of 5 ng mL-1) and broader dynamic range (0.005-50 μg mL-1). This simple and structure-controllable method for preparing 3D surfaces modified by macropore polymer has great potential applications in the fields of biochips and biosensing.

3D printable, thermo-responsive, self-healing, graphene oxide containing self-assembled hydrogels formed from block copolymer wormlike micelles.

Graphene oxide (GO) containing block copolymer nanocomposite hydrogels formed from poly(glycerol monomethacrylate-block-hydroxypropyl methacrylate) (PGMA-PHPMA) wormlike micelles were prepared by either mixing GO and copolymer at low temperature or via in situ reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerisation-induced self-assembly (PISA) of HPMA in the presence of a PGMA macromolecular chain-transfer agent and GO flakes. Hydrogels containing 15-25% w/w copolymer and 0 and 8% w/w GO, based on copolymer, were investigated and the maximum gel strength measured was ∼33 kPa for a 25% w/w copolymer gel prepared by in situ polymerisation and containing 2% w/w GO based on copolymer. This gel strength represents a fifteen-fold increase over the same copolymer gel without the addition of GO. The nanocomposite gels were found to recover efficiently after the application of high shear, with up to 98% healing efficiency within seconds. These gels are also 3D printable, self-healing, adhesive and temperature responsive on cooling and re-heating. The observed properties were both GO and copolymer concentration dependent, and tensile testing demonstrated that the nanocomposite gels had higher moduli, elongation at break and toughness than gels prepared without GO.

Dissipative particle dynamics study on the interfacial structure and tension for polymer blends of different copolymer chemical composition distributions

A dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulation is used to study the interfacial structure and tension for the polymer blends of different copolymer chemical composition distributions. Four chain lengths of diblock copolymers NAB = 10, 20, 40, and 60 with different microstructures are utilized for simulation. As the copolymer microstructure varied from the nondispersed symmetric diblock copolymer to the bidisperse asymmetric diblock copolymer mixtures, the asymmetry of the copolymer varied from f = 0.5 to 0.9. Our simulations show that (i) increasing the copolymer chain length NAB will significantly enhance the interfacial tension, which indicates that the chain length of the diblock copolymer is the most important factor affecting the compatibilization efficiency. Only when the copolymer chain length NAB = 10 can the asymmetry significantly affect the compatibilization efficiency, and the length of the shorter block is the decisive factor in the compatibilization efficiency of asymmetric diblock copolymers; (ii) with an increase in the asymmetry of the diblock copolymer from f = 0.5 to 0.9, the effective chain length of the diblock copolymer with compatibilization decreases, which results in a reduced number of compatibilized beads of copolymers. Thus, the symmetric block copolymer AB is more effective in reducing the interfacial tension than the asymmetric diblock copolymer mixtures at the same concentration; and (iii) The symmetric diblock copolymers enrich faster at the interfaces when elevating the copolymer concentration, which results in a faster reduction in the interfacial tension than that of the asymmetric bidisperse diblock copolymer mixtures. Our research work expands the understanding of polymer blends containing bidisperse asymmetric diblock copolymer mixtures.

Single core and multicore aggregates from a polymer mixture: A dissipative particle dynamics study

HypothesisMulticore block copolymer aggregates correspond to self-assembly such that the polymer system spontaneously phase separates to multiple, droplet-like cores differing in the composition from the polymer surroundings. Such multiple core aggregates are highly useful capsules for different applications, e.g., drug transport, catalysis, controlled solvation, and chemical reactions platforms. We postulate that polymer system composition provides a direct means for designing polymer systems that self-assemble to such morphologies and controlling the assembly response. SimulationsUsing dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulations, we examine the self-assembly of a mixture of highly and weakly solvophobic homopolymers and an amphiphilic block copolymer in the presence of solvent. We map the multicore vs single core (core–shell particles) assembly response and aggregate structure in terms of block copolymer concentration, polymer component ratios, and chain length of the weakly solvophobic homopolymer. FindingsFor fixed components and polymer chemistries, the amount of block copolymer is the key to controlling single core vs multicore aggregation. We find a polymer system dependent critical copolymer concentration for the multicore aggregation and that a minimum level of incompatibility between the solvent and the weakly solvophobic component is required for multicore assembly. We discuss the implications for polymer system design for multicore assemblies. In summary, the study presents guidelines to produce multicore aggregates and to tune the assembly from multicore aggregation to single core core–shell particles.

A Green Stable Antifouling PEGylated PVDF Membrane Prepared by Vapor-Induced Phase Separation.

While green solvents are being implemented in the fabrication of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes, most are not compatible with the vapor-induced phase separation (VIPS) process for which relatively low dissolution temperatures are required. Additionally, preparing antifouling green membranes in one step by blending the polymer with an antifouling material before inducing phase separation remains extremely challenging due to the solubility issues. Here, the green solvent triethyl phosphate (TEP) was used to solubilize both PVDF and a copolymer (synthesized from styrene monomer and poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate). VIPS was then used, yielding symmetric bi-continuous microfiltration membranes. For a 2 wt% copolymer content in the casting solution, the corresponding membrane P2 showed a homogeneous and dense surface distribution of the copolymer, resulting in a high hydration capacity (&gt;900 mg/cm3) and effective resistance to biofouling during the adsorption tests using bovine serum albumin, Escherichia coli or whole blood, with a measured fouling reduction of 80%, 89% and 90%, respectively. Cyclic filtration tests using bacteria highlighted the competitive antifouling properties of the membranes with a flux recovery ratio after two water/bacterial solution cycles higher than 70%, a reversible flux decline ratio of about 62% and an irreversible flux decline ratio of 28%. Finally, these green antifouling membranes were shown to be stable despite several weeks of immersion in water.

Role of the Branched PEG-b-PLLA Block Chain in Stereocomplex Crystallization and Crystallization Kinetics for PDLA/MPEG-b-PLLA-g-glucose Blends with Different Architectures.

The isothermal crystallization behavior and corresponding morphology evolution of poly(d-lactic acid) (PDLA) blends with PLLA6.7k or MPEG-b-PLLA6.7k-g-glucose with different architectures and different PLLA-grafted copolymer contents were investigated. The formation of stereocomplexes (SCs) in between the chain branched structure of MPEG-b-PLLA6.7k-g-glucose and PDLA chains acting as the physical crosslinking points slows down the motion of PDLA chains, but the SCs could act as a heterogeneous nucleating agent for the late formation of homocrystals (HCs) in the blend system, accelerating the crystallization kinetics of HCs through enhancing the nucleation density. For PDLA/MPEG-b-PLLA6.7k-g-glucose blends, the mobility of SCs in the blend system and the nucleation density of SCs in the blends exhibit oppositional behavior during the isothermal crystallization at a Tc of 130 °C. The evolution of the crystal growth and structure during the isothermal crystallization process by rheometry has revealed the interesting role of the branched chains of MPEG-b-PLLA6.7k-g-glucose in the mechanism of the crystallization in PDLA blends.

Non-silicone elastic coating with fouling resistance and fouling release abilities based on degradable hyperbranched polymer

Developing eco-friendly antifouling materials for combating marine biofouling has long been a challenging task. Herein, we report a non‑silicone elastomer coating based on hyperbranched poly (ε-caprolactone) (HPCL) cross-linked with an amphiphilic triblock copolymer of poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol). The polymer coating is prepared by ring-opening polymerization and self-condensation reactions, which can be prepared at a large scale. Such a coating is expected to have a self-renewed surface, fouling resistance and fouling release abilities. Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation test shows that the coating is degradable, leading to a self-renewed surface. The degradation rate can be regulated by adjusting the HPCL content. Bioassays with bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) and diatom (N. incerta) reveal that the surface with triblock copolymer content of 12.5 wt% or higher can resist the adhesion of microorganisms. The coating also has good fouling release performance with pseudobarnacle removal strength of ∼0.15 MPa, which is comparable with that of silicone elastomer. Marine field test for over 120 days proves the coating is effective in inhibiting marine biofouling due to the synergetic effect of surface renewal, fouling release and fouling resistance. This work provides a facile preparation method for biocide-free antifouling materials.

Polymerization-induced self-assembly of side-chain liquid crystalline copolymers by dissipative particle dynamics simulation

Side-chain liquid crystal copolymers can self-assemble into dispersed assemblies effectively with the polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) technique. However, the synergy of polymerization and self-assembly result in undefined self-assembly behavior and polymerization kinetics. We explored the PISA behavior of side-chain liquid crystal copolymers in selective solvents by combining dissipative particle dynamics simulation and a probability-based reaction model. It was found that the morphologies of assemblies depend on the PISA time, copolymer concentrations, and various structural parameters. The polymerization exhibits three stages with different reaction constants during the PISA, achieving low polydispersity of the produced copolymers. The comparison with experiments demonstrated that the simulation could capture the essential characteristics of PISA. This study can help fundamentally understand the PISA behavior of side-chain liquid crystal copolymers.

Structurally stable and surface-textured polylactic acid/copolymer/poly (ε-caprolactone) blend-based electrospun constructs with tunable hydroxyapatite responsiveness

Functionally-designed nanotextured and copolymer (COP) mediated PLA/PCL (70:30 w/w) blend-based interface-engineered electrospun mats (EMs) based constructs, with phase-specific interactions, have been successfully developed. The thermal stability of constructs remained up to ∼300–350 °C, while the crystallinity reduced to ∼12–23 %, indicating enhanced pliability. The tensile strength increased by ∼75 % without much compromise in the tensile modulus whereas the dynamic relaxation response of the constructs shifted to lower temperatures upon the incorporation of ≥ 2.5 phr (parts per hundred parts of resin) of COP. The zeta potential evaluated from radial surface exposure intensity could be manipulated by controlling the extent of COP content (−60 mV for ∼5 phr COP) which in turn led to the dynamics of site-specific charge neutralization driven attachment of Ca2+ ions (∼13 % for ∼5 phr COP) of the nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA). Such uniformly dispersed, n-HA attached, and surface-decorated (COP ≤ 5 phr) EMs enabled the selective L929 fibroblast cell attachment (∼200 % cell viability for ∼2.5 phr COP). Thus, the approach may prove to augment the biomineralization of Ca and apatite-driven healing kinetics amongst implant-seeking and inflammation-prone sites and thereby, paving a new pathway for controlled and targeted healing of bone, cartilage, dental gums, and other sites demanding n-HA and/or calcium-phosphorus assisted healing mechanism.

Implications of styrenic triblock copolymer gel mechanics on midblock bridging fraction

Triblock copolymer gels have garnered considerable scientific interest over the past few decades and are used in a variety of applications including consumer cushioning, pressure-sensitive adhesives, and ballistics gels. While many of their applications rely upon understanding mechanical properties, mechanical studies of block copolymer gels are relatively disjointed with each focusing on specific copolymers, which inherently have a fixed molecular weight and composition. The present study examines the quasistatic mechanical response of styrenic triblock copolymer gels composed of seven unique triblock copolymers at various concentrations. Resultant stress-extension data is fitted with the slip-tube network (STN) theory that describes gel mechanics based upon crosslinked network (Gc) and chain entanglement (Ge) modulus contributions. Collectively, modulus contributions imply that midblock bridging is independent of copolymer identity (i.e., molecular weight and block fraction) and dependent on triblock copolymer concentration via Fb ∝ φABA0.91±0.39 over the concentration range examined (φABA = 0.05–0.39). Gels composed of a complementary diblock-triblock copolymer pair were subsequently analyzed to explore the influence of interlocking loop-loop and loop-bridge pairs within the effective midblock bridging population. These results point to the presence of a physically significant quantity of interlocked loops, but quantitative analysis was inconclusive.

Electrospun Membranes of Poly(butylene succinate) and Poly(butylene/2‐butyl,2‐ethyl‐propylene succinate)

AbstractPoly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and poly(butylene/2‐butyl,2‐ethyl‐propylene succinate) (PBSBEPS) membranes are prepared by electrospinning technique. In recent years, interest in biodegradable aliphatic polyesters, including PBS and its copolymers, is increasing as they have potential applications in various sectors such as mulching films, food packaging, tissue engineering, and drug delivery. In this work, the synthesized polymers are dissolved in different solvents, namely acetone, chloroform (CHCl3), methanol, dichloromethane (DCM), and dimethylformamide in order to obtain the best solvent system. These solutions are then electrospun at room temperature to produce micron‐sized fibers. The variables examined in determining the optimal solution and electrospinning conditions are the solvent system used, the concentration of PBS and PBS‐based random copolymer, applied voltage, flow rate, humidity, and the distance between the needle tip and the collector, all of which have a meaningful effect on the fiber morphology. Among the various solvents used, the DCM and the less toxic CHCl3 result in fewer bead defects among fibers. Besides, an increase in PBS and PBS‐based random copolymer concentration determines the reduction of bead defects, which from 12 to 14 wt% results in bead‐free uniform fibers, when suitable processing parameters are set. Promising results, which can pave the way for the production of membranes loaded with appropriate anticancer molecules for targeted biomedical applications, are obtained.