Linear-dendritic Block Copolymers Research Articles

Dual stimuli-responsive dendritic-linear block copolymers

Dendritic-linear block copolymers that have pH responsive poly(benzyl ether) dendrons and temperature responsive PiPrOx chains have been designed by copper-mediated click reactions. These copolymers exhibit sharp thermal transitions with a wide range of pH-dependent thermal transition temperatures.

Self-assembly of dendritic-linear block copolymers with fixed molecular weight and block ratio

Block copolymers built on a dendritic block having fixed molecular weight but different number of peripheral PEG chains were synthesised. At a fixed block ratio, these block copolymers exhibited topological transition of cylindrical micelles depending on the number of PEG chains.

Rational design, syntheses, characterization and solution behavior of amphiphilic azobenzene-containing linear-dendritic block copolymers

In this paper, based on the synthesis of precursor linear-dendritic block copolymers (LDBCs) with a linear poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) block of molecular weight around 2000 and dendritic polyamidoamine (PAMAM) segments of generation G0 to G3, a series of azobenzene-containing amphiphilic LDBCs mPEG- dendr[PAMAM-(AZO) n ] ( n = 2, 4, 8, 16) have been successfully prepared in moderate yields 45–60%, through complete Michael addition between the peripheral amine groups of dendritic segment and the reactive azobenzene acrylate mesogen units bearing octyloxy tails and flexible decylmethylene spacers. The purified copolymers have been characterized and confirmed by NMR, FT-IR, MALDI-TOF MS, and GPC showing narrow molecular weight distribution in the range 1.09–1.20. A generation-dependent polymeric micellar aggregation behavior of thus obtained amphiphilic LDBCs from nanofibers of uniform diameter around 20 nm to nanospheres/oval sheets, vesicles, and porous large compound micelles (LCMs) of micrometer size has been demonstrated in selective solvent mixture of dioxane/water. Furthermore, photoisomerization transformation of these azobenzene-containing LDBCs and their kinetics of reversible trans-cis-trans photochemical transitions in THF solution have also been investigated, the measured trans-cis photoisomerization rate constant 0.0240 s −1 for G3 copolymer is twice of the 0.0127 s −1 determined for the precursor azobenzene compound, manifesting a kind of promising photoresponsive copolymer materials.

Intracellular Trafficking of Polyamidoamine–Poly(ethylene glycol) Block Copolymers in DNA Delivery

The delivery of nucleic acids has the potential to revolutionize medicine by allowing previously untreatable diseases to be clinically addressed. Viral delivery systems have shown immunogenicity and toxicity dangers, but synthetic vectors have lagged in transfection efficiency. Previously, we developed a modular, linear-dendritic block copolymer architecture with high gene transfection efficiency compared to commercial standards. This rationally designed system makes use of a cationic dendritic block to condense the anionic DNA and forms complexes with favorable endosomal escape properties. The linear block provides biocompatibility and protection from serum proteins, and can be functionalized with a targeting ligand. In this work, we quantitate performance of this system with respect to intracellular barriers to gene delivery using both high-throughput and traditional approaches. An image-based, high-throughput assay for endosomal escape is described and applied to the block copolymer system. Nuclear entry is demonstrated to be the most significant barrier to more efficient delivery and will be addressed in future versions of the system.

Air–water interfacial behavior of linear-dendritic block copolymers containing PEG and azobenzene chromophores

Fabrication of Langmuir films at the air–water interface of four linear-dendritic block copolymers (LDBCs) is described. The LDBCs are composed of a linear hydrophilic chain of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and the first four generations of hydrophobic aliphatic polyester dendrons functionalized at the periphery with cyanoazobenzene chromophores. Langmuir films of the LDBCs, coded as PEG-AZOn ( n indicates the number of cyanoazobenzene units at the periphery of the dendritic block), have been characterized by a combination of surface pressure versus area per molecule isotherms, UV–vis reflection spectroscopy and Brewster angle microscopy. The observed PEG-AZOn Langmuir film behavior depends strongly on the hydrophilic/hydrophobic ratio. A typical transition, related to PEG chains desorption from the air–water interface into the water subphase is observed for all the LDBCs, except for PEG-AZO16. In addition, PEG-AZO2 and PEG-AZO4 show a second transition whose nature has been studied in detail. Azobenzene chromophore interactions have been shown to be relevant in the organization of PEG-AZOn ( n = 4, 8 and 16) Langmuir films. Moreover, for PEG-AZO16 the orientation of the azobenzene units has been determined, revealing the formation of a well organized structure of azobenzene moieties at the air–water interface.

Highly stable, ligand-clustered “patchy” micelle nanocarriers for systemic tumor targeting

A novel linear-dendritic block copolymer has been synthesized and evaluated for targeted delivery. The use of the dendron as the micellar exterior block in this architecture allows the presentation of a relatively small quantity of ligands in clusters for enhanced targeting, thus maintaining a long circulation time of these “patchy” micelles. The polypeptide linear hydrophobic block drives formation of micelles that carry core-loaded drugs, and their unique design gives them extremely high stability in vivo. We have found that these systems lead to extended time periods of increased accumulation in the tumor (up to 5 days) compared with nontargeted vehicles. We also demonstrate a fourfold increase in efficacy of paclitaxel when delivered in the targeted nanoparticle systems, while significantly decreasing in vivo toxicity of the chemotherapy treatment. From the Clinical Editor A micellar vehicle using dendrons as the exterior block in combination with a polypeptide hydrophobic block was shown to incorporate and deliver paclitaxel to xenograft tumors with a four-fold increase in efficacy and reduced toxicity.

Liver‐targeting doxorubicin‐conjugated polymeric prodrug with pH‐triggered drug release profile

AbstractThe aim of the research presented was to develop a potential liver‐targeting prolonged‐circulation polymeric prodrug of doxorubicin (Dox) with a pH‐triggered drug release profile. In particular, linear dendritic block copolymers composed of polyamidoamine dendrimer (PAMAM) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG; number‐average molecular weight of 2000 g mol−1) with or without galactose (Gal) were synthesized. Dox was coupled to the copolymers via an acid‐labile hydrazone linker. These prodrugs, designated Gal‐PEG‐b‐PAMAM‐Doxn and mPEG‐b‐PAMAM‐Doxm, showed accelerated Dox release as the pH decreased from 8.0 to 5.6. Cytotoxicity of the prodrugs was lower than that of free Dox due to the gradual drug release nature. Compared to mPEG‐b‐PAMAM‐Doxm, Gal‐PEG‐b‐PAMAM‐Doxn showed rather high cytotoxicity against Bel‐7402, suggestive of its galactose receptor‐mediated enhanced tumor uptake. This galactose receptor‐mediated liver‐targeted profile was further confirmed by the prolonged retention time in hepatoma tissue monitored using magnetic resonance imaging. Gal‐PEG‐b‐PAMAM‐Doxn showed better in vivo antitumor efficacy than free Dox, suggesting its great potential as a polymeric antitumor prodrug. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry

Supramolecular Self‐Assembly of Nonlinear Amphiphilic and Double Hydrophilic Block Copolymers in Aqueous Solutions

Supramolecular self-assembly of block copolymers in aqueous solution has received ever-increasing interest over the past few decades due to diverse biological and technological applications in drug delivery, imaging, sensing and catalysis. In addition to relative block lengths, molecular weights and solution conditions, chain architectures of block copolymers can also dramatically affect their self-assembling properties in selective solvents. This feature article mainly focuses on recent developments in the field of supramolecular self-assembly of amphiphilic and double hydrophilic block copolymers (DHBCs) possessing nonlinear chain topologies, including miktoarm star polymers, dendritic-linear block copolymers, cyclic block copolymers and comb-shaped copolymer brushes.

A general strategy for highly efficient nanoparticle dispersing agents based on hybrid dendritic linear block copolymers

AbstractA modular approach to the synthesis of a library of hybrid dendritic‐linear copolymers was developed based on RAFT polymerization from monodisperse dendritic macroRAFT agents. By accurately controlling the molecular weight of the linear block, generation number of the dendrimer and the nature of the dendritic chains ends, the performance of these hybrid block copolymers as dispersing agents was optimized for a range of nanoparticles. For titanium dioxide nanoparticles, dispersion in a poly(methyl methacrylate) matrix was maximized with a second generation dendrimer containing four carboxylic acid end groups, and the quality of dispersion was observed to be superior to commercial dispersing agents for TiO2. This approach also allowed novel hybrid dendritic‐linear dispersing agents to be prepared for the dispersion of Au and CdSe nanoparticles based on disulphide and phosphine oxide end groups, respectively. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 1237–1258, 2009

Synthesis of hybrid linear-dendritic block copolymers with carboxylic functional groups for the biomimetic mineralization of calcium carbonate

A series of carboxylic acid functionalized hybrid linear-dendritic block copolymers (LDBCs) derived from methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (MPEG) and variant generation dendrons from 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl) propionic acid were synthesized and employed as CaCO3 crystallization growth modifiers. Mainly spherical vaterite particles of gradually reduced sizes were produced with the increase of the polymer additive concentration and/or the dendron segment generation number, while the incorporated polymer organic components in the particles increased for the promoted binding efficiency and ever enhanced adsorption ability. A higher mineralization temperature resulted in significantly larger particle size and partly calcite formation. Under the same molar concentration of carboxylic acid, the same size level particles were obtained which manifested the crucial role of the functional group, meanwhile, the slight decrease of the spherical vaterite diameters with increasing generation number and especially the formation of particular pine-cone shaped calcite crystals also revealed the significant effect of the architectural structure of variant generations and some special characters of the hybrid LDBC structures.

Temperature-triggered reversible micellar self-assembly of linear–dendritic block copolymers

Polymeric micelles based on a thermoresponsive linear-dendritic block copolymer were completely disrupted into unimers upon cooling the solution to a temperature below its LCST and reversibly regenerated upon heating again.

Extended Release Antibacterial Layer-by-Layer Films Incorporating Linear-Dendritic Block Copolymer Micelles

The electrostatic layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly approach offers large potential in the area of drug delivery from thin films; however, because the processing technique is aqueous-based, there have been few strategies proposed to incorporate hydrophobic molecules into these films. Here we create an LbL film that is capable of incorporating hydrophobic drug at high loadings via encapsulation with linear-dendritic block copolymer micelles and demonstrate for the first time release times of a hydrophobic antibacterial agent over a period of several weeksa significant improvement over reports of other micelle-encapsulated thin films with release times of several minutes. The amphiphilic linear-dendritic block copolymer is composed of poly(propylene oxide) (PPO), which forms the hydrophobic core creating the compartment for hydrophobic drug encapsulation, and poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM), which forms the outer corona of the micelle. The PAMAM is polycationic, enabling LbL deposition with negatively charged poly(acr...

Oriented Nanoporous Lamellar Organosilicates Templated from Topologically Unsymmetrical Dendritic‐Linear Block Copolymers

Dendrimers between the sheets: Environmentally responsive dendritic-linear block copolymers, based on poly(ethylene oxide) and a dendron derived from 2,2′-bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid (see structure), were used to organize organosilicate vitrificates into nanostructured lamellar morphologies. Upon thermolysis of the template, a perforated porous lamellar structure (4 nm) between organosilicate sheets (6–9 nm) was obtained. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2002/2005/z501577_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.

Supramolecular Fluorophores for Biological Studies: Phenylene Vinylene-Amino Acid Amphiphiles

We report here on a family of self-assembling fluorescent organic amphiphiles with a biomolecular L-lysine hydrophile and a photonically active phenylene vinylene hydrophobe. Unlike conventional amphiphiles, these segmented dendrimers feature a rigid, branched hydrophobe, and have packing characteristics controlled by the ratio of cross-sectional areas of the hydrophobe and hydrophile. In dilute solution, the amphiphiles form supramolecular aggregates, which are easily taken in by cells through an endocytic pathway, and have no discernible effect on cell proliferation or morphology. An analogous pyrene-based amphiphile was cytotoxic, suggesting that cell survival may be linked either to the self-assembling nature of the amphiphiles, or to the specific properties of the phenylene vinylene segment. The combination of photonic and biological components in these amphiphiles provides great potential for applications in sensing or delivery of molecules to intracellular targets.

Stimuli-responsive supramolecular assemblies of linear-dendritic copolymers.

With the goal of developing a pH-responsive micelle system, linear-dendritic block copolymers comprising poly(ethylene oxide) and either a polylysine or polyester dendron were prepared and hydrophobic groups were attached to the dendrimer periphery by highly acid-sensitive cyclic acetals. These copolymers were designed to form stable micelles in aqueous solution at neutral pH but to disintegrate into unimers at mildly acidic pH following loss of the hydrophobic groups upon acetal hydrolysis. Micelle formation was demonstrated by encapsulation of the fluorescent probe Nile Red, and the micelle sizes were determined by dynamic light scattering. The structure of the dendrimer block, its generation, and the synthetic method for linking the acetal groups to its periphery all had an influence on the critical micelle concentration and the micelle size. The rate of hydrolysis of the acetals at the micelle core was measured for each system at pH 7.4 and pH 5, and it was found that all systems were stable at neutral pH but underwent significant hydrolysis at pH 5 over several hours. The rate of hydrolysis at pH 5 was dependent on the structure of the copolymer, most notably the hydrophobicity of the core-forming block. To demonstrate the potential of these systems for controlled release, the release of Nile Red as a "model payload" was examined. At pH 7.4, the fluorescence of micelle-encapsulated Nile Red was relatively constant, indicating it was retained in the micelle, while at pH 5, the fluorescence decreased, consistent with its release into the aqueous environment. The rate of release was strongly correlated with the rate of acetal hydrolysis and was therefore controlled by the chemical structure of the copolymer. The mechanism of Nile Red release was investigated by monitoring the change in size of the micelles over time at acidic pH. Dynamic light scattering measurement showed a size decrease over time, eventually reaching the size of a unimer, thus providing evidence for the proposed micelle disintegration.

Linear−Dendritic Poly(ester)-block-poly(ether)-block-poly(ester) ABA Copolymers Constructed by a Divergent Growth Method

The divergent synthesis of amphiphilic linear-dendritic block copolymers, LDBCs, that contain linear poly(ethylene glycol), PEG, and dendritic poly(benzyl ester)s is explored in this report. First [G1]- and second [G2]-generation LDBCs are constructed from PEG with a molecular weight of 5000 Da and 3,5-dioxy benzoate as the fundamental dendritic repeat unit. The synthetic strategy is based on the initial coupling of the protected monomer 3,5-bis(tert-butyldimethylsiloxy)benzoyl chloride to PEG (yield 98%) followed by removal of the silyl protective groups under mild conditions to give (HO) 2 [G1]-PEG5K-[G1](OH) 2 , yield 97%. Subsequent coupling of the acid chloride monomer proceeds with 96% yield, and the final deprotection yields 94% of pure (HO) 4 [G 2 ]-PEG5K-[G 2 ](OH)4. Two different chemical reactions (acid-alcohol and alcohol-halide interaction) are evaluated as possible routes to facile surface modification of the aromatic polyester monodendrons.

Thermosensitive aggregates self-assembled by an asymmetric block copolymer of dendritic polyether and poly( N-isopropylacrylamide)

An asymmetric linear-dendritic block copolymer of polyether dendrimer and poly( N-isopropylacrylamide) was prepared by an atom transfer radical polymerization method. The self-assembly behavior and thermosensitive property of this copolymer in water were studied by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and fluorescence probe spectroscopy. It was found that the thermosensitive phase transition takes place at the temperature of 37.5 °C; simultaneously the spherical aggregates grow into larger entangled nanotubules. The unique temperature-sensitive supramolecular aggregates may make them especially useful as intelligent capsules for drug delivery systems and as chemical sensors.

Hybrid dendritic-linear graft copolymers: Steric considerations in ?coupling to? approach

A “coupling to” approach was developed for the synthesis of hybrid dendritic–linear block copolymers. Fréchet-type polyether dendrons were prepared by the convergent growth approach and coupled with well-defined functionalized polystyrene backbones prepared by living free radical procedures. The subtle interplay between the degree of functionalization present in the backbone and the size of the dendritic fragment led to incomplete reactions as steric crowding along the backbone increased. This resulted in globular hybrid macromolecules instead of the extended rods typically formed from the polymerization of dendritic macromonomers. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 38: 1033–1044, 2000

Synthesis of hybrid dendritic-linear block copolymers with dendritic initiators prepared by convergent living anionic polymerization

Hybrid dendritic-linear block copolymers were made in one-pot by convergent living anionic polymerization. Dendritic polystyrene macroinitiators were synthesized by slowly adding a mixture of either vinylbenzyl chloride (VBC) or 4-(chlorodimethylsilyl)styrene (CDMSS) and styrene (1 : 10 molar ratio of coupling agent to styrene) to a solution of living polystyryllithium. The addition was ceased prior to the addition of a stoichiometric amount of coupling agent to retain a living chain end. To the living dendritically branched polystyrene was then added either styrene or isoprene to polymerize a linear block from the dendritic polystyrene. The resulting copolymers were characterized by gel permeation chromatography coupled with multiangle laser light scattering (GPC-MALLS), which clearly demonstrated the formation of diblock copolymers. The diblock copolymers were further characterized by 1H NMR, which showed the presence of the two blocks in the case of dendritic polystyrene-block-linear polyisoprene. The measurement of intrinsic viscosity showed that the dilute solution properties of the block copolymers are greatly influenced by the dendritic portion. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 39: 152–161, 2001

Synthesis of dendritic-linear block copolymers by living ring-opening polymerization of lactones and lactides using dendritic initiators

Polyether dendrons have been successfully used as macroinitiators for the living ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of lactones and lactides. A hydroxyl group located at the focal point of dendrimers of different generations was transformed into diethyl aluminum alkoxides by reaction with triethyl aluminum. The dendritic aluminum alkoxides proved to be efficient macroinitiators for the living ROP of e-caprolactone (eCL), 1,4,8-trioxa(4,6)spiro[9]undecanone (TOSUO), D,L- and L,L-lactide. Formation of these block copolymers of unusual macromolecular architecture was supported by size exclusion chromatography and spectroscopy. The versatility of this synthetic approach allowed ω-functional dendrimer block-polyesters, such as macromonomer, and macromolecules with novel architectures, to be prepared. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 37: 1923–1930, 1999