Star polymers by cross-linking of linear poly(benzyl-L-glutamate) macromonomers via free-radical and RAFT polymerization. A simple route toward peptide-stabilized nanoparticles

• Published in: Journal of polymer science. Part A, Polymer chemistry Vol. 48; no. 20; pp. 4602 - 4610
• Main Authors: Audouin, Fabrice, Knoop, Ruther J.I, Huang, Jin, Heise, Andreas
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 15-10-2010; Wiley
• Subjects: Aminoacid polymers; Applied sciences; bioconjugates; controlled radical polymerization; Exact sciences and technology; free-radical polymerization; macromonomer; Molecular weight; Nanoparticles; PBLG; Physicochemistry of polymers; Polydispersity; Polymer chemistry; Polymerization; RAFT; Rafts; Reproduction; Stars; Synthetic biopolymers; Ring opening polymerization; Optically active polymer; PBLG; macromonomer; controlled radical polymerization; Experimental study; Aminoacid polymer; Gamma benzyl glutamate polymer; Macromer; Monodispersed polymer; Chemical modification; Chain transfer; nanoparticles; bioconjugates; free-radical polymerization; Preparation; Water solubility; pH; Debenzylation; Glutamic acid polymer; Star polymer; RAFT; Radical copolymerization
• ISSN: 0887-624X; 1099-0518; 1099-0518
• DOI: 10.1002/pola.24258

Poly(benzyl-L-glutamate) (PBLG) macromonomers were synthesized by N-carboxyanhydride (NCA) polymerization initiated with 4-vinyl benzylamine. MALDI-ToF analysis confirmed the presence of styrenic end-groups in the PBLG. Free-radical and RAFT polymerization of the macromonomer in the presence of divinyl benzene produced star polymers of various molecular weights, polydispersity, and yield depending on the reaction conditions applied. The highest molecular weight (Mw) of 10,170,000 g/mol was obtained in a free-radical multibatch approach. It was shown that the PBLG star polymers can be deprotected to obtain poly(glutamic acid) star polymers, which form water soluble pH responsive nanoparticles.