Block Copolymers: Synthesis, Self-Assembly, and Applications

Abstract

Abstract:Research on block copolymers (BCPs) has played a critical role in the development of polymer chemistry, with numerous pivotal contributions that have advanced our ability to prepare, characterize, theoretically model, and technologically exploit this class of materials in a myriad of ways in the fields of chemistry, physics, material sciences, and biological and medical sciences. The breathtaking progress has been driven by the advancement in experimental techniques enabling the synthesis and characterization of a wide range of block copolymers with tailored composition, architectures, and properties. In this review, we briefly discussed the recent progress in BCP synthesis, followed by a discussion of the fundamentals of self-assembly of BCPs along with their applications.

Biomolecule–polymer hybrid compartments: combining the best of both worlds

“…More details can be found in the specific literature on block-copolymer synthesis. 5 Popular hydrophilic blocks include PMOXA, PEG, PGMA, PAA and PIAT; examples for hydrophobic blocks comprise PDMS, PS, PMA, PB, PCL, PHPMA, or PNIPAM. The Tables 1 and 2 provide all polymers used for the preparation of the biohybrid compartments referenced in this review.…”

Enhanced therapeutic efficacy of clotrimazole by delivery through poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐poly(ε‐caprolactone) copolymer‐based micelles

“…Various nano drug delivery systems such as liposomes, niosomes, nanocrystals, and polymeric micelles have been widely employed for improvement in solubility and ultimate therapeutic efficacy of the drugs. Polymeric micelles are a subject of recent scientific interest due to their solubilization potential, high stability, targeted, selective, and prolonged delivery of the loaded drugs in a systemic way . The ability of polymeric micelles to enhance the solubility of hydrophobic drugs originates from their unique core/shell architecture.…”

The generation of stabilized supramolecular nanorods from star-shaped polyglutamates

“…The propensity to mimic the complexity of biological systems has stimulated a focus on the study of synthetic polymers and their aqueous self-assembly. [2][3][4] Synthetic polypeptides, or polyaminoacids, are the class of polymers most closely related to biomacromolecules, consisting of the same building blocks as natural proteins yet keeping a high degree of structural versatility. These characteristics make polypeptides perfectly suitable for advanced drug delivery.…”