Synthesis and self-assembly of pH-responsive chitosan graft copolymer by the combination of atom transfer radical polymerization and click chemistry

Amphiphilic chitosan-graft-poly(2-(N,N-diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)-block-poly(ethylene oxide) (CS-g-(PDEAEMA-b-PEO)) copolymer was synthesized by the combination of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and click chemistry. The copolymer was characterized by 1H NMR spectrum. The self-assembly and pH-responsive properties of CS copolymer were investigated by TEM, DLS, and transmittance in water. The micelle sizes can be adjusted through the alteration of the pH values of solutions. The presence of PEO segments can improve the hydrophilicity of the copolymer and avoid the excessive aggregation of the micelles. CS-g-(PDEAEMA-b-PEO) copolymer has both the unique properties of PDEAEMA-b-PEO and chitosan, and will have the potential applications in biomedical field.

Graphical AbstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide