Synthesis and characterization of amphiphilic, biodegradable/biocompatible block copolymers for use in drug controlled release systems

• Grant number: 15/14601-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): November 01, 2015
• Effective date (End): September 30, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Simone de Fátima Medeiros Sampaio
• Grantee: Paulo Henrique Costa de Assis
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de Lorena (EEL). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Lorena , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Taking into account the great interest in the preparation of biocompatible, biodegradable and stimuli-responsive polymeric materials for use in drug controlled release, this research project aims the synthesis of poly(µ-caprolactone)-b-poly(N-vinyl caprolactam) (PCL-b-PNVCL) block copolymers; where a block is biodegradable (PCL) and the other is biocompatible and thermosensitive (PNVCL). These block copolymers will be synthesized combining the ring opening polymerization and controlled radical polymerization by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) and 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions between azides and alkynes ("click chemistry") . Lastly, a chain transfer agent containing azide group will be synthesized and will be used in the RAFT polymerization of the NVCL. On the other hand, µ-CL homopolymers previously synthesized via ring opening polymerization, they are functionalized with alkyne groups by esterification reaction with propargyl acid. The reaction of 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition between azides and alkynes will be used to couple the PNVCL blocks containing azide group and PCL alkyne functionalized. The synthesized copolymers will be employed in micro and nanoparticles formulations for drug controlled release systems. (AU)