Differences in molecular structure in cross-linked polycationic nanoparticles synthesized using ARGET ATRP or UV-initiated polymerization

• Published in: Polymer (Guilford) Vol. 54; no. 17; pp. 4486 - 4492
• Main Authors: Forbes, D.C., Peppas, N.A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 02.08.2013; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; ARGET ATRP; Cationic polymer; Exact sciences and technology; Nanoparticle; Organic polymers; Physicochemistry of polymers; Polymerization; Polymers and radiations; Preparation, kinetics, thermodynamics, mechanism and catalysts; Nanoparticle; Cationic polymer; ARGET ATRP; Ascorbic acid; Graft copolymer; Emulsion copolymerization; Molecular weight distribution; Oil water emulsion; Atom transfer polymerization; Electron transfer; Copper complex; Ethylene oxide copolymer; Experimental study; Glass transition temperature; Thermal stability; Macromer; Ethylene oxide polymer; Polyelectrolyte; Nanogel; Living copolymer; Methacrylate copolymer; Amine copolymer; Comparative study; Photochemical copolymerization
• ISSN: 0032-3861; 1873-2291
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2013.06.047

This work compares material properties of polycationic nanoparticles synthesized using the techniques of UV-initiated polymerization or ARGET ATRP and relates differences in material properties to differences in molecular structure. The nanoparticles are based on the pH-responsive monomer 2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DEAEMA) copolymerized with poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA), tert-butyl methacrylate (tBMA), and tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) in a surfactant-stabilized monomer-in-water emulsion to form cross-linked nanoscale hydrogels. ARGET ATRP resulted in a narrower distribution of molecular weight for linear analogs of the polycationic nanoparticles. In addition, ARGET ATRP formulations showed a sharper glass transition than UV-initiated formulations, indicating increased homogeneity. These networks could be used as drug delivery carriers or for other nanogel applications that would benefit from polycationic nanoparticles with high homogeneity. [Display omitted]