Voltage-responsive micelles based on the assembly of two biocompatible homopolymers

• DOI: 10.1039/c3py01204b
• Publication Date: 2013-10-18T08:37:37Z
• Authors: Liao Peng; Anchao Feng; Huijuan Zhang; Hong Wang; Chunmei Jian; Bowen Liu; Weiping Gao; Jinying Yuan
• Keywords: 02 engineering and technology; 0210 nano-technology

Voltage stimulus is considered as a clean and simple method in the field of stimuli-responsive polymer systems, which system based on β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) ferrocene (Fc) has attracted considerable attention. Herein, we report voltage-responsive micelles assembly two biocompatible homopolymers, namely, poly(ethylene glycol) homopolymer modified with β-CD (PEG–β-CD) poly(L-lactide) Fc (PLLA–Fc). Through host–guest interactions between Fc, homopolymers connect together, forming non-covalent supramolecular block copolymer PLLA–Fc/PEG–β-CD. PLLA–Fc/PEG–β-CD can further self-assemble to form stable aqueous solution. electrochemical control, reversible assembly–disassembly transition this micellar was realized. Voltage-controlled drug release also conducted successfully.