Yes / This mini-review highlights the latest advances in the chemistry and biology of Pluronic® triblock copolymers. We focus on their applications in medicine, as drug delivery carriers, biological response modifiers, and pharmaceutical ingredients. Examples of drug delivery systems and formulations currently in clinical use, clinical trials or preclinical development are highlighted. We also discuss the role that Pluronic® copolymers may play in the innovative design of new nanomedicines in the near future. / We thank the Leverhulme Trust (Early Career Fellowship no. ECF-2013-414 to NPEB), the University of Warwick (Grant no. RDF 2013-14 to NPEB) and EPSRC (EP/G004897/1 to APB) for support.

Literární rešerše předložené dizertační práce shrnuje poznatky jak o současně používaných biomateriálech, tak i o tzv. „chytrých“ biomedicínských materiálech mezi které patří termocitlivé kopolymery. Mezi tyto kopolymery, jejichž vodné roztoky gelují při teplotě lidského těla (37 °C), řadíme amfifilní triblokové kopolymery skládající se z hydrofobního laktidu, glykolidu a hydrofilního polyethylen glykolu (PLGA PEG PLGA). Komerčně dostupné termocitlivé kopolymery známé pod názvem ReGel or OncoGel jsou v současné době využívány jako injekčně aplikovatelné nosiče s postupným uvolňováním léčiv, zejména při léčbě cukrovky nebo onkologického onemocnění. Nicméně PLGA PEG PLGA triblokový kopolymer může být použit I jako polymerní nosič anorganického léčiva případně jako biodegradabilní implantát v dentálních či ortopedickýchých aplikacích. Z toho důvodu byl vybrán anorganický biokompatibilní hydroxyapatit (HAp) pro své majoritní zastoupení v tvrdých tkáních. Experimentální část je zaměřena na přípravu HAp/PLGA PEG PLGA kompozitů, ve kterých je HAp buď ve formě nano- (n-HAp) nebo „core-shell“ částic (CS). Nové CS částice, připravené dvouemulzní metodou, jsou složeny z „tuhého“ HAp jádra obaleného termocitlivým kopolymerem, který je navíc funkcionalizován kyselinou itakonovou (ITA/PLGA PEG PLGA/ITA). Funkcionalizace pomocí ITA vnáší do původní struktury kopolymeru jak síťovatelné dvojné vazby, tak i koncové karboxylové skupiny. Volné karboxylové skupiny na koncích ITA/PLGA PEG PLGA/ITA kopolymerního obalu byly dále zesíťovány za vzniku 3D chemické sítě (CS-x), jejíž životnost je řízena a kontrolována. ATR-FTIR spektroskopie prokázala přítomnost „nových“ esterových vazeb vzniklých karbodiimidovou reakcí –OH a –COOH skupin, kterým náleží adsorpční pásy ve vlnové délce 1021 cm-1.. n-HAp a CS-x částice byly přidány do kopolymerní termocitlivé matrice (PLGA PEG PLGA) za účelem charakterizace jejich reologického chování. Bylo zjištěno, že pokud bylo do polymerní matrice přidáno méně než 10 hm. % CS-x částic a jen 5 hm.% n-HAp kompozit si zachoval své termocitlivé vlastnosti. Na druhou stranu, přídavek vyššího množství HAp částic do polymerní matrice zajistil změnu vodného polymerního solu v permanentní gel při teplotě nad 37 °C. Analýza ICP-OES prokázala rychlejší uvolňování CS-x částic z 10 hm/obj. % PLGA PEG PLGA polymerní matrice do inkubačního média (6 % 9. den) než tomu bylo u n-HAp částic (jen 3 %), které jsou vázány více v micelární struktuře kopolymeru. Proto, kompozit na bázi n-HAP částic tvořící tuhý trvalý gel při tělesné teplotě, je vhodný více jako biologicky rozložitelné kostní lepidlo, zatímco kompozit z CS-x částic a termocitlivého kopolymeru je vhodný jako nosič léčiv pro injekční aplikace.

This thesis deals with the post-polymerization functionalization of a pH-responsive poly(styrene)-b-poly(4-vinyl pyridine)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) triblock terpolymer with stimuli responsive and diol-binding 2-bromomethyl-4-fluorophenylboronic acid and 2- bromomethyl-phenylboronic acid suitable for biomedical applications. A reproducible method of quaternization of poly(4-vinyl pyridine) block with prescriptible quaternization ratio was developed and the reaction yield was analyzed by 11 B, 1 H NMR and infrared spectroscopy. A reproducible self-assembly protocol for stable nanoparticles from functionalized stimuli-responsive triblock terpolymer was found, and the nanoparticles were studied by static, dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering, and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy. Fluorescence and UV-VIS spectroscopy measurements were performed for description of boron-ester linkages formation and hydrolysis with model drug Alizarin as a study of encapsulation and release reactions together with sugar sensing reactions for potential drug delivery.

No description available.

O Poli(ácido láctico) (PLA) é um polímero biodegradável, biocompatível e biorreabsorvível proveniente de fontes renováveis. Constitui uma excelente alternativa sustentável para os polímeros provenientes de petróleo, atualmente dominantes no mercado industrial. Porém, apresenta baixas ductilidade e tenacidade como principais limitações mecânicas. Um dos métodos mais utilizados para modificar essas propriedades é a mistura mecânica do PLA com polímeros flexíveis, como a poli(ε-caprolactona) (PCL). Entretanto, o alto desempenho mecânico de blendas PLA/PCL é difícil de ser atingido devido à imiscibilidade dos polímeros. A melhoria de propriedades, neste caso, só é conseguida por meio de compatibilização. Este trabalho visa avaliar o efeito compatibilizante do copolímero tribloco de baixo peso molecular derivado de ε-caprolactona e tetrametileno éter glicol disponível comercialmente em blendas imiscíveis de PLA com PCL. Blendas binárias e ternárias foram preparadas por mistura mecânica no estado fundido via processo de extrusão em rosca simples. O teor de PLA nas blendas variou em 75, 50 e 25% (% em massa) e a concentração do copolímero em 0, 1,5, 3 e 5% (% em massa). A avaliação morfológica e o comportamento térmico e mecânico das blendas PLA/PCL foram realizados por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), calorimetria exploratória diferencial (DSC), análise térmica dinâmico-mecânica (DMTA) e ensaios mecânicos de tração, flexão e impacto Izod. O efeito compatibilizante do copolímero foi mais bem observado nas blendas com 75% (% em massa) de PLA, enquanto que nas blendas com 50% e 25% (% em massa) de PLA esse efeito não foi tão evidente. Os resultados obtidos no ensaio de tração mostraram que com o aumento do teor de compatibilizante, a tensão no escoamento, a tensão na ruptura e o módulo elástico das blendas com 75% (% em massa) de PLA se mantiveram praticamente constantes, enquanto que a deformação na ruptura evoluiu de 20% na blenda com 1,5% (% em massa) de copolímero para 84% na blenda com 5% (% em massa) de copolímero. As análises morfológicas indicaram que o copolímero em bloco agiu na interface PLA/PCL, melhorando sua adesão. Esse resultado foi reforçado pelas análises térmicas, onde foi constatado que as Tg\'s e Tm\'s do PLA e do PCL nas blendas não apresentaram alterações, o que indica que o copolímero encontra-se na região interfacial da blenda. A resistência ao impacto Izod com entalhe, propriedade mecânica utilizada nesse trabalho como uma medida da tenacidade, da blenda PLA75C5 alcançou 42 J/m, valor significativamente superior ao determinado para o PLA puro, por volta de 28 J/m. Esses resultados mostram claramente que o copolímero tribloco derivado de ε-caprolactona e tetrametileno éter glicol é um eficiente compatibilizante para blendas PLA/PCL. / The Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) is a biodegradable, biocompatible and bioabsorbable polymer derived from renewable sources. It is an excellent sustainable alternative to polymers derived from oil, currently dominating the industry. However, PLA has low ductility and poor toughness as main mechanical limitations. Mechanical mixing of PLA with flexible polymers, such as poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL), is one of the most used methods to modify these properties. However, a high mechanical performance of PLA/PCL blends is difficult to achieve due to the immiscibility of the polymers. The improvement of properties in this case is achieved only by compatibilization. This study aims to evaluate compatibilizer effect of a low molecular weight tri-block copolymer derived from ε-caprolactone and tetramethylene ether glycol, commercially available, on immiscible blends of PLA with PCL. Binary and ternary blends were prepared by mechanical blending in melt state through a single screw extrusion. The content of PLA in the blends ranged in 75, 50 and 25 wt% and the concentration of copolymer in 0, 1.5, 3 and 5 wt%. The morphological evaluation and the thermal and mechanical behavior of PLA/PCL blends were performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and tensile test, flexural and Izod impact. The compatibilizer effect of the copolymer was more clearly observed in the blends with 75 wt% PLA, whereas in blends with 50 wt% to 25 wt% of PLA this effect was not so evident. The results of the mechanical tests showed that with the increase of the compatibilizer content, the yield stress, the stress at break and the elastic modulus of the blends with 75% (wt%) remained practically constant, while the elongation at break evolved from 20% in the blend with 1.5 wt% of copolymer to 84% in the blend to with 5 wt% of copolymer. Morphological analysis indicated that the block copolymer acted in the PLA/PCL interface, improving adhesion. This results were reinforced by thermal analysis, where it was found that the Tg and Tm of PLA and PCL in the blends showed no change, indicating that the copolymer is in the interfacial region of the blend. The Izod impact strength (Notched Izod), mechanical properties used in this work as a measure of toughness, of the blend PLA75C5 reached 42 J/m, significantly higher than the determined for pure PLA, about 28 J/m. These results clearly show that the triblock copolymer derived from ε-caprolactone and tetramethylene ether glycol is a good compatibilizer for blends PLA/PCL because it acts at the interfacial region, promoting the adhesion between the phases.

Este trabalho apresenta um estudo sobre a síntese e propriedades do copolímero poli(l,l-lactídeo-stat-e-caprolactona)-bloco-poli(óxido de etileno)-bloco-poli(l,l-lactideostat-e-caprolactona). Poli(óxido de etileno) de massa molar 20.000 u.m.a. e poli(óxido de etileno) modificado, preparado a partir de poli(glicol etilênico) de massa molar 4.000 u.m.a., foram selecionados para o processo da síntese. A reação foi feita pela polimerização por abertura de anel em massa a 120ºC usando octoanato de estanho como iniciador. A composição química de cada amostra foi determinada com auxílio de RMN-1H e RMN-13C e suas propriedades mecânicas foram verificadas e comparadas utilizando análises térmicas como DMTA, DSC, TG e a aplicação da MEV como análise complementar. A observação pelas fotos de MOLP permitiu a visualização do comportamento de nucleação dos copolímeros e as características de sua cristalinidade. Seu grau de cristalinidade e as fases cristalinas foram identificados por difração de raios X (WAXS). A biocompatibilidade do material também foi examinada pela cultura de células. Os resultados de caracterização indicam o sucesso da copolimerização, as propriedades elastoméricas e, sua não citotoxidade comprovaram a possibilidade do uso destes copolímeros como biomateriais. Contudo, o tempo prolongado de reação e baixa incorporação do monômero lactídeo ainda são questões a serem melhoradas para a viabilização do copolímero como material de implante na área biomédica. / This work includes the study of the synthesis and characterization of the copolymer poly(l,l-lactide-stat-e-caprolactone)-b-PEG-b-poly(l,l-lactide-stat-e-caprolactone). Poly (ethylene oxide) with molar weight 20.000 and poly(ethylene oxide) modified, prepared from poly(ethylene oxide) with molar weight 4000 have been selected for this synthesis process. The reaction was done by ring-opening bulk polymerization, using stannous octoate as initiator at 120ºC. The chemical composition of samples were determined by 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR and their mechanical properties were verified using thermal analyses like DMTA, DSC and TG. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was applied as a complementary analysis. The pictures of polarizing optical microscopy showed us the copolymer\'s nucleation behaviors and their respective crystallization. The degrees of crystallinity and phase of copolymers were determined by WAXS. The biocompatibility of the copolymer was examined by cell cultivation test. The result of these analyses above indicated the success of synthesis. Their rubbery properties and non-toxicity allowed their application as biomaterial. However, the long reaction time and low incorporation of monomer of lactide might to be improved to increase its potential use in biomedical area in the future.

O Poli(ácido láctico) (PLA) é um polímero biodegradável, biocompatível e biorreabsorvível proveniente de fontes renováveis. Constitui uma excelente alternativa sustentável para os polímeros provenientes de petróleo, atualmente dominantes no mercado industrial. Porém, apresenta baixas ductilidade e tenacidade como principais limitações mecânicas. Um dos métodos mais utilizados para modificar essas propriedades é a mistura mecânica do PLA com polímeros flexíveis, como a poli(ε-caprolactona) (PCL). Entretanto, o alto desempenho mecânico de blendas PLA/PCL é difícil de ser atingido devido à imiscibilidade dos polímeros. A melhoria de propriedades, neste caso, só é conseguida por meio de compatibilização. Este trabalho visa avaliar o efeito compatibilizante do copolímero tribloco de baixo peso molecular derivado de ε-caprolactona e tetrametileno éter glicol disponível comercialmente em blendas imiscíveis de PLA com PCL. Blendas binárias e ternárias foram preparadas por mistura mecânica no estado fundido via processo de extrusão em rosca simples. O teor de PLA nas blendas variou em 75, 50 e 25% (% em massa) e a concentração do copolímero em 0, 1,5, 3 e 5% (% em massa). A avaliação morfológica e o comportamento térmico e mecânico das blendas PLA/PCL foram realizados por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV), calorimetria exploratória diferencial (DSC), análise térmica dinâmico-mecânica (DMTA) e ensaios mecânicos de tração, flexão e impacto Izod. O efeito compatibilizante do copolímero foi mais bem observado nas blendas com 75% (% em massa) de PLA, enquanto que nas blendas com 50% e 25% (% em massa) de PLA esse efeito não foi tão evidente. Os resultados obtidos no ensaio de tração mostraram que com o aumento do teor de compatibilizante, a tensão no escoamento, a tensão na ruptura e o módulo elástico das blendas com 75% (% em massa) de PLA se mantiveram praticamente constantes, enquanto que a deformação na ruptura evoluiu de 20% na blenda com 1,5% (% em massa) de copolímero para 84% na blenda com 5% (% em massa) de copolímero. As análises morfológicas indicaram que o copolímero em bloco agiu na interface PLA/PCL, melhorando sua adesão. Esse resultado foi reforçado pelas análises térmicas, onde foi constatado que as Tg\'s e Tm\'s do PLA e do PCL nas blendas não apresentaram alterações, o que indica que o copolímero encontra-se na região interfacial da blenda. A resistência ao impacto Izod com entalhe, propriedade mecânica utilizada nesse trabalho como uma medida da tenacidade, da blenda PLA75C5 alcançou 42 J/m, valor significativamente superior ao determinado para o PLA puro, por volta de 28 J/m. Esses resultados mostram claramente que o copolímero tribloco derivado de ε-caprolactona e tetrametileno éter glicol é um eficiente compatibilizante para blendas PLA/PCL. / The Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) is a biodegradable, biocompatible and bioabsorbable polymer derived from renewable sources. It is an excellent sustainable alternative to polymers derived from oil, currently dominating the industry. However, PLA has low ductility and poor toughness as main mechanical limitations. Mechanical mixing of PLA with flexible polymers, such as poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL), is one of the most used methods to modify these properties. However, a high mechanical performance of PLA/PCL blends is difficult to achieve due to the immiscibility of the polymers. The improvement of properties in this case is achieved only by compatibilization. This study aims to evaluate compatibilizer effect of a low molecular weight tri-block copolymer derived from ε-caprolactone and tetramethylene ether glycol, commercially available, on immiscible blends of PLA with PCL. Binary and ternary blends were prepared by mechanical blending in melt state through a single screw extrusion. The content of PLA in the blends ranged in 75, 50 and 25 wt% and the concentration of copolymer in 0, 1.5, 3 and 5 wt%. The morphological evaluation and the thermal and mechanical behavior of PLA/PCL blends were performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and tensile test, flexural and Izod impact. The compatibilizer effect of the copolymer was more clearly observed in the blends with 75 wt% PLA, whereas in blends with 50 wt% to 25 wt% of PLA this effect was not so evident. The results of the mechanical tests showed that with the increase of the compatibilizer content, the yield stress, the stress at break and the elastic modulus of the blends with 75% (wt%) remained practically constant, while the elongation at break evolved from 20% in the blend with 1.5 wt% of copolymer to 84% in the blend to with 5 wt% of copolymer. Morphological analysis indicated that the block copolymer acted in the PLA/PCL interface, improving adhesion. This results were reinforced by thermal analysis, where it was found that the Tg and Tm of PLA and PCL in the blends showed no change, indicating that the copolymer is in the interfacial region of the blend. The Izod impact strength (Notched Izod), mechanical properties used in this work as a measure of toughness, of the blend PLA75C5 reached 42 J/m, significantly higher than the determined for pure PLA, about 28 J/m. These results clearly show that the triblock copolymer derived from ε-caprolactone and tetramethylene ether glycol is a good compatibilizer for blends PLA/PCL because it acts at the interfacial region, promoting the adhesion between the phases.

Cette thèse vise à comprendre l’effet des dynamiques des micelles de copolymères sur leurs propriétés rhéologiques. En effet les copolymères amphiphiles peuvent s'auto-assembler dans l’eau pour former diverses microstructures micellaires sphériques, cylindriques ou lamellaires. Leur dynamique est un paramètre crucial pour définir leur spectre d’applications, en particulier dans le transport de médicaments et dans la synthèse de matériaux méso-structurés. Les micelles se structurent en continu: elles peuvent se former et se dissocier en monomères, se fusionner ou se fragmenter. Nous avons développé une méthode basée sur la fluorescence pour sonder directement les dynamiques micellaires collectives de fusion et de fission dans un bon nombre de copolymères triblocs de la famille PEO-PPO-PEO. Cette thèse se concentre sur l'étude des systèmes micellaires formés par des copolymères triblocs (tensioactifs non ioniques) et les tensioactifs cationiques à des concentrations et des températures où micelles sphériques et micelles cylindriques sont formées. De telles structures peuvent être formées spontanément lorsque le système est soumis à des conditions appropriées de concentration et de température ou à l'induction entre elles en ajoutant des sels inorganiques ou organiques, ou en appliquant des contraintes de cisaillement au système tensioactif/eau.La technique de diffusion de la lumière dynamique (DLS) a été utilisée pour évaluer la transition de la structure dans des solutions micellaires en changeant la température du système et de la structure du système correspondant à des conditions de concentration - température.Des expériences de relaxation de contraintes ont été effectuées où l’assouplissement temporaire de contrainte est mesuré après une déformation instantanée dans des solutions aqueuses de P103. Les temps de relaxation (ou taux) sont comparés avec ceux obtenus par diffusion de la lumière et de leur rapport à la taille des micelles est montré. La relaxation des contraintes présente le comportement de Maxwell. Les temps de relaxation ont montré la dépendance de la température avec des comportements caractéristiques des régimes de micelles sphériques et allongées respectivement.Dans ce travail, nous étudions également le système micellaire CTAnFB avec n la substitution de fluor en positions ortho (F: 2), meta (F: 3) et para (F: 4), à savoir les systèmes CTAortoFB/, CTAmetaFB/eau et CTAparaFB/eau à des concentrations diluées. Nous présentons aussi une étude de la dynamique de la simulation moléculaire de l'hydratation de tensioactifs ortho-, méta- et para-fluorobenzoate et son effet sur la formation de micelles.Nous avons étudié l'effet des contre-ions organiques hydrotropes, 2-, 3- et 4-fluorobenzoïque (2FB-, 3FB- et 4FB-, respectivement) sur le comportement d'épaississement par cisaillement de solutions aqueuses micellaires de micelles en forme de tige de leurs sels avec des cations de cétyltriméthylammonium (CTA2FB, CTA3FB et CTA4FB).Ce travail a contribué à la compréhension de la synergie entre la structure, la dynamique micellaire et la rhéologie dans cette famille de copolymère. / This thesis aims to understand the effect of the dynamics of copolymer micelles on their rheological properties. Indeed amphiphilic copolymers can self-assemble in water to form various micellar microstructures spherical, cylindrical or lamellar. Their dynamic is a critical parameter to define their range of applications, particularly in the transport of drugs and in the synthesis of mesostructured materials. Micelles are structured continuous: they can form and dissociate into monomers, merge or fragment. We have developed a method based on fluorescence to probe directly collective micellar dynamics of fusion and fission in a number of triblock copolymers of PEO -PPO -PEO family.This thesis focuses on the study of micellar systems formed by triblock copolymers (nonionic surfactants) and cationic surfactants at concentrations and temperatures where spherical micelles and rod like micelles are formed. Such structures may be formed spontaneously when the system is subjected to appropriate conditions of concentration and temperature or to the induction of these by adding inorganic or organic salts, or by applying shear stresses to the surfactant/water system.The technique of dynamic light scattering (DLS) was used to evaluate the transition of the structure in micellar solutions by changing the temperature and the structure of the system itself at given concentration - temperature conditions.Stress relaxation experiments were performed where temporary relaxation of stress is measured after a momentary deflection in aqueous solutions of P103. The relaxation times (or rate) are compared with those obtained by light scattering and their relation to the size of the micelles is shown. The stress relaxation presented a Maxwelian behavior. The relaxation times showed temperature dependence with characteristic behavior schemes for elongated and spherical micelles respectively.In this work, we also study the micellar system CTAnFB where “n” is substitution of fluorine in the ortho position (F:2) meta ( F:3) and para (F:4), namely CTAortoFB/water CTAmetaFB/water and CTAparaFB/water systems in diluted concentrations. We presented a study of molecular dynamics simulation of the hydration of ortho-, meta-, para- Fluorobenzoate surfactants and its effect on the formation of micelles.The effect of hydrotropes organic counterions , 2- , 3- and 4- fluorobenzoic acid (2FB-, 3FB- and 4FB-, respectively), the shear thickening behavior of aqueous micellar solutions of rod like micelles thereof salts with cations of cetyltrimethylammonium (CTA2FB, CTA3FB and CTA4FB ) were studied.This work has contributed to the understanding of the synergy between the structure, dynamics and rheology of micellar in this family of copolymer.

Este trabalho apresenta um estudo sobre a síntese e propriedades do copolímero poli(l,l-lactídeo-stat-e-caprolactona)-bloco-poli(óxido de etileno)-bloco-poli(l,l-lactideostat-e-caprolactona). Poli(óxido de etileno) de massa molar 20.000 u.m.a. e poli(óxido de etileno) modificado, preparado a partir de poli(glicol etilênico) de massa molar 4.000 u.m.a., foram selecionados para o processo da síntese. A reação foi feita pela polimerização por abertura de anel em massa a 120ºC usando octoanato de estanho como iniciador. A composição química de cada amostra foi determinada com auxílio de RMN-1H e RMN-13C e suas propriedades mecânicas foram verificadas e comparadas utilizando análises térmicas como DMTA, DSC, TG e a aplicação da MEV como análise complementar. A observação pelas fotos de MOLP permitiu a visualização do comportamento de nucleação dos copolímeros e as características de sua cristalinidade. Seu grau de cristalinidade e as fases cristalinas foram identificados por difração de raios X (WAXS). A biocompatibilidade do material também foi examinada pela cultura de células. Os resultados de caracterização indicam o sucesso da copolimerização, as propriedades elastoméricas e, sua não citotoxidade comprovaram a possibilidade do uso destes copolímeros como biomateriais. Contudo, o tempo prolongado de reação e baixa incorporação do monômero lactídeo ainda são questões a serem melhoradas para a viabilização do copolímero como material de implante na área biomédica. / This work includes the study of the synthesis and characterization of the copolymer poly(l,l-lactide-stat-e-caprolactone)-b-PEG-b-poly(l,l-lactide-stat-e-caprolactone). Poly (ethylene oxide) with molar weight 20.000 and poly(ethylene oxide) modified, prepared from poly(ethylene oxide) with molar weight 4000 have been selected for this synthesis process. The reaction was done by ring-opening bulk polymerization, using stannous octoate as initiator at 120ºC. The chemical composition of samples were determined by 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR and their mechanical properties were verified using thermal analyses like DMTA, DSC and TG. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was applied as a complementary analysis. The pictures of polarizing optical microscopy showed us the copolymer\'s nucleation behaviors and their respective crystallization. The degrees of crystallinity and phase of copolymers were determined by WAXS. The biocompatibility of the copolymer was examined by cell cultivation test. The result of these analyses above indicated the success of synthesis. Their rubbery properties and non-toxicity allowed their application as biomaterial. However, the long reaction time and low incorporation of monomer of lactide might to be improved to increase its potential use in biomedical area in the future.

There is a need for multifunctional polymer-particle complexes for use in biomedical applications such as for drug delivery or as MRI contrast agents where composition and stability are essential for the complexes to function. This work outlines a general methodology for rationally designing complexes stabilized with polymer brush layers using adapted star polymer models for brush extension and pair potential. Block copolymer micelles were first utilized for experimental validation by using the brush extension model to predict the size and the interaction model to predict the second virial coefficient, A2. Subsequently, the models were used to predict the size and colloidal stability of magnetite-polymer complexes using the modified Deryaguin-Verwey-Landau-Overbeek theory. Novel hydrophilic triblock copolymers comprised of poly(ethylene oxide) tailblocks and a carboxylic acid containing polyurethane center block were examined by static and dynamic light scattering (SLS and DLS), small angle neutron scattering (SANS), and densiometry. Under conditions when the charge is suppressed such as at low pH and/or high ionic strength, the polymer chains self-assemble into micelles, whereas unimers alone are present under conditions where charge effects are important, such as high pH and low ionic strength. A model for effective interaction between star polymers was used to obtain an expression for the second virial coefficient (A2) for micelles in solution. The values of A2 obtained using this method were compared with experimentally determined values for star polymers and micelles. In doing so, not only was a new means of calculating A2 a priori introduced, but the applicability of star polymer expressions to micellar systems was established. Through the analogy of micelles to sterically stabilized nanoparticles, this model was applied to water-soluble block copolymers adsorbed on magnetite nanoparticles for the purpose of tailoring a steric stabilizing brush layer. The sizes of the magnetite-polymer complexes were predicted using the star polymer model employed for the micelle study with an added layer to account for the anchor block. Colloidal stability was predicted from extended DLVO theory using the pair interaction. This work will lead to a better understanding of how to design ion-containing block copolymers for steric stabilization of metal oxide nanoparticles. / Ph. D.