Organometallic polymeric carriers for redox triggered release of molecular payloads

The synthesis and characterization of a novel redox responsive comb-copolymer consisting of a poly(ferrocenylsilane) backbone and N-dimethylethyl ammonium and N-dimethyldecyl ammonium substituents are reported. Due to the presence of the side groups featuring cationic amine as well as decyl hydrocarbon chains the comb copolymer exhibits amphiphilic behaviour and forms micellar assemblies with typical dimensions of 100 nm. The assemblies display unique, redox induced morphology change in water, investigated by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Paclitaxel and Nile Red were encapsulated in the micelles as model guest molecular payloads. Release of the guests with a high degree of profile control by varying the concentration of redox agents is presented.