Self-assembly of poly(γ-benzyl L-glutamate)-graft-poly(ethylene glycol) and its mixtures with poly(γ-benzyl L-glutamate) homopolymer

Self-association behaviors of poly(gamma-benzyl-L-glumate)-graft-poly(ethylene glycol) (PBLG-graft-PEG) and its mixtures with PBLC homopolymer in aqueous media were investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. It was revealed that PBLC-graft-PEG could self-assemble to form polymeric micelles with a core shell structure in the shape of spindle. The introduction of PBLG homopolymer not only decreases the critical micelle concentration, but also changes the morphology of the micelles.