A biocompatible block glycopolymeric dispersant: synthesis, characterization, and dispersing properties for nano-TiO2

A biocompatible block glycopolymer poly(methyl methacrylate)-b-poly(3-O-allyl-alpha-D-glucose) (PMAG) was employed as a polymeric dispersant for the dispersion of nano-TiO2. PMAG was prepared from methyl methacrylate (MMA) and 3-O-allyl-1,2:5,6-di-O-isopropynylene-alpha-D-glucose (ADG) via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The obtained product was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (H-1 NMR) spectroscopy, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The copolymer showed good biocompatiblity by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The maximum adsorption capacity for PMAG on nano-TiO2 is 4.11 mg/g, which is in good agreement with Langmuir isotherm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image indicated that nano-TiO2 is well dispersed by PMAG. Raman and FT-IR spectra demonstrated that PMAG is absorbed onto the surface of nano-TiO2.