Synthesis of Photocleavable Amphiphilic Block Copolymers: Toward the Design of Photosensitive Nanocarriers

The synthesis of a novel amphiphilic block copolymer containing a photodegradable linker as a junction point between hydrophilic and hydrophobic chains is presented. PmCL-ONB-PAA block copolymers were synthesized via a combination of ROP and ATRP from a difunctional photoresponsive initiator (ONB). The copolymers are biodegradable and biocompatible, they can self-assemble into different structures, including micelles and vesicles which are photoresponsive. When polymer solutions were exposed to UV we observed significant changes in size and number of particles. We are currently investigating the promising potential of this system as photosensitive nanocarrier.