Synthesis, aggregation behavior, and simvastatin solubilization by block polyethers with different structures

Linear block polyethers L41, L82, and X-shaped block polyether T82 were synthesized by anionic polymerization. The aggregation behaviors of L41, L82, and T82 in aqueous solution were studied by surface tension and fluorescence spectroscopy. The changes of molecular weight and molecular architecture can influence the efficiency and effectiveness of block polyethers in decreasing surface tension. The thermodynamic parameters of micellization indicated that the micellization is entropy-driven, and the enthalpy-entropy compensation phenomenon for different block polyethers was observed. Furthermore, proved by fluorescence spectroscopy measurement, L82 can provide micelles with more hydrophobic environment which is directly correlated with the ability of the polyethers to host the drug in micelles. Lastly, the capacities of the block polyether micelles to encapsulate a model hydrophobic drug simvastatin were evaluated. This research gains an insight into the aggregation behaviors and drug solubilization capability of block polyethers with various structures.