Biodegradable polycarbonate-b-polypeptide and polyester-b-polypeptide block copolymers: synthesis and nanoparticle formation towards biomaterials

Biomacromolecules. 2008 Jul;9(7):1924-33. doi: 10.1021/bm8001792. Epub 2008 Jun 5.

Abstract

The amino poly(trimethylene carbonate)-NHt-Boc (PTMC-NHt-Boc) and poly(epsilon-caprolactone)-NH -Boc (PCL-NHt-Boc) were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of TMC or CL and subsequently deprotected into the corresponding PTMC-NH2 and PCL-NH2. These functional homopolymers were used as macroinitiators for the ROP of gamma-benzyl-L-glutamate N-carboxyanhydride (BLG), consequently, giving the respective diblock copolymers PTMC-b-PBLG and PCL-b-PBLG in almost quantitative yields. The (co)polymers have been characterized by NMR and SEC analyses. DSC and IR studies confirmed the block structure of the copolymers and highlighted a phase separation between the rigid peptide (alpha-helix conformation) and the more flexible polyester segments. The self-assembly and the degradation behaviors of the copolymers depended on the nature of the polyester block and on the copolymer composition. Nanoparticles obtained from PBLG block copolymers were twice smaller ( RH < 100 nm) than those formed from PTMC and PCL homopolymers. Finally, their enzymatic degradation revealed that PTMC nanoparticles degraded faster than those made of PCL.

MeSH terms

  • Biocompatible Materials / chemical synthesis*
  • Carbonates / chemistry
  • Dioxanes / chemistry
  • Enzymes / metabolism
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Polyesters / chemistry
  • Polymers / chemical synthesis*
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Spectrum Analysis

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Carbonates
  • Dioxanes
  • Enzymes
  • Peptides
  • Polyesters
  • Polymers
  • polycaprolactone
  • polytrimethylene carbonate