One-step synthesis of amphiphilic hyperbranched amylopectin derivatives, characterization and use as functional nanovehicles.

Amylopectin is a naturally hyperbranched biopolymer with an extremely high molecular weight. Furthermore, this material is non-toxic in nature, and exhibits good biocompatibility and biodegradability properties. Herein, we describe the development of a one-step reaction strategy for the synthesis of amphiphilic high-molecular-weight hyperbranched amylopectin derivatives with hydrophobic shells and large hydrophilic cores. The chemical structures of the resulting materials were characterized using FTIR spectroscopy, solid-state (13)C cross-polarization/magic angle spinning NMR spectroscopy and gas chromatography. The results from transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and UV-vis analysis confirmed that the hyperbranched amylopectin derivatives were composed of hydrophobic shells with cholesteryl residues and hydrophilic amylopectin cores. These amylopectin derivatives exhibited high encapsulation capabilities toward water-soluble molecules, and could be used as functional nanovehicles for the controlled release of water-soluble molecules, and the in situ synthesis of metallic nanoparticles.