Dextran based amphiphilic self-assembled biopolymeric macromolecule synthesized via RAFT polymerization as indomethacin carrier.

This work demonstrates a facile pathway to develop a biopolymer based amphiphilic macromolecule through reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, using dextran (a biopolymer) as starting material. Also, a new hydrophobic monomer [2-methyl-acrylic acid 1-benzyl-1H-[1,2,3] triazol-4-ylmethyl ester (MABTE)] has been synthesized using methacrylic acid via "click" approach. The resultant copolymer displays controlled radical polymerization characteristics: narrow polydispersity (Ð) and controlled molecular weight as obtained through advanced polymer chromatography (APC) analysis. In aqueous solution, the copolymer can proficiently be self-assembled to provide micellar structure, which has been evidenced from field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses. The in-vitro cytotoxicity study illustrates the nontoxic nature of the copolymer up to 100 µg/mL polymer concentration. The copolymer has been found to be worthy as an efficient carrier for the sustained release of hydrophobic drug: Indomethacin (IND).

Amphiphilic graft copolymeric micelle using dextrin and poly (N-vinyl caprolactam) via RAFT polymerization: Development and application.

Dextrin and poly (N-vinyl caprolactam) based amphiphilic graft copolymer has recently been developed using RAFT polymerization. The prepared graft copolymer has been characterized in details using FTIR and 1H NMR spectral analyses, GPC, TGA, FESEM, TEM and DLS analyses. GPC analysis results indicate that the polymerization is controlled, while the LCST value of the copolymer suggests that the synthesized copolymer demonstrates sol-gel behaviour on applying temperature. FESEM and TEM analyses envisage that the graft copolymer has spherical morphology with nanoscale dimension. DLS study reveals that the micellar size vary with change of pH and temperature, demonstrating the dual-responsive behaviour of the graft copolymer. Finally, the developed graft copolymer shows worthy efficacy towards the pH and thermo-responsive release of encapsulated pyrene in sustained manner.