Synthesis of poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline)-b-poly(2-phenyl-2-oxazoline)-b-poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline) and its self-assembly into polymersomes: Temperature-dependent aqueous solution behavior

Turan C., Terzioglu I., Gündoğdu D., Erel Göktepe İ.

Materials Today Communications, vol.35, 2023 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 35
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.mtcomm.2023.106094
  • Journal Name: Materials Today Communications
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, INSPEC
  • Keywords: Double emulsion, Poly(2-alkyl-2-oxazoline), Polymersomes, Self-assembly, Solvent shifting, Temperature-responsive
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study reports on synthesis of poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline)-b-poly(2-phenyl-2-oxazoline)-b-poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline) (PiPOX-b-PPhOX-b-PiPOX) by a three-step sequential monomer addition through cationic ring opening polymerization (CROP). Self-assembly of PiPOX-b-PPhOX-b-PiPOX was triggered through solvent shifting or double emulsion methods, resulting in formation of polymersomes with hydrophilic and temperature-responsive PiPOX inner/outer coronae and hydrophobic PPhOX membrane. Double emulsion method provided smaller polymersomes with greater colloidal stability. Increasing the temperature of the polymersome solution led to formation of polymersome clusters and this transition was found to be irreversible. Glucose oxidase (GOx) encapsulated polymersomes were used as nanoreactors for GOx/horseradish peroxidase (HRP) cascade reactions. The increase in the rate of the enzymatic reaction with increasing temperature was found to be smaller for the encapsulated enzymes compared to free enzymes.