Supramolecular self-assembly systems based on cyclodextrins and copolymers of different chain architectures

Abstract

The research was focused on host-guest interactions involving cyclodextrins (I?-CD, I?-CD, and I?-CD) and copolymers of different chain architectures such as linear triblock, star-shaped, or dendritic copolymers. The first supramolecular self-assembly system is the inclusion complexes (ICs) formed between biodegradable poly(I?-caprolactone)a??poly(tetrahydrofuran)a??poly(I?-caprolactone) (PCLa??PTHFa??PCL) triblock copolymers and I?-, I?-, and I?-CDs in a different mode. The second supramolecular system was formed between CDs and multi-arm star poly(ethylene glycols) (PEG) with the ends capped by pyrene. The complexation between I?-CD and two pyrene ends acts as crosslinking and results in the gelation of the copolymers. Finally, micelle-like supramolecular structures were constructed by polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers with I?-CD ends and linear PEG with adamantane at one end. The PAMAM-I?-CD dendrimers form complexes through interactions between I?-CD cavities and adamamtane, forming a PEG shell similar to that in the micelles of am amphiphilic block copolymer.