Pseudo-block copolymer based on star-shaped poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) with a β-cyclodextrin core and guest-bearing PEG: Controlling thermoresponsivity through supramolecular self-assembly

Abstract

A study was conducted to control thermoresponsivity with supramolecular self-assembly of pseudo-block copolymer based on star-shaped poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) with a β-cyclodextrin core and guest-bearing PEG. The study used a star polymer, synthesized with a β-CD core as molecular recognition moiety and multiple PNIPAAm arms as actuation moieties. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to determine the degree of substitution (DS) of the purified macroinitiator. The study found that β-CD-core star polymer was obtained by synthesis of a β-CD-based macroinitiator. The study synthesized the macromolecular guests by coupling the molecular recognition moiety, adamantane with biocompatible hydrophilic poly(ehtylene glycol) (PEG).