Amphiphilic star-block copolymers and supramolecular transformation of nanogel-like micelles to nanovesicles

Abstract

Amphiphilic star-block copolymers based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) with adamantyl end-functionalization were synthesized via anionic ring-opening polymerization and alkyne-azide "Click Chemistry" coupling. In aqueous medium, the copolymers self-assembled into nanogel-like large compound micelles, and transformed into vesicular nanostructures under the direction of host-guest interaction between the adamantyl end and dimethyl-β- cyclodextrin. © 2011 The Royal Society of Chemistry.