Self-assembly of copolyesters into stereocomplex crystallites tunes the properties of polyester nanoparticles

in: Macromolecules (2020)
Scheuer, Karl; Bandelli, Damiano; Helbing, Christian; Weber, Christine; Alex, Julien; Max, Johannes; Hocken, Alexis; Stranik, Ondrej; Seiler, Lisa; Gladigau, Frederike; Neugebauer, Ute; Schacher, Felix H.; Schubert, Ulrich S.; Jandt, Klaus D.
Self-assembly of polyesters like PlLA and PdLA into stereocomplexes (SCs) is an interesting approach to tailor physical properties of polymeric nanoparticles without affecting their hydrophilicity. Here, we use the stereocomplexation of P(lLA-stat-EtGly) and P(dLA-stat-EtGly) (EtGly: 3-ethylglycolide) to tune the melting temperature (Tm) and degree of crystallinity (wc) of the bulk polymer. Using time-dependent blending experiments and characterization techniques, such as dynamic light scattering, wide-angle X-ray spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and atomic force microscopy, we tested the hypothesis that the amount of SCs within the nanoparticles impacts their mechanical properties. Our results show that Tm and wc can be adjusted via the EtGly content. Interestingly, mechanical properties of the nanoparticles depend on the EtGly content as well as the self-assembly time of SCs before nanoparticle formation. This offers a high potential for their application in drug delivery, where their tunable properties will allow to adjust degradation and drug release behavior.

Third party cookies & scripts

This site uses cookies. For optimal performance, smooth social media and promotional use, it is recommended that you agree to third party cookies and scripts. This may involve sharing information about your use of the third-party social media, advertising and analytics website.
For more information, see privacy policy and imprint.
Which cookies & scripts and the associated processing of your personal data do you agree with?

You can change your preferences anytime by visiting privacy policy.