Novel avenues towards double hydrophilic block copolymer-based self-assemblies

• Applicant: Dr. Bernhard V. K. J. Schmidt
• Subject Area: Preparatory and Physical Chemistry of Polymers
• Term: from 2018 to 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 403128852

Block copolymers are thoroughly investigated in modern polymer science aiming for biomedical applications, e.g. to achieve high bioavailability and specificity for reduction of applied doses and to deliver the drugs exactly to the right spot in order to reduce side effects. Frequently amphiphilic block copolymers are utilized in that regard, yet their biocompatibility and future approval as medicine additive are questionable. An approach to the solution of these problems and an extension of polymeric drug delivery agents towards more complex drugs is presented in this proposal. Vesicles from novel double hydrophilic block copolymers (DHBC) based on biocompatible synthetic and bio-derived building blocks will be investigated. A main concern is the relation between DHBC structures, e.g. polymer architectures, and self-assembly properties. Moreover, detailed investigations on the microstructure of the formed aggregates will be performed, e.g. via electron microscopy. To enhance stability of the formed assemblies, novel crosslinking mechanisms will be developed. Subsequently, stability of the aggregates will be studied with respect to environment (aqueous or organic) and their degradation. In the end, the development of DHBC-based self-assemblies will offer new opportunities for future applications, e.g. in the area of biomedicine.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: United Kingdom