PMSE 246 |
| Polymers have recently garnered much attention due to their successful application as drug delivery agents. We are presently investigating routes for synthesizing unimolecular reverse micelles consisting of star block copolymers to be used as transdermal drug delivery agents. The star block copolymers are prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of successful blocks of oligo(ethylene glycol methacrylate) and lauryl methacrylate from dendritic macroinitiators of generations 1, 2, and 3, based on 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propanoic acid (bis-MPA). ATRP is chosen as the polymerization technique because of its ability to produce well-defined polymers.The synthesized amphiphilic block copolymers of each generation will be tested for their aggregation properties as well as their ability to encapsulate polar dye in solutions of nonpolar solvent. Successful encapsulation will lead to further studies to evaluate the block copolymers' ability to transport polar drugs and vaccines through the skin. |
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Joint PMSE/POLY Poster Session
6:00 PM-8:00 PM, Tuesday, 12 September 2006 Moscone Center -- Hall D, Poster
Sci-Mix
Division of Polymeric Materials: Science & Engineering |