Synthesis and self-assembly of amphiphilic diblock polycarbonates with various pendant hydrophilic groups

Self-assembled micro-paricles have been proven to be efficient microcarriers for delivering various therapeutic agents. Polycarbonates have demonstrated excellent biodegradability and biocompatibility as material for polymeric microcarriers. A diblock polycarbonate with tunable block length and active sites is synthesized via one-pot sequential ring-opening polymerization (ROP). The polymer acts as a material platform for versatile modifications to prepare a series of amphiphilic diblock polycarbonates which can self-assemble into micro particles. The effect of different hydrophilic pendent groups controlling the morphology and surface charge of the assemblies is systematically investigated. The non-equilibrium spherical particles with varying sizes are formed in one day, and the spheres can further assemble into multi-compartments vesicles (MCVs). Cationic, anionic or neutral carriers can be prepared depending on the type of pendant groups attached. The versatile amphiphilic copolymer assemblies have good potential in biomedical applications.