Synthesis of copolymeric micelle (PEG-b-pMMA) through ATRP method for pH-triggered sustained release behaviour

The synthesis of nano-assemblies block copolymers with well-defined structures gains remarkable attention. This type of materials can easily interact with the living cells and generate the response. These self-assemblies can be used in various fields as nanoparticles, drug/protein carrier, biomaterials for sensing and diagnostic. Therefore, the intend of this work is to synthesize of stimuli-responsive amphiphilic block copolymeric nanocarrier composed of polyethylene glycol and polymethyl methacrylate through atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) method. The gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis has been performed to determine the living nature of the copolymer chains. The chemical structure and surface morphology have been investigated using fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, 1 H NMR spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses. Swelling study has been performed to examine the pH-responsive nature of the copolymer. Gelling nature of the block copolymer has also been investigated through rheology study. The critical micelle concentration of the self-assemble copolymeric micelle has been determined using fluorescence spectrophotometer. The suitability of the developed block copolymeric micelle as pH-responsive nanocarrier has been observed through encapsulation and release study using pyrene as a probe molecule. Graphical abstract