Amphiphilic gradient poly(2-oxazolines) as delivery systems for hydrophobic drugs.

Abstract: Poly(2-oxazoline)s and, recently also poly(2-oxazine)s, represent an emerging class of polymers with a broad range of applications. Statistical cationic ring-opening copolymerization of monomers with different reactivities leads to the formation of gradient copolymers. In certain cases, amphiphilic copolymers with quasi block-like architectures can be obtained in a single step. These copolymers exhibit surfactant properties and self-assembly in water. Within the presented project, we designed and synthesized several types of amphiphilic gradient copolymers based on poly(2-oxazoline)s and poly(2-oxazine)s, differing in the repeating unit structures, ratio, and the total chain length. Their self-assembly properties will be discussed and critically compared to their block copolymer analogs. Finally, the surfactant properties of these gradient copolymers were demonstrated by the solubilization of hydrophobic anticancer drugs.

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