Unit:
Κατεύθυνση Επιστήμη Πολυμερών και Εφαρμογές τηςLibrary of the School of Science
Author:
Athanasiou Barbara
Supervisors info:
Ιατρού Ερμόλαος, Καθηγητής ΕΚΠΑ, τμήμα χημείας
Πιτσικάλης Μαρίνος, Καθηγητής ΕΚΠΑ, τμήμα χημείας
Σακελλαρίου Γεώργιος, Επίκουρος Καθηγητής ΕΚΠΑ, τμήμα χημείας
Original Title:
Σύνθεση, Χαρακτηρισμός και Αυτο-Οργάνωση Αποκρινόμενων Συμπολυμερών Πολυ(αιθυλενοξειδίου), Πολυ(ιστιδίνης) για τον Εγκλωβισμό και την Ελεγχόμενη Αποδέσμευση Φαρμάκων
Translated title:
Synthesis, characterization and self-assembly of stimuli-responsive copolymers of poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(L-histidine) for the encapsulation and controlled release of drugs.
Summary:
In the present master thesis the synthesis of polypeptide copolymers based on poly(L-histidine) (PHis) was performed, that possess the ability to respond to external stimuli by altering their structure. The synthesis of polymers was achieved through a one-step ring-opening polymerization (ROP) process of the corresponding protected N-carboxy anhydrides (monomers), using an amine end-functionalized poly(ethylene oxide) (Ν3-PEO-NH2) macroinitiator. High-vacuum techniques were used for the synthesis of N-carboxy anhydrides of a-amino acids, for the purification of solvents and for the isolation of well-defined polymers as well, ensuring the high purity of the system and the absence of impurities that would result in uncontrolled polymerization processes. These amphiphilic copolymers of the Ν3-PEO-b-P(His) type possess the ability to self-assemble in aqueous media and form micelle-like nanostructures and vesicles. The outer hydrophilic corona of the nanostructures was comprised of poly(ethylene oxide) chains, while the pH-responsive core was based on PHis. Extensive molecular characterization studies were conducted in order to confirm the successful synthesis of the polymers. The ultimate goal is to create novel polymeric drug delivery systems, which will be used for targeted and controlled drug release applications to cancer cells.
Main subject category:
Science
Keywords:
polymers, polypeptides, ring-opening polymerization, Ν-carboxy anhydride, stimuli-responsive polymers
