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Project

Multifunctional dual responsive core-shell polymer nanoparticles (R-4651)

The goal of this work is to gain fundamental knowledge in design and synthesis concepts to obtain polymer particles with dual responsiveness where the final purpose of the particle is controlled by the combination of two independent triggers. Such an approach is highly valuable for instance, in drug delivery, where dual stimuli can bestow the particle with enhanced triggering specificity and selectivity to achieve an efficient drug release in a complex environment. Although such features are appealing, the design and particle formulation is challenging. Therefore, to reach this aim, design of nanoparticles with core-shell structures formed by combining different responsive polymers that are independently triggered is ideal. To obtain the desired particle morphology and functionalities both the monomer and the polymer design as well as the particle formation process aspects in heterophase systems have to be considered simultaneously. With the advances made in the field of various living/controlled radical polymerization (LCRP) techniques and orthogonal conjugation reactions (often referred to as click reactions), it is possible to design and produce multifunctional polymer particles comprising of specific combination of polymers with an unprecedented level of control over composition, structure, and properties. In this proposed research, phase separated core-shell nanoparticles will be formulated using miniemulsion in combination with post functionalization strategies employing modern polymerization techniques.
Date:1 Oct 2013 →  30 Sep 2016
Keywords:POLYMER NETWORKS
Disciplines:Process engineering, Polymeric materials