Polyether-based nanocontainers : morphology control, core-crosslinking, stimuli-response, and active targeting

This PhD thesis decribes the synthesis and self-assembly of amphiphilic, polyether-based diblock terpolymers. The hydrophilic block of the block copolymers consists of PEO. Different monomers were incorporated into the hydrophobic block to enable the generation of micelles of different morphologies (spherical micelles, worms, and vesicles). Amine-containing monomers were used to generate stimuli-responsive particles that enable triggered release of compounds from the micellar core. Further, reactive monomers enabled core-crosslinking of the particles to prevent premature release of loaded compounds. As a last point, the surface of the particles was modified with glucose molecules to actively target cancer cells (U87MG and MDAMB231 cells). In summary, different monomers, polymers, methods and analytical techniques were presented that may be utilized in the generation of tailor-made nanocontainers for different medical treatments.