Micellization and phase transfer application of a novel amphiphilic random polyurethane

Amphiphilic polymers which are macromolecules with hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties, explored as systems for nanoencapsulation, phase transfer, nano-reactors and catalysis1. Their amphiphilic core-shell structure provides good solubilization for hydrophobic or hydrophilic guest molecules in their micellar structure in polar aqueous or nonpolar organic media2. We have recently reported a synthesis of amphiphilic random polyurethane (APU) with hydrophilic and hydrophobic moieties (Fig. 1), while one would expect that this polymer behaves like a micellar host in a polar solvent. Here, the self aggregation and micelle formation of the APU was investigated using steady-state fluorescence spectra and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Also, the morphologies of the nanoparticles were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), 1H NMR spectroscopy and water contact angle (WCA) measurements along with DLS. The ability of the copolymer to encapsulate, solubilize and transfer hydrophobic molecules (Nil red was usedas probe) through polar/nonpolar interface was evaluated.

Keywords:

Amphiphilic polyurethane , Polymer micelle , Encapsulation , Phase transfer