Thermosensitive aggregates self-assembled by an asymmetric block copolymer of dendritic polyether and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)

An asymmetric linear-dendritic block copolymer of polyether dendrimer and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) was prepared by an atom transfer radical polymerization method. The self-assembly behavior and thermosensitive property of this copolymer in water were studied by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and fluorescence probe spectroscopy. It was found that the thermosensitive phase transition takes place at the temperature of 37.5 °C; simultaneously the spherical aggregates grow into larger entangled nanotubules. The unique temperature-sensitive supramolecular aggregates may make them especially useful as intelligent capsules for drug delivery systems and as chemical sensors.