Thermoresponsive block copolymer grafted on core-shell nanoparticles

Abstract

Since 1966, when poly(2-oxazolines) (POx) were discovered, they have undoubtedly been recognized as a class of polymer with high synthetic versatility and outstanding potential for biotechnological applications. In this work, we decided to exploit the adaptability of POx to realize block co-polymer coated nanoparticles with a proper functionalization able to perform thermoresponsive behavior in aqueous solution. Herein, we present the synthesis and analysis of the properties of a versatile block co-polymer featured by: (i) a polar side chain, able to exploit electrostatic and hydrophilic interaction with specific cargo, promising tool for a wide variety of possible applications; (ii) a thermoresponsive scaffold, able to became unsolvable changing the temperature. Subsequently, we graft these polymers onto iron oxide nanoparticles and the thermal responsive properties are investigated. The resulting nanoparticles are easily dispersed in water and thereafter, can be thermally aggregated for efficient magnetic extraction.