The synthesis and structural characterization of a new dual responsive linear-dendritic block copolymer (LDBC) is presented. The LDBC is constituted by a thermoresponsive linear block from polymethacrylate of oligo- and diethylene glycol, and a light responsive dendron block of bis-MPA decorated at the periphery with 4-isobutyloxyazobenzene and alkyl chains in a 50:50 M ratio. Blocks are coupled together by copper(I) catalysed alkyne–azide cycloaddition (CuAAC). The ability of the LDBC to form vesicle self-assemblies in water is described, as well as the effect of light and temperature on the vesicles morphology, on the basis of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and UV–vis spectroscopy studies. The effect of UV light and temperature on the vesicles structure by SAXS and WAXS conducted on real time is also presented. Finally, the potential use of the vesicles to load and stimuli controlled release of small fluorescent molecules is probed.

Resumen del trabajo presentado al V Encuentro sobre Dendrímeros, celebtrado en Zaragoza (España) del 25 al 26 de enero de 2016.-- et al.

This work was supported by the MINECO, Spain, under the projects MAT2014-55205-P, MAT2014-59187-R, MAT2012-33517 and FEDER.

Peer reviewed