Microfluidic Controlled Self-Assembly of Polylactide (PLA)-Based Linear and Graft Copolymers into Nanoparticles with Diverse Morphologies.

This study outlines the microfluidic (MF) controlled self-assembly of polylactide (PLA)-based linear and graft copolymers. The PLA-based copolymers (PLA-Cs) were synthesized through a convenient one-pot/one-step ROP/RAFT technique. Three distinct vinyl monomers-triethylene glycol methacrylate (TEGMA), 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA), and N -(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (HPMAA) were employed to prepare various copolymers: linear thermoresponsive polylactide- b -poly(triethylene glycol methacrylate) (PLA- b -PTEGMA), graft pseudothermoresponsive poly[ N -(2-hydroxypropyl)] methacrylate- g -polylactide (PHPMA- g -PLA), and graft amphiphilic poly[ N -(2-hydroxypropyl)] methacrylamide- g -polylactide (PHPMAA- g -PLA). The MF technology was utilized for the controlled self-assembly of these PLA-based BCs in a solution, resulting in a range of nanoparticle (NP) morphologies. The thermoresponsive PLA- b -PTEGMA diblock copolymer formed thermodynamically stable micelles (Ms) through kinetically controlled assemblies. Similarly, employing MF channels led to the self-assembly of PHPMA- g -PLA, yielding polymersomes (PSs) with adjustable sizes under the same solution conditions. Conversely, the PHPMAA- g -PLA copolymer generated worm-like particles (Ws). The analysis of resulting nano-objects involves techniques such as transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering investigations (DLS), and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). More specifically, the thermoresponsive behavior of PLA- b -PTEGMA and PHPMA- g -PLA nano-objects is validated through variable-temperature DLS, TEM, and SAXS methods. Furthermore, the study explored the specific interactions between the formed Ms, PSs, and/or Ws with proteins in human blood plasma, utilizing isothermal titration calorimetry.
Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest.
(© 2024 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.)