Miktoarm star polymers: advances in synthesis, self-assembly, and applications

Abstract

Miktoarm polymers are a relatively new and unique class of macromolecules, and constitute a topical area of research due to their intriguing properties which can be tailored by varying their polymer arms. Much emphasis has been placed in the recent past in developing synthetic methodologies to these star polymers, and examining their self-assembly in solution. This review summarizes the progress made in the area of miktoarm star polymers in terms of their synthesis, behavior in solution, and applications. The different synthetic strategies to construct a variety of miktoarm star polymers are described, and each methodology strikes a balance between ease of synthesis and control over the final architecture. The self-assembly of miktoarm polymers in solution is then elaborated, which is frequently studied as a function of either arm-length (an intrinsic property of the star) or the application of an external stimulus (pH, temperature, etc.). This is followed by an overview of the applications of these stars in areas including drug delivery.

Design and Evaluation of Multifunctional Nanocarriers for Selective Delivery of Coenzyme Q10 to Mitochondria

“…19 Miktoarm polymers are branched macromolecules with linear polymeric chains emanating from a common central core, and these polymeric arms can vary in chemical identity and/or molecular weight. 20 The composition of both the core as well as arms can be fine-tuned based on the desired application. The presence of multiple arms in miktoarm stars become advantageous for biological applications, as one could introduce multifunctionality and covalently link targeting moieties and imaging molecules.…”

One-step RAFT synthesis of well-defined amphiphilic star polymers and their self-assembly in aqueous solution

“…17 For the preparation of star polymers, two general routes are employed, namely the so-called ''core-first'' and ''arm-first'' approaches. [18][19][20][21] While in the latter, the synthesis of single, linear arms allows for good control over the individual length of the arms, 22,23 their subsequent coupling to a core demands a highly effective and selective coupling reaction.…”

Effect of Polymer Characteristics on the Thermal Stability of Retinol Encapsulated in Aliphatic Polyester Nanoparticles

“…In DDS, many dosage forms are made from the aliphatic polyesters, and nanoparticles are one of the most popular types to deliver bioactive drugs efficiently to a target site through an enhanced permeation and retention effect. 12 To maximize the performance of the nanoparticles, most researches have been focused on improving their target specificity to a disease site [13][14][15][16][17][18] and on controlling a release behavior of the drugs in the nanoparticles in a stimuliresponsive fashion. [17][18][19][20][21] However, some bioactive drugs are easily denatured or degraded during storage or circulation in our body.…”

“…12 To maximize the performance of the nanoparticles, most researches have been focused on improving their target specificity to a disease site [13][14][15][16][17][18] and on controlling a release behavior of the drugs in the nanoparticles in a stimuliresponsive fashion. [17][18][19][20][21] However, some bioactive drugs are easily denatured or degraded during storage or circulation in our body. [22][23][24][25][26][27] As such, before reaching the target site, the drugs are no longer effective to cure a disease.…”