Mixed micelle formation through stereocomplexation between enantiomeric poly(lactide) block copolymers

Abstract

The stable polylactides (PLA) stereocomplexation of PLA block, a noncovalent driving force to improve mixing between dissimilar polymer chains and form stable mixed micelles was reported. All water-soluble aggregates form nanoscopic spheres with diameters (D h) ranging from 20 to 40 nm in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Polylactides (PLA) have attracted a great deal of attention due to their biodegradability, producibility from renewable resources, and nontoxic to human body and can be used in medicines and bioengineering. Polymeric assemblies transport and deliver biologically active agents such as potential injectable drug-delivery systems. The PLLA-PDLA stereocomplex bridges in conjunction with an appropriate molecular design can be simple and versatile route to expand the scope of possible morphologies of supramolecular structures.