Method for generation of nanoparticles
A discrete nanostructure formed by a method comprising providing an aliphatic multi-block copolymer. The aliphatic multi-block copolymer includes at least one polyester block and at least one functionalized polycarbonate block. The aliphatic multi-block copolymer, a deprotonating agent and water are mixed to form an aqueous mixture. The aqueous mixture is maintained at a reaction temperature suitable to result in self-assembly of the multi-block copolymer into nanoparticles.
1. A discrete nanostructure formed by the method comprising:
providing an aliphatic multi-block copolymer comprising at least one polyester block and at least one functionalized polycarbonate block, wherein the aliphatic multi-block copolymer is a polyester-polycarbonate-polyester tri-block copolymer of formula 1:
R 1 —O-A a B b C c —R 2 (1)
where:
A and C are polyester blocks;
B is the functionalized polycarbonate block;
a=20 to 40;
b=2 to 10;
c=20 to 40;
R 1 is a group formed from a catalyst initiator; and
R 2 is an end cap moiety formed from a cyclic monomer;
mixing the aliphatic multi-block copolymer, a deprotonating agent and water to form an aqueous mixture; and
maintaining the aqueous mixture at a reaction temperature suitable to result in self-assembly of the multi-block copolymer into nanoparticles.
2. The discrete nanostructure of claim 1 , wherein A is a polyester formed by ring-opening polymerization of caprolactone and C is a polyester formed by ring-opening polymerization of lactide.
3. The discrete nanostructure of claim 2 , wherein the polycarbonate block is functionalized with a plurality of carboxylic acid or carboxylic acid ester functionalities.
4. The discrete nanostructure of claim 3 , wherein the nanoparticles range in size from about 5 nm to about 1000 nm.