PhD. Topics
Polymer Institute
Topic
Block and gradient copolymers based on 2-alkyl- a 2-alkenyl-2-oxazolines as anti-inflammatory and anticancer drug delivery systems
PhD. program
Organic chemistry, physical chemistry (macromolecular chemistry)
Year of admission
2024
Name of the supervisor
Mgr. Juraj Kronek, PhD.
Contact:
Receiving school
Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology STU
Annotation
Block and gradient amphiphilic copolymers represent polymer materials with hierarchical structure and they are able to self-assemble in aqueous solutions. Gradient copolymers can form in contrast to block copolymers nanoparticles with amorphous phase of the hydrophobic core what is related to higher stability of the prepared particles and thus better encapsulation of a drug. For the preparation of gradient copolymers, new types of 2-oxazoline monomers and methods of living cationic polymerizations will be used. Here we will investigate the effect of aromatic ring type and used substituents on the non-covalent interactions with the drugs, colloidal stability, encapsulation capacity and in vitro internalization of the formed nanoparticles. Drug release profile will be studied in vitro and ex vivo. Another approach consists of gradient copolymers based on poly(2-isopropenyl-2-oxazoline) and hydrophobic acrylic monomers using appropriate methods of controlled/living polymerizations.