Reversible electrostatically crosslinked amphiphilic conetworks from star-shaped block copolymers

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The present project as part of the research group FOR 2811 aims at reversible amphiphilic conetworks (ACN) by electrostatic interaction between oppositely charged star-shaped diblock copolymers. For this purpose, star-shaped 4-arm systems are used, which have a charged polyelectrolyte block on each arm (PE). On the one hand, permanently charged PE are used, but on the other hand combined with polyampholytes of variable charge, which, depending on the pH, then enter into attractive or repulsive interactions with an oppositely charged PE block. The stars also consist of either a neutral hydrophilic or hydrophobic inner block. Furthermore, mixed covalent/reversible ACNs are prepared by synthesizing star polymers with a 2+2 combination of arms with a covalent coupling agent as well as charged segments. Switchable ACNs will also be targeted, for example by incorporating hydrophilic blocks with a critical solution temperature (LCST or UCST). In collaboration with other subprojects, within FOR 2811 we also want to address a correlation of formation, reversibility and stability of ACN depending on external conditions. In addition, we want to develop an understanding of the structure and stability of ACN as well as their swelling and/or penetrability by suitable probe molecules under variation of external conditions as well as solvent quality. Last but not least, the suitability of such ACN for releasing effector molecules and for application as smart substrates for cell growth will be investigated.