Synthesis, self-assembly, and doxorubicin release kinetics of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate- graft -(2-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate)

Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-graft-2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) graft copolymer is successfully synthesized through a combination of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Critical micelle concentration of self-assembled structure is calculated with the aid of UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopy. To comprehensively explore the self-assembly behaviour, the chains are assembled in aqueous solutions at different pH levels (1, 5.5, and 7.4) and temperatures (37 and 42 °C). Specifically, at pH = 1, the copolymer manifestes as spherical micelles at 37 °C and cubic hexahedral micelles at 42 °C. In addition to elucidating the self-assembly characteristics, the synthesized nanostructures are evaluated as potential nanocarriers for the controlled release of doxorubicin (DOX). The release profiles are investigated under different pH values (1.5, 5.5, and 7.4), providing valuable insights into the applicability of the designed nanostructures as drug delivery vehicles. This multifaceted study contributes to the understanding of graft copolymer synthesis, self-assembly behaviour, and potential applications as drug carriers, offering a promising avenue for further research in the field of nanomedicine.