Article Cite This: Macromolecules XXXX, XXX, XXX−XXX
Programmed Self-Assembly Systems of Amphiphilic Random Copolymers into Size-Controlled and Thermoresponsive Micelles in Water Shota Imai,† Yuji Hirai,† Chitose Nagao,† Mitsuo Sawamoto,†,‡ and Takaya Terashima*,† †
Department of Polymer Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan Institute of Science and Technology Research, Chubu University, 1200 Matsumoto-cho, Kasugai, Aichi 487-8501, Japan
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S Supporting Information *
ABSTRACT: We report programmed self-assembly systems of amphiphilic random copolymers bearing hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and hydrophobic alkyl pendants into size-controlled and thermoresponsive micelles in water. This system affords simultaneous and precise control of the size, aggregation numbers, and cloud point (Cp) of micelles in water by primary structure (pendant alkyl groups, composition, and chain length) that is programmed in the copolymers. Typically, random copolymers bearing PEG and alkyl pendants (butyl, octyl, dodecyl, and octadecyl groups) universally induce intermolecular self-assembly in water to produce uniform size micelles (
