(162) Branched Copolymer Nanogels Synthesized by RAFT Polymerization for Gene Delivery Vehicles
Introduction: Nanogels are hydrogels made of crosslinked polymer chains that form particles in the nanoscale range. They absorb water and unlike micelles, do not require a hydrophobic effect to drive their structure. Their water content imparts an elastic modulus allowing biodistribution through tight junctions that conventional nanoparticles cannot pass. Reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization has been used to produce nanogels cores,(1) with customizable coronas, which can be used to tune the particle interaction with physiological systems.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the utility of polymer nanogels for gene delivery
Explain the key process parameters needed to synthesize nanogels
Evaluate the physical properties of polymer nanogels via NMR, GPC and DLS
Nickolas Andrioff – Biomedical Engineer, Battelle Memorial Institute; Dean Constantine – Chemical Engineer, Battelle Memorial Institute; Phil Denen – Chemist, Battelle Memorial Institute; Sam Farrar – Chemist, Battelle Memorial Institute; Emma Schmitz – Material Scientist, Battelle Memorial Institute; Kenneth Sims – Senior Material Scientist, Battelle Memorial Institute
