Surface-functionalized polymeric micelles

Polymeric micelles are expected to self-assemble when block copolymers are used for their preparation [28]. Micelles of biocompatible copolymer, viz., PEO with PLA or with PBLA, have been reported in the literature [29,30]. The synthesis of such nanospheres with functional groups on their surface is shown in Fig. 2. 

Emoto, K. lijima, M. Nagasaki, Y. Kataoka, K. Functionality of polymeric micelle hydrogels with organized three-dimensional architecture on surfaces. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2000, 122, 2653-2654. 

Recently, functionalized latexes have been obtained by means of CRP in an ab initio batch emulsion and miniemulsion polymerization process. Even though these woiks may not always intentionally be making surface-functional particles, it is a very efficient way of doing so. The approach consists in adding a hydrophilic and water-soluble control agent and in situ building up a polymeric surfactant, which after micellization causes the control agent to be inside the latex particle. 

The function of emulsifier in the emulsion polymerization process may be summarized as follows [45] (1) the insolubilized part of the monomer is dispersed and stabilized within the water phase in the form of fine droplets, (2) a part of monomer is taken into the micel structure by solubilization, (3) the forming latex particles are protected from the coagulation by the adsorption of monomer onto the surface of the particles, (4) the emulsifier makes it easier the solubilize the oligomeric chains within the micelles, (5) the emulsifier catalyzes the initiation reaction, and (6) it may act as a transfer agent or retarder leading to chemical binding of emulsifier molecules to the polymer. 

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