Some novel biological applications of polymers based on poly(2-oxazoline)s

Abstract

Poly(2-oxazoline)s have attracted much attention in recent times due to their potential advantages over other similar polymers. They are easy to synthesise while maintaining control over length, polydispersity and functionality1, 2. Furthermore the 2-methyl and 2-ethyl poly(2-oxazoline)s have both been shown to be ‘stealth’ biopolymers similar to that of poly(ethyleneglycol), (PEG)3 suitable for biological applications. Poly(2-isopropy-2-oxazoline), poly(2-n-propyl-2-oxazoline) and poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) have all been found to show thermoresponsive behaviour and are therefore potential alternatives to poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNiPAAm)4, 5.


We are interested in exploiting these properties of poly(2-oxazoline)s in novel applications particularly in the biological context.


We describe the synthesis and characterisation of poly(2-oxazoline) homo and co-polymers with particular attention paid to their cloud point temperature behaviour. We then developed a method to allow poly(2-oxazoline)s to be covalently attached to glass using a ‘grafting-to’ approach. We then successfully demonstrated their potential as cell selective surfaces.


Two different classes of thermogelling materials have also been synthesised, one based on a carboxymethylcellulose co-polymer and another poly(2-oxazoline) only co-polymer. Both of these materials have been characterised using rheology and their potential for tissue engineering applications has been demonstrated.

Finally the non-fouling properties of poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) coated surfaces has been explored. It has been shown that the non-fouling behaviour is dependent on the way in which bacteria are brought in contact with the surfaces.

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Identifiers

ORCID for Martin C. Grossel: orcid.org/0000-0001-7469-6854

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