Synthesis, switchability and self-assembly of disulfide polymer particles in aqueous solution

• Applicant: Professorin Dr. Franziska Gröhn
• Subject Area: Preparatory and Physical Chemistry of Polymers
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 544453958

There is a great need in medicine for specifically controllable drug delivery, both in terms of time scale and localization. The subject of this fundamental research project is the development of multiswitchable disulfide-based polymer particles (nanogels) in aqueous solution and their investigation as switchable particles, whereby the multiple responsiveness of the disulfide bond to UV irradiation, ultrasound and thiol-disulfide exchange will be exploited in a targeted manner. In particular, the stimulus ultrasound will be in the foreground, with the potential to establish principles for new pathways for drug release in the body. Model studies on loading and release will be carried out with hydrophobic, ionic and sulfide group-bearing dyes as well as with exemplary drugs, and the release kinetics will be investigated. The aim is to develop a fundamental physical-chemical understanding of structure-directing forces, loading and release, both thermodynamically and kinetically. The knowledge gained should lay the foundation for the design of new innovative polymer nanoparticles with customized properties, in particular for a spatially and temporally controllable release of drugs.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants