Synthesis and micellization of an amphiphilic biodegradable β-cyclodextrin/poly(γ-benzyl L-glutamate) copolymer

beta-Cyclodextrin/poly(gamma-benzyl L-glutamate) (beta-CD-PBLG) copolymers were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of N-carboxy-gamma-benzyl L-glutamate anhydride (BLG-NCA) in N,N-dimethylformamide(DMF) initiated by mono-6-amino-beta-cyclodextrin(H2N-beta-CD). The structures of the copolymers were determined by IR, H-1 NMR and GPC. The fluorescence technique was used to determine the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of copolymer micelle solution. The diameter and the distribution of micelles were characterized by dynamic light scattering(DLS) and its shape was observed by transmission electron microscopy(TEM). The results showed that BLG-NCA could be initiated by H2N-beta-CD to produce copolymer. These copolymers showed an amphiphilic nature and could self-assemble into nano-micelles in water. The CMC of copolymer solution and the size of micelle reduced with the increasing of the proportion of hydrophobic parts. TEM images demonstrated the micelles are all spherical. Such copolymers could be expected to find applications in drug delivery systems and other biomedical domains.