Dual pH- and temperature-responsive RAFT-based block co-polymer micelles and polymer–protein conjugates with transient solubility

Abstract

Via a smart combination of temperature-responsive and acid labile acetal monomers, copolymers are obtained with à la carte lower critical solution temperature behavior. RAFT copolymerization of these monomers using, respectively, a PEG-functionalized or amine-reactive NHS-functionalized chain transfer agent allows designing of micelles and polymer–protein conjugates with transient solubility properties within a physiologically relevant window.