The Polymer Society of Korea

배효리 (숭실대학교)

신재만 (숭실대학교)

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is widely used in polymeric micelles for drug delivery, but its non-biodegradability and immunogenicity limit further applications. Herein, amphiphilic bottlebrush block copolymers based on poly(ethyl ethylene phosphate) (PEEP) are reported as biodegradable PEG alternatives. Norbornene-functionalized poly(lactic acid) (NB-PLA) and poly(ethyl ethylene phosphate) (NB-PEEP) were synthesized and copolymerized via ring-opening metathesis polymerization to obtain PNB-g-(PLA-b-PEEP). The bottlebrush copolymers spontaneously self-assembled into core–shell polymeric micelles in aqueous media. DLS showed that micelle size and distribution depended on the PLA/PEEP composition, consistent with packing parameter. Compared to linear block copolymers, the bottlebrush architecture is expected to enhance micellar stability and drug loading capacity. These results demonstrate the potential of PEEP-based bottlebrush block copolymers as PEG-free drug delivery carriers.