Utilizing Reversible Addition Fragmentation Chain Transer for the Synthesis of Polymeric Gene Delivery Vehicles

Spoons, Jared (2014) Utilizing Reversible Addition Fragmentation Chain Transer for the Synthesis of Polymeric Gene Delivery Vehicles. Undergraduate thesis, under the direction of Adam E. Smith from Chemical Engineering, The University of Mississippi.

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Abstract

There are many techniques used today to make a variety of polymers but this thesis investigates the reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization technique and illustrates the advantages and importance of using RAFT polymerization technique to make the desired polymer. The research focused on two monomer units that were to form the diblock copolymer; the hydrophilic part, oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate, and the cationic hydrophobic part 2-diethylaminoethyl methacrylate. The goal was to produce a target diblock copolymer with a Mn value of 44K and a PDI under 1.5 with the block sizes being a 35K Mn OEGMA chain and a 9K Mn DEAEMA chain. Using RAFT polymerization, I was able to make the desired diblock copolymer. Using this data, I can synthesize additional block copolymers depending on the need. This ability along with the advantage of being able to be used in a variety of conditions is why RAFT polymerization is such an important and desirable technique in making polymers.

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