# Synthesis, Supramolecular Assembly, and Hydrogelation of Poly(amino ester) ABA Triblock Copolymers

## TL;DR

This paper presents a new method to create degradable poly(amino ester) triblock copolymers that can self-assemble into hydrogels for agrochemical delivery.

## Contribution

The synthesis of tunable amphiphilic ABA triblock copolymers with controlled properties for hydrogelation and agrochemical applications.

## Key findings

- Copolymers with molar masses 4,600–8,500 g/mol and narrow dispersities were synthesized.
- Self-assembly in water produced worm-like or spherical nanostructures.
- Hydrogel properties and fungicide delivery were successfully demonstrated.

## Abstract

Poly­(amino esters) derived from N-acylated-1,4-oxazepan-7-ones
(OxPs) emerge as promising candidates in the development of new and
degradable amphiphiles for hydrogel preparation and delivery formulations.
Here, the synthesis of amphiphilic triblock copolymers by ring-opening
copolymerization of OxP monomers with various pendant chains is reported.
Copolymerization using organocatalysts and a bifunctional initiator
afforded neutral P­(OxPMe)-b-P­(OxPBn)-b-P­(OxPMe) and cationic P­(OxPNH2
+)-b-P­(OxPBn)-b-P­(OxPNH2
+) amphiphilic triblock
copolymers with controlled molar masses ranging from 4,600 to 8,500
g/mol and narrow dispersities (Đ ≤ 1.21). A panel of
polymers with various block lengths and compositions was synthesized.
Their self-assembly in water revealed the formation of nanostructures,
including worm-like or spherical morphologies. Modulation of the copolymer
composition and concentration enables control over hydrogelation and
its macroscopic properties. Finally, we investigated the formulation
of a hydrophobic fungicide and its inhibitory effect on spore proliferation,
which shows great promise as dispensable and biodegradable hydrogel
formulation for agrochemical applications.