Novel Biocompatible Hybrid Molecular Brush with Improved Adhesion to Fibroblasts for Wound Healing / Drug Delivery

Hybrid molecular brushes (HMBs) are polymeric constructs comprising a backbone and ide chains of two or more polymers with varying properties. The overall molecular structure of HMBs is governed by steric repulsion among the side chains, and their grafting density on the backbone. HMBs with hydrophilic and hydrophobic fragments have recently come to the forefront, as their amphiphilic nature gives surfactant-like properties and facilitates formation of core-shell like micelles.

The inventors currently are investigating potential applications as micro- and nanocarriers for site-specific drug delivery, stabilizers for emulsions, coatings for nanoparticles to prevent aggregation, and stimuliresponsive materials for protein binding.  Several methods for the synthesis of HMBs have been employed. Synthetic processes may be carried out in single step grafting process at elevated temperature, or in multiple steps involving modification of the backbone and/or side chains, followed by grafting. For the synthesis of HMBs with side-chains of varying chemical structure, immiscibility, and thus solvent selection poses a major challenge.

Therefore, there remains a need in the art for novel HMBs comprising varied polymer side chains, as well as methods of making them. In certain embodiments, the HMBs comprise a backbone, at least one hydrophobic polymer side chain, and at least one hydrophilic polymer side chain. This invention fulfills these needs.

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