Dynamic covalent diblock copolymers: Instructed coupling, micellation and redox responsiveness

Instructed by association units that allow reversible and unsymmetrical disulfide bond formation, hydrophilic (PEG) and hydrophobic (PLA) polymer chains are efficiently coupled into amphiphilic diblock copolymers. The desymmetrization of otherwise symmetrical reversible disulfide bond formation is achieved with amide association units that integrate both directional H-bonding and reversible disulfide bond formation, which ensure the connection of different polymer blocks while minimizing self-coupling. The resultant amphiphilic block copolymers self-assemble into long-lasting spherical micelles that are responsive to free thiols.