Low-polydispersity star polymers with core functionality by cross-linking macromonomers using functional ATRP initiators

A new method for the synthesis of star polymers with high molecular weight distribution (MWD), high star yield, and low polydispersity through copolymerization of linear macromonomers (MM), with a divinyl cross-linker using low molar mass Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP) initiators, was developed. The number of initiating sites derived from the initiator and the number of arms derived from MM per star molecule were independently controlled. The results show that the addition of pyrene-containing initiators form strong UV absorption peaks of the star polymers. The amphibilic (PEO) n-polyEGDMA (pyrene) star polymers has a core-shell structure, that contains a hydrophobic cross-linked polyEGDAM core and hydrophilic PEO arms. The successful encapsulation of pyrene groups in the amphibilic (PEO) n-polyEGDMA is used for amplified fluorescent probe in bioimaging.