Metal-free synthesis of amphiphilic functional polycarbonates

Amphiphilic block copolymers of poly(5-benzyloxy trimethylene carbonate) (PBTMC) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were synthesized through enzymatic polymerization using immobilized porcine pancreas lipase (IPPL). The obtained copolymers with different compositions were characterized by GPC and 1H NMR. The copolymer composition was in agreement with the feed ratio.The molecular weight of the copolymers showed an increasing trend with the decrease of PEG contents. Micelles of the copolymers were formed by dialysis procedure, and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).