Architecture-Based Programming of Polymeric Micelles to Undergo Sequential Mesophase Transitions

Di- and triblock amphiphiles can form different mesophases ranging from micelles to hydrogels depending on their chemical structures, hydrophilic to hydrophobic ratios, and their ratio in the mixture. In addition, their different architectures dictate their exchange rate between the assembled and unimer states and consequently affect their responsiveness toward enzymatic degradation. Here we report the utilization of the different reactivities of di- and triblock amphiphiles, having exactly the same hydrophilic to lipophilic balance, toward enzymatic degradation as a tool for programming formulations to undergo sequential enzymatically induced transitions from (i) micelles to (ii) hydrogel and finally to (iii) dissolved polymers. We show that the rate of transition between the mesophases can be programmed by changing the ratio of the amphiphiles in the formulation, and that the hydrogels can maintain encapsulated cargo, which was loaded into the micelles. The reported results demonstrate the ability of molecular architecture to serve as a tool for programming smart formulations to adopt different structures and functions.