Patent ID: 7723438
Filing Date: 2010-05-25
Classification: C08G

Abstract:
1. A method of preparing a nanoparticle that includes a multi-armed core and surface decoration that is attached to the core, comprising: (a) preparing a multi-armed core by a method comprising: (i) polymerizing a monomer with an initiator having a protected or unprotected functional group to form a reactive multi-armed core precursor; (ii) reacting the reactive multi-armed core precursor with a multi-functional coupling agent to form a reactive half star; and (iii) reacting the reactive half star with a monomer; and (b) using a coupling reaction to bond surface decoration to one or more arms of the multi-armed core, wherein the surface decoration includes an oligomer having a degree of polymerization less than 50, and wherein either the core is hydrophobic and the surface decoration is hydrophilic, or the core is hydrophilic and the surface decoration is hydrophobic.