Amphiphilic miktoarm star copolymers have a unique internal structure and many attractive properties with respect to solution self-assembly, such as a high density of internal and peripheral functionalities, low CMC values, and high loading efficiency. However, compared to their linear analogs, the complex architecture demands asymmetric polymer arms emanating from a single core, which poses a significant synthetic challenge. 

Polypept(o)ide based miktoarm star polymers, the so-called PeptoMiktoStars, represent a promising new class of amphiphilic systems combining polypeptoids, such as polysarcosine (pSar), with polypeptides to afford materials completely based on endogenous amino acids. While pSar provides stealth-like properties similar to PEG as a shielding material, the polypeptide segment provides a handle for incorporating or attaching of biomacromolecules or drugs. Furthermore, they can be used to introduce stimuli-responsive moieties into the system (e.g. pH- or redox-responsive) or act as a core-forming block due to their tendency to form secondary structures.  

 

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