Orthogonal construction of dual dynamic covalent linkages toward an “AND” logic-gate acid-/salt-responsive block copolymer

Abstract A novel block copolymer is fabricated by orthogonally coupling two end-functionalized polymers, glucose-capped methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG 2k -diol) and phenylboronic acid-capped poly(e-caprolactone) (PBA-PCL), with dual boronate ester and B N/B O dynamic covalent interactions. Due to their synergetic effect, this block copolymer can self-assemble into micelles in aqueous solution with high stability. More importantly, micellar disassembly can be only triggered in the presence of both signal inputs, acid and salt, displaying an “AND” logic-gate responsive behavior.