Preparation of Water-Dispersible Nanoparticles by Self-Organization of Bio-Based Photo-Reactive Polymer

Hyperbranched polyesters, poly(4-hydroxycinnamic acid-co-3, 4-dihydroxycinnamic acid) [P(4HCA-co-DHCA)], were synthesized by the heat-transesterification of bio-based monomers 4HCA and DHCA. The P(4HCA-co-DHCA) nanoparticles were formed after two homogeneous copolymer solutions were mixed in DMF and TFA solutions, which are both good solvents for the copolymer P(4HCA-co-DHCA). For the potential application of the nanoparticles composed of cinnamic acid derivatives, water-dispersible nanoparticles were prepared by introduction of Pluronic F127 into the P(4HCA-co-DHCA) nanoparticles. The photo-reactivities of the nanoparticles were investigated.