Study of Characterization and Application on the Binding of Photochromic PAzoM₂₆-b-PAA₂₉₆ Diblock Copolymer with Bovine Serum Albumin by Spectroscopic Techniques

Abstract

We have reported the synthesis and characterization of amphiphilic diblock copolymer {2-[4-(4-methoxy phenyl azo) phenoxy] hexyl acrylate co-acrylic acid} (PAzoM₂₆-b-PAA₂₉₆) and investigated the binding of this copolymer to bovine serum albumin (BSA) by TEM, ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption spectra, spectrofluorimetry, and synchronous fluorescence spectra techniques. The copolymer is photochromic and can self-assemble to form microspheres or vesicles, which could be potentially utilized in drug delivery system and the separation and purification of protein. We first present the inherent binding information using the fluorescence quenching technique, such as the quenching mechanism, binding constants, number of binding sites, thermodynamic parameters, and interaction driven forces. The binding distance and energy transfer efficiency were obtained based on Forster nonradiation energy transfer theory.

Keywords:

• Azobenzene
• bovine serum albumin
• diblock copolymer
• spectroscopy

Acknowledgments

The Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province of China and Ministry-of-Education Key Laboratory for the Synthesis and Application of Organic Function Molecules of China supported the work and all the authors here express their deep thanks.

Notes

H. D. and L. S. contributed equally to this work.