One-step synthesis of amphiphilic hyperbranched amylopectin derivatives, characterization and use as functional nanovehicles

Amylopectin is a naturally hyperbranched biopolymer with an extremely high molecular weight. Furthermore, this material is non-toxic in nature, and exhibits good biocompatibility and biodegradability properties. Herein, we describe the development of a one-step reaction strategy for the synthesis of amphiphilic high-molecular-weight hyperbranched amylopectin derivatives with hydrophobic shells and large hydrophilic cores. The chemical structures of the resulting materials were characterized using FTIR spectroscopy, solid-state 13C cross-polarization/magic angle spinning NMR spectroscopy and gas chromatography. The results from transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and UV–vis analysis confirmed that the hyperbranched amylopectin derivatives were composed of hydrophobic shells with cholesteryl residues and hydrophilic amylopectin cores. These amylopectin derivatives exhibited high encapsulation capabilities toward water-soluble molecules, and could be used as functional nanovehicles for the controlled release of water-soluble molecules, and the in situ synthesis of metallic nanoparticles.