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This thesis focuses on the self-assembly of the boron cluster compounds and the coassembly of metallacaborane cobalt bis(dicarbollide), COSAN, with hydrophilic polymers. The research was motivated by the discovery of HIV inhibition by COSAN and its conjugates. Therefore, we decided to study in detail the behavior of boron cluster compounds in water. We demonstrated the amphiphilic character of several boranes and carboranes by the study of surface tension and self-assembly despite the absence of classical amphiphilic topology. The behavior of COSAN showed similarities with classical surfactants, such as SDS, whereas the behavior of smaller clusters with high charge density reminded of hydrotropes or chaotropes. Furthermore, we searched for the most suitable carriers of COSAN for drug delivery. Based on the earlier findings that COSAN interacts with both poly(ethylene oxide), PEO, and poly(2-oxazoline), POX, we prepared nanoparticles by mixing COSAN with block copolymers of various types of POX. Comparing linear and star-like block copolymers, we showed that the polymer architecture has a crucial role in the morphology of nanoparticles. In addition, we proved different selectivity of alkaline cations towards PEO and POX, resulting in the different structures of nanoparticles depending on the present... |
