Binding of Curcumin to Star Polyoxazolines in Aqueous Solutions

The binding of the biologically active natural dye curcumin by star-shaped poly-2-alkyl-2-oxazolines of various structures in an aqueous medium has been studied by spectrophotometry in the ultraviolet and visible regions. The objects of study were synthesized and previously described four- and eight-armed star-shaped poly-2-alkyl-2-oxazolines with calixarene central units. The Benesi–Hildebrand method was used to determine the binding constants of dye molecules by polymer micelles. The results obtained demonstrate highly efficient binding of curcumin by polymer macromolecules and micelles in aqueous solutions. It has been shown that the efficiency of curcumin binding by star polyoxazolines is determined to a greater extent by the structure of the hydrophobic calixarene central unit, rather than the nature of polyoxazoline arms.