SYNTHESIS AND PROPERTIES OF TOCOPHEROL-CONTAINING POLYMERIC VESICLE SYSTEMS

Two different tocopherol-containing amphiphilic monomers, [[ (tocopher yloxy)-carbonyl ]-methyl] [ 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl ]dimethylammonium chloride(3a) and [[ (tocopheryloxy)penta(ethoxy)carbonyl ]methyl ]2-( methacryloyloxy)ethyl]dimethylammonium chloride(3b), were synthesized and polymerized. The formation of polymeric closed vesicles having dia meters ranging from 200 to 5200 Angstrom, was confirmed by electron mi crographs, entrapment of [C-14]sucrose, permeability measurements and gel filtration. The polymeric vesicles showed reduced permeability and enhanced thermodynamic stability. Antioxidative activities were deter mined by the thiocyanate method confirming that polymeric tocopherols also exhibited significant activities.