A promising cellulose-based polyzwitterion with pH-sensitive charges

A novel polyzwitterion possessing weak ionic groups could be efficiently synthesized from cellulose phenyl carbonate. Polyanion, polycation, and polyzwitterion are accessible by orthogonal removal of protecting groups. The molecular structure was proofed by FTIR- and NMR spectroscopy. Characteristic properties of the cellulose derivatives, e.g., acid dissociation constants, isoelectric point and complexation, were investigated by potentiometric titration (pH), nephelometry, rheology and dynamic light-scattering. The formation of pH-responsive interpolyelectrolyte complexes applying polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride was preliminary studied.