Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sharafudheen Pottanam Chali, Sabine Huewel, Andrea Rentmeister, Bart Jan Ravoo
Summary: Supramolecular polypeptide nanogels, as an emerging class of polymer nanocarriers, show significant potential in gene therapy applications due to their simple preparation, biocompatibility, and capability to encapsulate biologically active components like DNA. The experimental results demonstrated that the supramolecular nanogels composed of cyclodextrin and polypeptide have important implications for gene therapy.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Tobias A. Bauer, Christian Muhl, Dieter Schollmeyer, Matthias Barz
Summary: The use of racemic mixtures of NCAs can improve reaction rates and monomer conversion, the controlled living nature of polypeptide ring-opening polymerization enables the synthesis of high DP polypeptides and triblock copolymers with symmetric molecular weight distributions through sequential monomer addition.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Sofia L. Goodrich, Megan R. Hill, Rebecca A. Olson, Brent S. Sumerlin
Summary: The use of NPPOC as a photoprotecting group for primary amine initiators in NCAs polymerizations showed better polymerization control than previous methods. The addition of a small equivalence of base enhanced the control and resulted in polymers with lower dispersities. This method advances photo-controlled polypeptide synthesis by demonstrating high chain-end fidelity, efficient chain extension, and the ability to synthesize block copolymers.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yali Hu, Zi-You Tian, Wei Xiong, Dedao Wang, Ruichi Zhao, Yan Xie, Yu-Qin Song, Jun Zhu, Hua Lu
Summary: This study presents a water-assisted controlled ring-opening polymerization method for ProNCA, which enables the rapid synthesis of well-defined PLP in a short time. The use of water facilitates proton shift and lowers the energy barrier, leading to fast and efficient reactions. The protein-mediated ROP of ProNCA offers a convenient approach for the synthesis of various protein-PLP conjugates with enhanced properties.
NATIONAL SCIENCE REVIEW
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rahul Nisal, Manickam Jayakannan
Summary: This study introduces a new t-butylbenzene functionalization approach to overcome the uncontrolled precipitation issue in beta-sheet forming polypeptides during ring-opening polymerization. By sterically controlling the propagating polymer chains, homogeneous polymerization with good control over chain growth was achieved. The newly developed t-butylbenzene-functionalized polypeptides showed excellent solubility and were produced in high molecular weights. The study also revealed the role of alpha-helical conformation in accelerating the polymerization kinetics and the ability of reversible-conformational transitions to restore beta-sheet secondary structures.
Review
Polymer Science
Maosheng Li, Youhua Tao
Summary: Poly(epsilon-lysine) (ε-PL) is a cationic biopolymer produced by microorganism fermentation, known for its biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties. However, the lack of molecular weight and structural diversity limits its applications. Recent advancements in the chemosynthesis of ε-PL via ring-opening polymerization of lysine-derived ε-lactams have provided a solution to this limitation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qilei Song, Hong Qiu, Lijun Liu, Guangzhao Zhang, Frederic Peruch, Stephane Carlotti, Junpeng Zhao
Summary: One-step sequence-selective block copolymerization requires strict catalytic control of monomer activity and enchainment order, especially for A(n)B(m)-type block copolymers from simple binary monomer mixtures. In this study, ethylene oxide (EO) and N-sulfonyl aziridine (Az) form a valid pair with a bicomponent metal-free catalyst. The optimal Lewis acid/base ratio allows the two monomers to block-copolymerize strictly in a reverse order (EO-first) compared to the conventional anionic route (Az-first). The livingness of the copolymerization enables the one-pot synthesis of multiblock copolymers by adding mixed monomers in batches. Calculation results suggest that the Janus effect of Lewis acid on the two monomers is crucial for enlarging the activity difference and reversing the enchainment order.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Jinxing Jiang, Yaqin Cui, Zhaowei Jia, Xiaobo Pan, Jincai Wu
Summary: Highly stereoregular poly(mandelic acid) (PMA) was synthesized through living ring-opening polymerization using highly active bis(phenolate)/zinc catalysts, suppressing racemization and obtaining stereoblock copolymers with controlled molecular weights.
Article
Polymer Science
Salvatore Impemba, Gabriele Manca, Irene Tozio, Stefano Milione
Summary: In this study, new zinc catalysts were developed using thioether-amide ligands for the ring-opening polymerization of cyclic esters. Experimental and theoretical studies provided insights into the parameters that influence catalytic activity. The catalysts exhibited high activity in the polymerization of rac-beta-butyrolactone and showed agreement with expected results in terms of molecular weight and polydispersity index.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaoqing Dou, Xiao-Hui Liu, Bin Wang, Yue-Sheng Li
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential of potassium acetate (KOAc) and 18-crown-6 (18-C-6) combination in the synthesis of polyester polyols with controllable molecular weight and high-end group fidelity. Compared to using KOAc alone, the KOAc/18-C-6 pair induces a faster chain transfer reaction, resulting in polyester polyols with narrow and monomodal distribution.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Meike N. Leiske, Kristian Kempe
Summary: Amino acids are considered a sustainable source for the design of functional polymers due to their wide availability and high biocompatibility. Their reactive functional groups make them suitable for various polymerization approaches. This review focuses on strategies to incorporate amino acids into polymers, including the preparation of polymerizable monomers and postpolymerization modification approaches for polymer side chain functionalization. Amino acids are presented as a versatile platform for developing polymers with tailored properties.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Farhad Jamali, Davood Hassanian-Moghaddam, Saeid Ahmadjo, Seyed Mohammad Mahdi Mortazavi, Yasaman Maddah, Mostafa Ahmadi
Summary: In this study, we successfully synthesized PE-PCL block copolymers containing both polar and non-polar segments through a two-step polymerization process. The block copolymers exhibit diverse crystal structures and phase separation between the PE and PCL segments. Additionally, the block copolymers act as compatibilizers in the blends. Rheology results show a high order-disorder transition temperature for the block copolymers.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yening Xia, Georg M. Scheutz, Charles P. Easterling, Junpeng Zhao, Brent S. Sumerlin
Summary: This study introduces a method for synthesizing well-defined polyacrylamido-b-polyether block copolymers by combining photoiniferter polymerization and organocatalytic ring-opening polymerization. The compatibility between the two polymerization systems is demonstrated, allowing for the tailored synthesis of block copolymers from chemically distinct monomers.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bokun Li, Chenyang Hu, Xuan Pang, Xuesi Chen
Summary: This Review provides an overview of a redox-controlled switchable strategy for controlled synthesis of polymers. By developing valence-variable metal-based catalysts, high sequence-control and easy-handling in ring-opening (co)polymerizations can be achieved, resulting in polymer products with desired microstructures and practical performances.
CHEMISTRY-AN ASIAN JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hector Soria-Carrera, Isabel Franco-Castillo, Pilar Romero, Santiago Martin, Jesus M. de la Fuente, Scott G. Mitchell, Rafael Martin-Rapun
Summary: The innovative On-POM polymerization strategy combines inorganic scaffolds with amino acids, allowing the synthesis of hybrid materials with additive or synergistic properties, such as bactericidal poly(lysine)-POM hybrids. This versatile method provides a flexible approach for tailoring and enhancing the specificity and performance of hybrid antimicrobial materials.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Huan Qiu, Ting Shen, Zhening Yang, Feng Wu, Xiaohong Li, Yingfeng Tu, Jun Ling
Summary: Janus polymerization was utilized to synthesize multiblock copolymers with self-assembly capabilities, good shape memory properties, and potential applications in biomedical devices. The distinguishable chemical structures and thermal properties between Janus MBCPs and cationic random copolymers were confirmed, providing insights into the unique features of Janus polymerization for advanced material design and applications.
CHINESE JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Siqi Wang, Wanli Chen, Jun Ling
Summary: A random copolymer PiPo was synthesized by copolymerizing N-phenyloxycarbonyl-C-substituted glycine monomers with N-phenyloxycarbonyl-N-substituted glycine monomers. The solubility of PiPo depends on the compositions of the peptide and peptoid repeat units.
Article
Polymer Science
Yanping Li, Songyi Xu, Jun Ling, Ke Pan, Yujian Liu, Yougen Chen
Summary: This study presents a novel controlled/living ring-opening polymerization method for epsilon-caprolactone and delta-valerolactone using EDPP and DPP. The unique equilibrium reaction between the active phosphinite center and its protonated dormant species plays a crucial role in achieving controlled polymerization. The living nature of the polymerization process is confirmed through kinetic studies and chain extension experiments, leading to the synthesis of polyesters with controlled molar masses and moderate dispersities.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bo Song, Tianwen Bai, Dongming Liu, Rong Hu, Dan Lu, Anjun Qin, Jun Ling, Ben Zhong Tang
Summary: In this study, CO2-based polyesters were successfully degraded into high-value derivatives through controlled reaction conditions. The degradation process was visualized and applied in various fields such as bioimaging and waste recovery, solving the end-of-life issue of polymers.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Peng Zhou, Tianlun Shen, Wanli Chen, Jihong Sun, Jun Ling
Summary: Polysarcosine (PSar) is a water-soluble polypeptoid with biodegradability and biocompatibility. Under specific conditions, PSar can be degraded by enzymes and its molecular weight and alanine content can be controlled. The water solubility and biodegradability of PSar depend on the alanine residue content, and its noncytotoxicity offers potential applications in drug delivery.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Jingya Xia, Liying Wang, Tianlun Shen, Ping Li, Peiyun Zhu, Shengnan Xie, Zhenyan Chen, Fei Zhou, Jingfeng Zhang, Jun Ling, Xiangrui Liu, Hong Yu, Jihong Sun
Summary: Despite the initial promise of photothermal ablation (PTA) therapy, the inability to completely ablate large tumors is problematic. This study developed a smart photothermal nanosystem (PBM) based on FDA-approved Prussian blue (PB) nanoparticles, doped with Mn (III) to address this issue. The PBM nanosystem amplified the PTA-induced cGAS-STING pathway, leading to a robust immune response and suppression of both local residual and distant tumors.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yixuan Mei, Kaihao Chen, Jiayu Gu, Jun Ling, Xufeng Ni
Summary: This study reports the successful synthesis of a copolymer of 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2-MeTHF) and beta-butyrolactone (BBL) through Sc(OTf)(3)-catalysed cationic ring-opening copolymerization. The possibility of copolymerization was verified by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The obtained copolymer, poly(2-MeTHF-co-BBL), showed promising properties and potential as an environmentally friendly material.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Kai Hao, Ronglu Cui, Lifeng Fang, Jun Ling, Baoku Zhu
Summary: In this study, a neutral surface of polysarcosine (PSar), a hydrophilic polypeptoid, was successfully synthesized and modified to enhance its compatibility with water, reduce protein adsorption and cytotoxicity, and demonstrate good hemocompatibility and antifouling properties.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Siqi Wang, Tianlun Shen, Kai Hao, Xinfeng Tao, Jihong Sun, Jun Ling
Summary: Hyperbranched poly(a-amino acid)s have attracted attention for their biocompatibility, degradability, and bioactivity. Unique polymerization reactions of di-NNPC resulted in hyperbranched polypeptoids instead of gels. The molecular weights of the hyperbranched polypeptoids were controlled by tuning the initial concentrations of monomer and basic catalyst. The residual glycine pendant groups on the polymer chains were used for Gd3+ complexation and post-modification, making the hyperbranched polypeptoids multifunctional single molecular micelles applicable as contrast agents and probes in magnetic resonance imaging and photoluminescence.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Ting Shen, Kaihao Chen, Yougen Chen, Jun Ling
Summary: To address the plastic waste crisis, there are efforts to develop sustainable polymer materials that can degrade through disposing and decomposing to small molecules (DDM) or via chemical recycling to monomers (CRM). Polyacetals, a type of pH-responsive polymers, can degrade under acidic conditions but remain stable under neutral and basic conditions. Their synthesis through cationic ring-opening polymerization (CROP) has challenges but recent advancements in CRM have renewed interest in this method. Polyacetals offer recyclable materials with DDM and CRM potential, expanding closed-loop recycling options and improving degradation properties of traditional polyesters and polyolefins.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jie Zhang, Tianwen Bai, Weixi Liu, Mingzhao Li, Qiguang Zang, Canbin Ye, Jing Zhi Sun, Yaocheng Shi, Jun Ling, Anjun Qin, Ben Zhong Tang
Summary: High refractive index polymers (HRIPs) with excellent optical transparency are prepared by using organobase catalyzed polymerization. The HRIPs exhibit high refractive indices, high molecular weights, and low propagation loss. The polymers also have aggregation-induced emission feature for monitoring the uniformity and continuity of optical waveguides.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kaihao Chen, Yixuan Mei, Zhuorui Zhang, Jun Ling, Xufeng Ni
Summary: As a substituted-delta-valerolactone, alpha-ethylidene-delta-vinyl-delta-valerolactone (EVL) offers a method to utilize carbon dioxide and 1,3-butadiene in producing functional polymers. Recent successful attempts in polymerizing EVL have led to the development of novel synthetic strategies and functional polymers. This review highlights the ring-opening reactions of EVL and its derivatives, as well as the ring-opening (co)polymerizations, showcasing the unique properties of the obtained functional polymers and their application potential in various fields.
Article
Polymer Science
Jianping Wang, Peng Zhou, Ting Shen, Songyi Xu, Tianwen Bai, Jun Ling
Summary: This study developed a novel method to synthesize glycine-rich poly-(amino acid)-s (PAAs) through controlled ring-opening copolymerization. The synthesized copolymers exhibited predictable molecular weights and tunable glycine incorporation, and could form nanoparticles or hydrogel in water. The beta-sheet folding of poly-(Gly-r-Lys) remained intact in a neutral environment. This strategy opens up new possibilities for engineering glycine-rich PAAs and expanding their applications.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Shangyu Chen, Peng Zhou, Wan Yang, Danni Hu, Pengfei Chen, Pengfei Sun, Jun Ling, Quli Fan
Summary: In this study, a modified near-infrared II (NIR-II) small-molecule-based polymer was prepared for efficient breast cancer pulmonary metastasis imaging. The polymer showed good solubility, high fluorescence quantum yield, and prolonged blood circulation half-life, and demonstrated better tumor accumulation capability even at low dye concentration. The successful use of this polymer in noninvasive NIR-II fluorescence imaging for breast cancer pulmonary metastasis was demonstrated.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Huiyang Wang, Siqi Wang, Xisong Zhu, Wenxiu Ding, Tianlun Shen, Hongjie Fan, Yanhua Zhang, Lijun Peng, Hong Yuan, Xiangrui Liu, Jun Ling, Jihong Sun
Summary: In this study, an iron-based solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) was developed, which can be absorbed by the intestinal wall and enhance contrast in MRI. Experimental results using mouse models showed that the SLN has better diagnostic value for acute ulcerative colitis and colon adenocarcinoma. Confocal fluorescence microscopy confirmed that the SLN mainly distributes in the intestinal mucosa and tumor capsule.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NANOMEDICINE
(2022)
