Article
Polymer Science
Hang Xiao, Quan-Xi Shi, Min Su, Xiao-Li Sun, Hongli Bao, Wen-Ming Wan
Summary: This study demonstrates a one-pot strategy for the molecular design of stimuli-responsive opposite emission/absorption polymer material with unique properties. The nontraditional intrinsic luminescence in the visible region is achieved through reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization-induced emission (PIE) of a specific moiety. The opposite emission/absorption properties are derived from the carbocation-quinoid mechanism, enabling fluorescence encryption capability. This work provides a proof of concept for a novel polymer material that might inspire different fields.
Article
Polymer Science
Dongdong Liu, Shuaiqi Yang, Shaojie Peng, Ying Chen, Li Zhang, Jianbo Tan
Summary: This study reports the first simultaneous synthesis and self-assembly of bottlebrush block copolymers at room temperature using photoinitiated polymerization-induced self-assembly (photo-PISA) with multifunctional macromolecular chain transfer agents (macro-CTAs). The bottlebrush block copolymers promote the formation of higher-order morphologies and exhibit a higher polymerization rate compared to linear block copolymers. The obtained bottlebrush block copolymer vesicles are used as seeds for further chain extension and formation of multicompartment nanoparticles with a sponge internal structure. This study expands polymer architectures employed in PISA and provides a new strategy for synthesizing polymer nanoparticles with unique structures.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alvaro Leonel Robles Grana, Hortensia Maldonado-Textle, Jose Roman Torres-Lubian, Claude St Thomas, Ramon Diaz de Leon, Jose Luis Olivares-Romero, Luis Valencia, Francisco Javier Enriquez-Medrano
Summary: This study demonstrates the efficient control of polymerization of methacrylic monomers using a symmetrical trithiocarbonate chain transfer agent in the RAFT process. However, an atypical behavior is observed in the polymerization of MMA, where high initiator/CTA molar ratios are required to achieve predictable molecular weights without affecting dispersity.
Article
Polymer Science
Min Su, Yu-Jing Sheng, Yu-Jiao Chen, Tao Li, Quan-Xi Shi, Hang Xiao, Meng-Qin Pu, Hongli Bao, Wen-Ming Wan
Summary: A versatile living polymerization method is reported, which allows the precise synthesis of narrow distributed polystyrenes through the introduction of a well-established all-in-one covalent-anionic-radical Barbier strategy, using a wide variety of organohalides as initiators under mild conditions.
Article
Polymer Science
James B. Young, Jared Bowman, Cabell B. Eades, Alexander J. Wong, Brent S. Sumerlin
Summary: Controlled radical polymerization techniques allow for the synthesis of polymers with specific molecular weights and architectures. In this study, the role of light in triggering thermal depolymerization of polymers synthesized through reversible-addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization was investigated. By targeting specific electronic transitions, the depolymerization efficiency was enhanced.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jessica Bassi da Silva, Peter Haddow, Marcos Luciano Bruschi, Michael Thomas Cook
Summary: This article investigates graft copolymers with brush-like architectures containing thermoresponsive monomers. The study explores the chemical structure of the thermoresponsive polymer and its impact on phase behavior and rheological properties. The materials show potential for temperature-responsive applications in the field of medical materials.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Mohamed Naguib, Kate L. Nixon, Daniel J. Keddie
Summary: This study reports the synthesis of two novel trithiocarbonate RAFT agents for bottlebrush synthesis via ROMP grafting-through polymerization. The correlation between the monomer type, degree of polymerization, and RAFT agent structure has been investigated. The results reveal that the properties of the resulting polymers are influenced by the monomer type, degree of polymerization, and RAFT agent structure.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yen Theng Cheng, Qingbo Xia, Hongwei Liu, Marcello B. Solomon, Emma R. L. Brisson, Lewis D. Blackman, Chris D. Ling, Markus Mullner
Summary: We successfully demonstrated the synthesis of mesoporous carbon-coated anatase nanostructures using a modular approach. Through the combination of polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) and reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) dispersion polymerization, we fabricated uniform core-shell polymeric nanoreactors with tunable morphologies. The resulting TiO2/C materials possessed a porous structure with large specific surface areas (>85 m2/g) and various carbon contents (20-30 wt %). As anode components in lithium-ion batteries, these TiO2/C nanomaterials showed improved cycling stability, facilitated high overall capacities, and minimized capacity loss compared to their sans carbon counterparts and commercial anatase analogues.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Li-Han Rong, Xiang Cheng, Jin Ge, Olivia K. Krebs, Jeffrey R. Capadona, Eugene B. Caldona, Rigoberto C. Advincula
Summary: Surface-initiated photoinduced electron transfer-reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (SI-PET-RAFT) polymerization is used to prepare polymer brushes on conductive surfaces. An electrochemically active carbazole-containing chain transfer agent is used as the macroinitiator, capable of mediating polymerization and forming block copolymers. The resulting polymer brush films can encapsulate colloidal gold nanoparticles, suggesting potential biomedical applications.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Yanzhe He, Zhigang Wang, Peng Liu, Xiangdong Zhou, Youliang Zhao
Summary: The research focuses on the sequential transitions of ABA triblock copolymers to different architectures, such as multisite, single-chain-folding, and branched multiblock copolymers, to explore the potential of smart materials.
Article
Polymer Science
Mengmeng Li, Lin Zhou, Ziqi Zhang, Qi Wang, Jiani Gao, Shiping Zhang, Lin Lei
Summary: In this study, a well-defined block copolymer was successfully synthesized using triarylsulfonium hexafluorophosphate salt as the organocatalyst for both photo-ATRP and ROP. The conversions of the two polymerizations were higher in a one-pot synthesis compared to separate polymerizations, indicating a promotion of each other. This efficient method is suitable for preparing complex block copolymers.
Review
Polymer Science
Boyu Zhao, Paul Wilson
Summary: The use of external stimuli to trigger and control polymer synthesis has been a major focus in research for the past 20 years. These stimuli, including heat, light, ultrasound, and electricity, offer non-invasive, atom economic, and precise control over reaction progress. Among them, the use of an electric field in electrosynthesis is considered a green and sustainable solution, offering enhanced efficiency and selectivity in targeted chemical transformations. This review captures the recent advances in electrochemically triggered and controlled polymer synthesis, specifically focusing on chain-growth polymerizations and applications enabled by the use of an electric field.
Article
Polymer Science
Alexey Sivokhin, Dmitry Orekhov, Oleg Kazantsev, Ksenia Otopkova, Olga Sivokhina, Yuri Chesnokov, Michael Smirnov, Alexey Ovchinnikov, Ilya Makhov
Summary: High-molecular weight amphiphilic PEG-based bottlebrushes were successfully synthesized through continuous flow photoiniferter polymerization. The polymerization was carried out using blue LED light under mild conditions, resulting in thermoresponsive copolymers with good yields and low dispersity. The effect of solvent, temperature, comonomer composition, and flow rate on the properties of the copolymers was investigated.
Article
Polymer Science
Dimitrios Selianitis, Stergios Pispas
Summary: This work introduces a series of novel multi-responsive hyperbranched copolymers which self-organize in aqueous media. The copolymers, prepared by RAFT polymerization, exhibit responsiveness to changes in solution temperature and pH, and are able to encapsulate hydrophobic drugs like curcumin. These hyperbranched copolymers show potential as candidates for drug delivery and bio-imaging applications, as they demonstrate stability in the presence of serum proteins.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Matthew J. Rymaruk, Cate T. O'Brien, Csilla Gyorgy, Bastien Darmau, James Jennings, Oleksandr O. Mykhaylyk, Steven P. Armes
Summary: Polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) is used to prepare lyotropic phases with diblock copolymer nano-objects in non-polar media. Through NMR and X-ray scattering studies, the copolymer compositions and phase transitions during benzyl methacrylate polymerization are revealed. The hexagonal cylinder phase undergoes an order-disorder transition upon heating to 150 degrees C, forming a pure hexagonally close-packed (HCP) phase upon cooling to 20 degrees C.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gomathi Mahadevan, Suresh Valiyaveettil
Summary: Studies have shown that PVC and PMMA nanoparticles can affect cell viability, decrease ATP levels, and increase ROS concentrations. These plastic nanoparticles are internalized into cells through endocytosis, potentially disrupting cellular physiology in a negative manner.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Gomathi Mahadevan, Suresh Valiyaveettil
Summary: High concentrations of micro- and nanoparticles of common plastic materials in the environment are having adverse health impacts on living organisms. The synthesized luminescent PVC and PMMA nanoparticles were shown to enter cells through endocytosis, leading to reduced cell viability and other cytotoxic effects. This study provides important insights into the effects of polymer nanoparticles on human health.
CHEMICAL RESEARCH IN TOXICOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Asma Batool, Suresh Valiyaveettil
Summary: Micro- and nanoparticles of common plastic materials are emerging pollutants with significant environmental impact, requiring new methodologies for detection and removal. Surface modified cellulose fibers were found to effectively remove polymer nanoparticles from water samples, showing high removal efficiency in a short time and potential for various applications.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gomathi Mahadevan, Qiu Ruifan, Yap Hui Hian Jane, Suresh Valiyaveettil
Summary: This study investigated the role of plastic nanoparticles in the biomineralization of CaCO3, finding that high concentrations of PMMA-NPs induce calcite crystal nucleation. Microplastic particles were also found to have a role in CaCO3 nucleation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Saurabh Joshi, Saloni Agarwal, Apurva Panjla, Suresh Valiyaveettil, Subramaniam Ganesh, Sandeep Verma
Summary: This study reports the synthesis of purine derivatives for iron chelation and their efficacy in inhibiting ferroptosis. The compounds showed effective iron chelation and decreased reactive oxygen species concentration in cell cultures. Compound 2 exhibited better potency in preventing ferroptotic cell death compared to a commercially available iron chelator.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Asma Batool, Suresh Valiyaveettil
Summary: A novel approach involving chemically modified cellulose fibers was proposed for the successive adsorption of various oppositely charged compounds from water, showing excellent adsorption capacities and fitting well with pseudo-second-order and Langmuir isotherm model. This concept could potentially serve as a new platform for the effective removal of multiple pollutants from wastewater effluents.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yong Jie Yip, Gayathiri Sivananthan, Serina Siew Chen Lee, Mei Lin Neo, Serena Lay-Ming Teo, Suresh Valiyaveettil
Summary: In this study, it was found that ingested nano- and microplastic particles do not necessarily transfer from exposed adults to offspring in all animal species. The results suggest that protective mechanisms preventing transfer of nanoparticles from parents to offspring could differ among animal species and that the choice of the animal model and polymer nanoparticle size selected can significantly impact the outcome of the study.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Logan D. Dugas, William D. Walker, Rahul Shankar, Keely S. Hoppmeyer, Travis L. Thornell, Sarah E. Morgan, Robson F. Storey, Derek L. Patton, Yoan C. Simon
Summary: This work describes a photopolymerized thiol-ene-based vitrimer that combines stability, healability, and reprocessability. The introduction of excess primary amines enables the degradation and regeneration of the vitrimer. Photopolymerization provides unique control over the network topology, facilitating further investigation of vitrimer properties.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Seid Yimer Abate, Surabhi Jha, Guorong Ma, Jawnaye Nash, Nihar Pradhan, Xiaodan Gu, Derek Patton, Qilin Dai
Summary: The commercialization of perovskite solar cells is hindered by their poor long-term stability. In this study, tetradodecylammonium bromide (TDDAB) was used as a postsurface modifier to suppress the density of defects in the perovskite film. The modified device showed significantly improved power conversion efficiency and enhanced moisture resistance.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yong Jie Yip, Gomathi Mahadevan, Teresa Stephanie Tay, Mei Lin Neo, Serena Lay-Ming Teo, Suresh Valiyaveettil
Summary: Many organisms are consuming food contaminated with micro- and nanoparticles of plastics, some of which absorb persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from the environment and acting as carrier vectors for increasing the bioavailability in living organisms. In this study, the toxicity of diphenylamine (DPA) incorporated PMMA nanoparticles are assessed using barnacle larvae as a model organism. The results suggest that the slow release of pollutants from polymer nanoparticles may not induce significant toxicity to the organism living in a dynamic environment. The impact of long-term exposure of DPA absorbed plastic nanoparticles need to be investigated in the future.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Editorial Material
Polymer Science
Xiaodan Gu, Derek Patton
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alejandro Guillen Obando, Mark Robertson, Paul Smith, Surabhi Jha, Derek L. Patton, Zhe Qiang
Summary: Capturing CO2 from industrial waste streams is crucial for achieving global carbon-neutrality. Solid sorbents, compared with liquid sorbents, have advantages such as longer lifetime and reduced energy consumption. This study demonstrates the use of a commodity polymer for producing hierarchically porous sulfur-doped carbons for CO2 capture, providing a viable method for industrial-scale manufacturing of porous carbons with high capture performance and low-cost precursors.
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Ecology
Chingakham Chinglenthoiba, Bitassori Pukhrambam, Kangabam Thoibisana Chanu, Khaidem Sonika Devi, Naorem Jemes Meitei, Yumnam Devika, Suresh Valiyaveettil
Summary: Microplastic particles (MPs) are globally emerging pollutants in marine and freshwater ecosystems. This review focuses on scientific studies conducted in different regions of India, examining the identification and analysis of MPs collected from various environmental samples. The most common plastic particles identified were PET, PE, PP, nylon, and PS, which were found in samples such as seawater, rivers, groundwater, sediments, and seafood. The review highlights research gaps and proposes a roadmap for future studies on sampling, separation, and identification protocols for MPs. (c) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gomathi Mahadevan, Rajeev Kungur Brahma, R. Manjunatha Kini, Suresh Valiyaveettil
Summary: Living organisms develop hard structures such as teeth, bones, and shells through mineralization for vital functions. The role of biomolecules like proteins and peptides in forming defect-free hierarchical structures in nature is poorly understood. This study extracted and characterized peptides from cuttlefish bone, and found that they induced the nucleation and aggregation of calcium carbonate crystals. The peptides CBP2 and CBP3 showed concentration-dependent nucleation and morphological changes in the crystals. These intramineral peptides contribute to understanding the mechanism of calcium salt deposition in nature.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Hang Xu, Xiaorui Zhang, Chingakham Chinglenthoiba, Suresh Valiyaveettil
Summary: The study focuses on the removal of nano- and microplastic particles from water using modified kapok tubes (KT). Polyethyleneimine (PEI) was grafted onto the surface of KT to enhance the interaction with plastic particles. The modified fiber showed high removal rates (> 96%) for various types of polymer nanoparticles within 90 minutes.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
