Article
Polymer Science
Harpal S. Dhiraj, Fumi Ishizuka, Maria Saeed, Amr Elshaer, Per B. Zetterlund, Fawaz Aldabbagh
Summary: Higher order morphologies, such as rods and worms, can be formed by combining core-shell nanoparticles with boronic acid moieties under basic conditions. For the first time, it is observed that lactate, an anaerobic metabolite, can bind to the BA moiety of amphiphilic block copolymers at a lower physiological pH of 7.4. Self-assembly experiments show that the resulting nanoparticles have similar structures to those formed by reacting with glucose.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Makoto Obata, Satoshi Masuda, Masaki Takahashi, Kohei Yazaki, Shiho Hirohara
Summary: The study investigated the impact of hydrophobic R groups on various properties of polymeric micelles loaded with ZnPc for photodynamic therapy. The presence of aromatic R groups led to larger micelles with loosely packed ZnPc aggregates, resulting in higher release and enhanced photodynamic effect compared to micelles with aliphatic R groups.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anthony Keyes, Huong Dau, Krzysztof Matyjaszewski, Eva Harth
Summary: A new orthogonal radical/spin coupling technique has been identified in this study, which enables living insertion and controlled radical polymerization of polyolefins. This technique shows broad tolerance for different radical/spin traps and can be used for the synthesis of polyolefin-polyvinyl block copolymers with various segments.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Daniela de Morais Zanata, Maria Isabel Felisberti
Summary: In this study, thermo-responsive and pH-responsive triblock copolymers were synthesized, which can self-assemble into nanostructures and encapsulate hydrophobic molecules under specific conditions. The P4VP blocks can coordinate with Cu2+ to form a thermo- and pH-responsive nanogel, achieving size reduction through thermo- or pH-induced deswelling.
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
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Puja Das Karmakar, Aniruddha Pal, Subhadip Bodhak, Sagar Pal
Summary: The study synthesized nanocomposites consisting of magneto-responsive gamma-Fe2O3 NPs and copolymers, with a regular core-shell morphology where the magnetic NPs act as the core and the copolymer as the shell. This developed nanocarrier has been found to be highly efficient in carrying a hydrophobic drug (naproxen).
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xuan Liu, Jie Gong, Kai Jiang, Xiaojuan Lai, Yu Tian, Kang Zhang
Summary: This study aimed to improve the performance of lignite coal water slurries (CWSs) by synthesizing a series of three-arm amphiphilic block copolymers. By controlling the relative molecular weight, hydrophilic/hydrophobic ratio, and ionic group content, the apparent viscosity of CWSs was significantly reduced and the static stability was improved. Thermogravimetric testing and XPS analysis were conducted to reveal the mechanism behind the improved performance.
Article
Polymer Science
Chih-Hao Chang, Chih-Hung Chang, Ya-Wen Yang, Hsuan-Yu Chen, Shu-Jyuan Yang, Wei-Cheng Yao, Chi-Yang Chao
Summary: This study successfully synthesized a novel polystyrene-block-quaternized polyisoprene amphipathic block copolymer and controlled the antibacterial activity by regulating the block composition, side chain length, and polymer morphology. The polymers with N,N-dimethyldodecylamine side chains formed polymersome structures in aqueous solutions, exhibiting the best inhibiting bacterial growth efficiency.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Wenzhong Ma, Xiangyuan Song, Sicheng Yin, Hui Peng, Haicun Yang, Fanghong Gong, Chunlin Liu, Jing Zhong
Summary: In this study, a PMMA-b-P(PEGMA) copolymer was synthesized using RAFT polymerization, and different linear polymers were grafted onto mCNTs-SH surfaces through UV-initiated click chemistry to achieve a PVDF composite membrane containing oriented magnetic CNTs. Various analytical methods were used to verify the structures of the copolymers and analyze the magnetic response state and surface morphology of the magnetically functionalized CNTs. The composite membrane with oriented mCNTs showed improved pure water flux compared to a pure PVDF membrane.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Mingtao Zhou, Shengfei Wang, Aishun Ding, Guolin Lu, Xiaoyu Huang, Xue Jiang, Binbin Xu
Summary: This study presents the controlled synthesis of polyallene-based diblock copolymers with tunable structure and low polydispersities via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, highlighting the in situ formation of unique nanofibers based on PNIPAM-b-PPOA diblock copolymer through polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA). The work opens a new avenue for synthesizing well-defined polyallene-based copolymers and nanoparticles for broad applications using living/controlled radical polymerization.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guan Wang, Hua Li, Najun Li, Dongyun Chen, Jinghui He, Qingfeng Xu, Jianmei Lu
Summary: In this study, a bifunctional micelle system based on perylene was proposed for efficient, accurate and rapid adsorption and catalytic degradation of low-concentration pollutants. The micelles showed super-fast adsorption, high capacity and selectivity for the target pollutant due to the interactions between perylene moieties. The degradation efficiency of the target pollutant improved significantly after the formation of micelles, primarily because of the superior mass-transfer from adsorption. Additionally, the self-assembly of micelles and the regular π-π stacking of perylene units enhanced the response to visible light, resulting in high catalytic capacity and good cycling stability.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
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, Multidisciplinary
Maki Amano, Mineto Uchiyama, Kotaro Satoh, Masami Kamigaito
Summary: This work describes the use of exo-olefin compounds as chain-transfer agents for sulfur-free reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) radical polymerization. The authors synthesized a series of exo-olefin compounds and successfully polymerized methacrylates in homogeneous solution. More electron-donating substituents were found to produce polymers with narrower molecular weight distributions. Continuous monomer addition method further improved the control of molecular weight and enabled the synthesis of sulfur-free, colorless multiblock copolymers.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jun He, Ying Chen, Li Zhang, Jianbo Tan
Summary: In this study, stimulus-responsive vesicles are prepared by photoinitiated RAFT seeded emulsion polymerization. The obtained vesicles can transform into different shapes and be used for controlled release of cargos in the presence of reactive oxygen species.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Li Qin, Jin Bixin, Luo Yunjun, Li Xiaoyu
Summary: Gene therapy is a promising approach for treating diseases by introducing exogenous genes into recipient cells. Polymeric micelles with various morphologies and properties have shown great potential as gene delivery systems. Both cationic and nonionic polymers have been used to enhance transfection efficiency and minimize cytotoxicity. This review summarizes recent advances in the development of cationic and nonionic amphiphilic polymeric micelles for gene delivery.
CHEMICAL RESEARCH IN CHINESE UNIVERSITIES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kriti Kapil, Grzegorz Szczepaniak, Michael R. R. Martinez, Hironobu Murata, Arman Moini Jazani, Jaepil Jeong, Subha R. R. Das, Krzysztof Matyjaszewski
Summary: In this study, hyperbranched polymethacrylates were synthesized by green-light-induced atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) under biologically relevant conditions. By using a water-soluble SBA inibramer as a inducer during the copolymerization of methacrylate monomers, well-defined branched polymethacrylates can be obtained in less than 30 minutes with predetermined molecular weights, tunable degree of branching, and low dispersity values (1.14 <= D <= 1.33). Moreover, SBA inibramer enables the synthesis of bioconjugates with a well-controlled branched architecture.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jing Lyu, Yinghao Li, Zishan Li, Piotr Polanowski, Jeremiasz K. Jeszka, Krzysztof Matyjaszewski, Wenxin Wang
Summary: This article presents a minireview on the most important modelling techniques and their applications in free radical polymerization (FRP) and reversible-deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) of multivinyl monomers (MVMs). The combination of experiments and modelling can provide valuable assets for polymer researchers, inspiring new thinking for future MVMs experiment optimization and product design.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Mingkang Sun, Grzegorz Szczepaniak, Sajjad Dadashi-Silab, Ting-Chih Lin, Tomasz Kowalewski, Krzysztof Matyjaszewski
Summary: Cu-catalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization is a powerful method for preparing well-defined (co)polymers. This minireview summarizes the development of cocatalysts for regenerating Cu-I complex activators during polymerizations. Recent developments of photochemical cocatalysts and methods to study their properties and roles are also discussed.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Yen-Ting Juan, Yu-Fang Lai, Xingye Li, Tsung-Cheng Tai, Chih-Feng Huang, Ching-Hsun Lin, Baohui Li, An-Chang Shi, Han-Yu Hsueh
Summary: The self-assembly of gyroid-forming diblock co-polymers confined in spherical cavities was systematically investigated through simulations and experiments. The results indicate that under different confinement conditions, a variety of nanostructures can be self-assembled from the gyroid-forming diblock co-polymers. These nanostructures have great potential for applications in drug release, catalysts, optoelectronic devices, filters, and other fields.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Julian Sobieski, Illia Ruzhylo, Grzegorz Szczepaniak, Adam Gorczynski, Krzysztof Matyjaszewski, Eric Manoury, Rinaldo Poli
Summary: Simple synthetic routes for the regioselective deuteration of tris[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]amine (Me6TREN) variants are described. Formation of imine with formaldehyde-d(2) from tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (TREN) and subsequent reduction with NaBD4 resulted in N[CH2CH2N(CD3)(2)](3) or d(18)-Me6TREN in 79% yield. A trisubstitution protocol from 2-bromo-N,N-dimethylacetamide and ammonium carbonate, followed by reduction of the N(CH2CONMe2)(3) intermediate with lithium aluminum deuteride, afforded N[CH2CD2N(CH3)(2)](3) or (d(6)-arm)-Me6TREN in three steps and 52% overall yield. A similar protocol using 2-bromo-N,N-dimethyl-d(2)-acetamide, obtained from d(4)-acetic acid in two steps, and reduction of the N(CD2CONMe2)(3) intermediate with lithium aluminum hydride, resulted in N[CD2CH2N(CH3)(2)](3) or (d(6)-cap)-Me6TREN in four steps and 13% overall yield.
Article
Polymer Science
Dirk J. Schild, Juliana Bem, Grzegorz Szczepaniak, Arman Moini Jazani, Krzysztof Matyjaszewski
Summary: We report a photoinduced initiators for continuous activator regeneration atom transfer radical polymerization (PICAR ATRP) using sodium pyruvate and blue light (λ(max) = 456 nm). Water-soluble oligo(ethylene oxide) methyl ether methacrylate (OEOMA(500)) was polymerized under biologically relevant conditions. Well-defined polymers with high molecular weights and low dispersity were synthesized in less than 60 min using Cu/Fe dual catalysis and without deoxygenation.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yu-Feng Shih, Shih-Ho Lin, Junpeng Xu, Chun-Jen Su, Chih-Feng Huang, Shan-hui Hsu
Summary: In this study, cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) were incorporated in chitosan-polyurethane composites to enhance their stretchability and anisotropy. Biodegradable polyurethane was synthesized and combined with CNFs to form the DP-CNF composite crosslinker (DPF). The DPF crosslinker was then blended with chitosan solution to prepare polyurethane-CNF-chitosan (DPFC) composites. The resulting anisotropic films showed great potential for biomimetic and tissue engineering applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Borwen You, Ryuji Iwasa, Po-Lun Chen, Tun-Yao Hung, Chih-Feng Huang, Chin-Ping Yu, Hsin-Ying Lee
Summary: Investigation of a Terahertz plasmonic metamaterial, based on a metal-wire-woven hole array (MWW-HA), reveals distinct power depletion in the transmittance spectrum of 0.1-2 THz. The woven metal wires exhibit four orders of power depletion, resulting in sharp dips in the transmittance spectrum. Specular reflection of THz waves is dominated by the first-order dip at the metal-hole-reflection band. Experimental modification shows that the first-order power depletion of MWW-HA is sustainable and sensitive to the bending angle of the woven metal wire, providing successful presentation of specularly reflected THz waves in hollow-core pipe wave guidance.
Article
Polymer Science
Chih-Wei Chen, Shih-Hsun Chen, Chih-Feng Huang, Jem-Kun Chen
Summary: A hole array was fabricated using photolithography, and the bottoms of the holes were wet using oxygen plasma. Amide-terminated silane was deposited on the plasma-treated hole template surface and hydrolyzed to form a ring of an initiator. Poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) was grafted from the initiator ring to attract Ag clusters (AgCs) and form AgC-PMAA hybrid ring (SPHR) arrays. The SPHR arrays were modified with a Yersinia pestis antibody (abY) to detect the Yersinia pestis antigen (agY) for plague diagnosis, and a geometrical change was observed upon agY binding.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Francesca Lorandi, Marco Fantin, Hossein Jafari, Adam Gorczynski, Grzegorz Szczepaniak, Sajjad Dadashi-Silab, Abdirisak A. Isse, Krzysztof Matyjaszewski
Summary: Linear free energy relationships (LFERs) were used to establish the reductive cleavage of the C(sp(3))-X bond in alkyl halides (RX) by Cu complexes. The activation rate constant, k(act), for 107 Cu complex/RX couples in 5 different solvents were effectively interpolated by an equation. The set of descriptors determined the fundamental properties of Cu complexes and RX, which need to be considered when designing atom transfer radical reactions. A multivariate linear regression (MLR) approach was adopted to develop an objective model that surpassed the predictive capability of the LFER equation.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xiaolei Hu, Grzegorz Szczepaniak, Anna Lewandowska-Andralojc, Jaepil Jeong, Bingda Li, Hironobu Murata, Rongguan Yin, Arman Moini Jazani, Subha R. Das, Krzysztof Matyjaszewski
Summary: This article introduces the first example of fully oxygen-tolerant red/NIR-light-mediated photoinduced atom transfer radical polymerization under biologically relevant conditions, using commercially available methylene blue as the catalyst. The method exhibits excellent oxygen tolerance and enables high-throughput synthesis of well-defined polymers and DNA-polymer bioconjugates in a short time.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kostas Parkatzidis, Nghia P. Truong, Krzysztof Matyjaszewski, Athina Anastasaki
Summary: This paper introduces a photocatalytic ATRP depolymerization method, which significantly reduces the reaction temperature while enabling temporal regulation and high monomer recovery through the use of low-toxicity catalysts and visible light irradiation. The depolymerization rate can be modulated by simply turning the light on and off, and the method is compatible with various polymers and light sources while preserving the end-group fidelity.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jaepil Jeong, Xiaolei Hu, Hironobu Murata, Grzegorz Szczepaniak, Marta Rachwalak, Anna Kietrys, Subha R. R. Das, Krzysztof Matyjaszewski
Summary: Combining synthetic polymers with RNA allows for creating RNA-based materials with unique functions. By developing an acylation reagent, we achieved the direct incorporation of an atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiator into both synthetic oligoribonucleotides and natural biomass RNA. This approach enables the grafting of polymer chains from RNA and the synthesis of RNA-polymer hybrids with narrow molecular weight distributions, including RNA bottlebrushes, hydrogels, and stimuli-responsive materials.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Borwen You, Chih-Feng Huang, Ja-Yu Lu
Summary: A simple and compact THz RH sensing platform is demonstrated by combining a porous polymer sensing membrane and a continuous THz electronic system. The power reduction of the 0.4 THz wave is dependent on the grafting density of the copolymer brushes and proportional to the RH percent levels. The hydrophilic surface-modified sensing membrane shows a sensitivity of 0.0423 mV/% RH, making it suitable for wearable electronics, water- or moisture-related industrial and bio-sensing.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
So Young An, Xinsheng Wu, Yuqi Zhao, Tong Liu, Rongguan Yin, Jung Hyun Ahn, Lynn M. Walker, Jay F. Whitacre, Krzysztof Matyjaszewski
Summary: This study synthesized bottlebrush polymers with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) side chains by ring-opening metathesis polymerization. These polymers can act as solid polymer electrolytes with impressive ionic conductivity and excellent electrochemical performance. The new design paradigm provides a new avenue for developing stable and conductive polymer electrolytes for lithium-metal batteries.
