Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Andrei Nikolaev, Zhipeng Lu, Arunavo Chakraborty, Lior Sepunaru, Javier Read De Alaniz
Summary: This study demonstrates the on-demand interconversion between living radical and cationic polymerization using a dual responsive catalyst, which allows for controlled polymer synthesis with a broader substrate scope. By alternately applying photochemical and electrochemical stimuli, the incorporation of acrylates and vinyl ethers can be achieved without compromising the polymer's end-group fidelity or dispersity. The results provide a proof-of-concept for extending the substrate scope for block copolymer synthesis under mild, metal-free conditions using a single, dual reactive catalyst.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Yuhan Jiang, Weijia Fan, Masatoshi Tosaka, Shigeru Yamago
Summary: In this study, structurally controlled high-molecular-weight (HMW) PSts and block copolymers were successfully synthesized using emulsion organotellurium-mediated radical polymerization (TERP). The method demonstrated high monomer conversion, high end-group fidelity, and rapid monomer diffusion, providing a valuable route for fabricating polymer materials based on HMW PSts.
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
Chemistry, Physical
Xabier Lopez de Pariza, Tim Erdmann, Pedro L. Arrechea, Leron Perez, Charles Dausse, Nathaniel H. Park, James L. Hedrick, Haritz Sardon
Summary: Conducting polymerizations under continuous-flow conditions has advantages over batch experimentation, especially in the synthesis of polyurethanes, allowing for rapid and precise control over material properties and improving process monitoring and control to minimize batch-to-batch variations.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Yuhan Jiang, Weijia Fan, Masatoshi Tosaka, Michael F. Cunningham, Shigeru Yamago
Summary: High molecular weight poly(butyl acrylate)s and diblock copolymers were successfully synthesized using water-soluble organotellurium chain transfer agents in water, achieving high monomer conversion rates and low viscosity due to stable latex formation. The presence of termination reactions in reversible deactivation radical polymerization has been a limiting factor for synthesizing HMW polymers, but high end group fidelity was confirmed through block copolymer synthesis under the current conditions.
Article
Polymer Science
Alexis Theodorou, Petros Mandriotis, Athina Anastasaki, Kelly Velonia
Summary: The scope of amphiphilic protein-polymer bioconjugates can be expanded through an oxygen tolerant, photoinduced RDRP method, allowing the preparation of protein-polymer conjugates with different polymer moieties. By optimizing reaction conditions, well-defined protein-polymer conjugates with specific structures and functions can be obtained.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
S. B. Medina-Tato, Erika Armenta-Jaime, N. Belanger-Desamarais, V. F. Ruiz-Ruiz, Joe P. Harris, C. Reber, S. E. Castillo-Blum
Summary: This work describes the synthesis of a series of lanthanide oxide nanoparticles and investigates their spectroscopic properties and potential applications.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY OF SOLIDS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Nathaniel Corrigan, Francisco J. Trujillo, Jiangtao Xu, Graeme Moad, Craig J. Hawker, Cyrille Boyer
Summary: This research demonstrates the controlled synthesis of graft and branched copolymers without intermediate purification using one-pot or one-pass processes. The formation of poly(methacrylate) copolymers with pendent reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) agent functionalities was performed through selective photoactivation, followed by a nonselective photoinduced chain extension to provide tailored graft copolymers. By alternating the light sources, a range of macromolecular architectures could be prepared from the same starting materials, showing the versatility and flexibility of this approach.
Article
Polymer Science
Parker T. Boeck, Noel E. Archer, Joji Tanaka, Wei You
Summary: Commercially available N-aromatic substituted bismaleimides were used in RAFT step-growth polymerization with a bifunctional RAFT agent, resulting in polymers with moderate to high molecular weights. This advancement allows for the preparation of graft copolymers in a straightforward manner at a larger scale, increasing the accessibility of the previously reported methodology.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mineto Uchiyama, Daichi Watanabe, Yuhei Tanaka, Kotaro Satoh, Masami Kamigaito
Summary: In this study, we achieved dual control of the optical activity and molecular weight of poly(BzF) by using thioether-based reversible chain-transfer agents, beta-amino acid derivatives as chiral additives, and aluminum chloride as a catalyst for asymmetric cationic polymerization. The asymmetric moderately living cationic polymerization led to an increase in molecular weight and specific optical rotation, and asymmetric block polymers consisting of opposite absolute configurational segments were synthesized using both enantiomers sequentially as chiral additives. The optical activity of poly(BzF) originated from the threo-diisotactic structure, which occurred by regio-, trans-, and enantioselective propagation, as revealed by comprehensive analysis of the polymerization products and the model reaction.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Sany Chea, Kristin Schade, Stefan Reinicke, Regina Bleul, Ruben R. Rosencrantz
Summary: The base pairing and melting behavior of oligonucleotides can be utilized to develop smart thermoresponsive and programmable materials. In this study, complementary cytidine (C) and guanosine (G) monomers were blockcopolymerized using RAFT polymerization technique with hydrophilic macro chain transfer agent. The hydrogen bond interactions between C-C, G-G, and C-G were investigated, and the self-assembly of these bioinspired compounds showed potential for future drug delivery systems.
Article
Polymer Science
Atsushi Sawamoto, Shin-nosuke Nishimura, Nobuyuki Higashi, Tomoyuki Koga
Summary: Controlling the thermoresponsive behavior of bio-based synthetic polymers is crucial for the development of smart functional materials. The synthesis of amino acid-derived vinyl polymers with different hydropathies and their thermal responses in water are reported, providing important insights for the precise design of stimuli-responsive bio-based polymers.
Article
Polymer Science
Lu Zhang, Huyan Zhou, Yu Gu, Mao Chen
Summary: In this work, we developed an organocatalyzed photo-controlled radical polymerization using various sulfonyl chlorides as initiators. This method allows for controlled synthesis of polymers without a transition-metal catalyst at room temperature and enables temporal control using LED light. The chemical structure of the polymers with sulfonyl and trithiocarbonate terminals was confirmed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectroscopy. Block copolymers were successfully synthesized through chain extensions with different macro-initiators and monomers, demonstrating the good chain-end fidelity of the polymers obtained in this reaction. This metal-free approach using readily available sulfonyl chlorides as alternative initiators driven by light provides a promising method for obtaining tailored polymers.
Article
Polymer Science
Peng-hui Fu, Jian Li, Chen-yi Wang, Qiang Ren
Summary: Introducing a long fluorine-containing alkyl side chain can improve the optical properties and stability of copolymers, enhancing their potential applications in different environmental conditions.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Luka Dordevic, Lorenzo Casimiro, Nicola Demitri, Massimo Baroncini, Serena Silvi, Francesca Arcudi, Alberto Credi, Maurizio Prato
Summary: The study focused on the multi-functionalization and isomer-purity of fullerenes, presenting a light-responsive tether with azobenzene photoswitch for controlling the synthesis and distribution of bis-adducts. The results provide a new approach for controlling the covalent bis-functionalization of C60 through regulating the azobenzene photoswitch.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bo Fan, Jing Wan, Jiali Zhai, Xiaoyu Chen, San H. Thang
Summary: The study demonstrates a facile strategy for preparing triggered degradable block copolymer nano/macro-objects via RAFT-mediated polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA), achieving a wide range of morphologies such as micelles, worms, jellyfish, vesicles, spongosomes, cubosomes, and hexosomes. Morphological transitions and phase diagrams were used to understand the formation mechanism and guide the scalable preparation of complex morphologies. The system not only achieved inverse mesophases through acrylate-based monomers with high conversion, but also showed potential for triggered release, templating, and various applications.
Article
Polymer Science
Xiaofeng Guo, Xianfeng Ji, Xuehai Li, Jinhong Du, Lulu Sun, Anchao Feng, Jinying Yuan, San H. Thang
Summary: A amphiphilic triblock copolymer with gas-responsive segments was designed and synthesized to mimic the formation, respiration, and apoptosis of alveoli. The morphological transitions driven by gas stimulation successfully imitated the functions of alveoli, providing an essential basis for revealing life phenomena.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Xiaofeng Guo, Wencheng Shi, Hang Yin, Jiasheng Pan, Zhao Wang, Anchao Feng, San H. Thang
Summary: This study designed and synthesized a series of well-defined statistical, block, and gradient copolymers using PEG as the starting material, and systematically studied their CO2-responsive behaviors, revealing that gradient copolymers preferred to form nanosheet-like structures under CO2 stimulus, while other types of copolymers could not achieve this.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jing Wan, Bo Fan, Kevin Putera, Jinhee Kim, Mark M. Banaszak Holl, San H. Thang
Summary: A sequential one-pot synthesis of hierarchically self-assembled polymer colloids with diverse morphologies has been achieved via aqueous PISA, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods. This approach provides a scalable method for the production of colloidal molecules and other hierarchical nanostructures, with the potential to enrich the complexity of morphology and enable diverse functions of nano-objects.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Michelle D. Farrelly, Lisandra L. Martin, San H. Thang
Summary: Membrane proteins play a crucial role in cellular function and are major pharmaceutical targets. Challenges exist in the purification and study of MPs, but polymer nanodiscs have shown promise in encapsulating MPs for further analysis.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yiyi Liu, Tharaka Perera, Qianqian Shi, Zijun Yong, Sudaraka Mallawaarachchi, Bo Fan, Julia Ann-Therese Walker, Christopher J. Lupton, San H. Thang, Malin Premaratne, Wenlong Cheng
Summary: This study investigates the thermoresponsive chiral plasmonic responses of PNIPAM-modified gold nanorods. The modified nanorods exhibit red shifts and enhanced intensities of plasmonic circular dichroism (PCD) peaks at 50 degrees C, while the unmodified ones show no peak shifts and reduced intensities. The enhanced PCD is attributed to the collapse of PNIPAM chains, resulting in the expulsion of water molecules surrounding the chiral plasmonic nanorods and an increase in refractive index. These thermoresponsive chiral plasmonic responses are reversible, general, and applicable to other types of chiral plasmonic nanoparticles.
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Xing Yang, Andrea Merenda, Riyadh AL-Attabi, Ludovic F. Dumee, Xiwang Zhang, San H. Thang, Hung Pham, Lingxue Kong
Summary: Membrane chromatography is considered a potential solution for downstream processing in protein purification. Despite limited commercial adoption in large-scale production, significant progress has been made. However, robust evaluation of its performance is still needed, and the disconnection between academic and commercial efforts should be addressed.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Ke Xu, Bo Fan, Kevin Putera, Michaela Wawryk, Jing Wan, Bo Peng, Mark M. Banaszak Holl, Antonio F. Patti, San H. Thang
Summary: This study demonstrates a new surfactant-free emulsion polymerization method, using surface cross-linking technology to achieve high cross-linking efficiency and prevent surfactant migration. This approach produces films with improved physical properties.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Xudong Cai, Bo Fan, San H. Thang, Calum J. Drummond, Nhiem Tran, Jiali Zhai
Summary: Responsive nanoparticle delivery systems have potential for reducing off-target side effects in chemotherapeutic treatment. In this study, lipid-based cubosomes loaded with paclitaxel were formulated and stabilized by novel amphiphilic block copolymers containing pH-responsive and/or hydrogen peroxide-responsive blocks. The cubosomes demonstrated high encapsulation efficiency and controlled release of the drug in response to pH and H2O2 changes. In vitro cytotoxicity and cell uptake studies showed that the cubosomes had higher toxicity and cell internalization efficiency compared to free paclitaxel and cubosomes stabilized by non-responsive block copolymers. The results highlight the potential of responsive block copolymers in stabilizing lipid cubosomes and enhancing drug release and cellular uptake.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Negin Amini, Bo Fan, Tina Hsia, Ellen M. Moon, Karen Hapgood, San H. Thang
Summary: This study investigated the synthesis of a novel polymer through RAFT polymerization for use as a surfactant in ultrafine minerals recovery. The novel emulsion demonstrated stability and high viscosity, and achieved comparable mineral recovery to traditional emulsions.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nicholas Kai Shiang Teo, Bo Fan, Aditya Ardana, San H. Thang
Summary: Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) active polymers have a wide range of practical applications, and one of the important methods for the design and synthesis of AIE polymers is the use of reversible-deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) techniques. This review highlights some recent works on the design and synthesis of AIE polymers using typical RDRP such as RAFT, ATRP, and NMP. Importantly, possible applications and future directions of these AIE active polymers are also provided.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Michelle D. Farrelly, Jiali Zhai, Alice Y. J. Tiong, Leonie van 't Hag, Heidi H. Yu, Jian Li, Lisandra L. Martin, San H. Thang
Summary: Synthentic polymer nanodiscs, formed by amphipathic copolymers, have been used as an analytical tool for solubilisation and structural study of membrane proteins in their natural lipid environment. In this study, a new class of amphipathic copolymer was tested for its ability to form nanodiscs, and the solubilisation efficiency, size, structure and shape of the nanodiscs were determined. The length of the hydrocarbon chain in the polymer significantly affected the solubilisation and the size of the nanodiscs. The selective interaction of the less hydrophobic polymers with bacterial membranes suggests potential applications in selective solubilisation, biosensing, and antimicrobial development.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Bo Fan, Jing Wan, Jiali Zhai, Nicholas Kai Shiang Teo, Andy Huynh, San H. Thang
Summary: In this study, photoluminescent polymer assemblies with a variety of morphologies were successfully prepared using the efficient RAFT-mediated polymerization-induced self-assembly (RAFT-PISA) process, which is expected to expand the utility of this technique in biomedical applications.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jing Wan, Bo Fan, San H. Thang
Summary: Polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) is a promising method that combines polymerization and self-assembly, offering efficient production of nano/micro-particles with controlled size and morphology. The growing interest in PISA is reflected in the increasing number of publications worldwide. This review summarizes recent advances in RAFT-mediated PISA, including non-thermal initiation processes, high-order structures, hybrid materials, stimuli-responsive nano-objects, high throughput technologies for upscale production, applications, and future directions.
Article
Polymer Science
Wencheng Shi, Boyu Wu, Xiaofeng Guo, Anchao Feng, San H. Thang
Summary: Fluorescent end-functional mikto-arm star copolymers were synthesized using a novel method and the linear correlation between fluorescence intensity and polymer concentration was verified. This method enables the quantitative analysis of the arm components of star polymers, providing a new approach for the characterization of star polymers.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dan He, Yawen Li, Fuwen Zhao, Yuze Lin
Summary: High trap density in organic solar cells leads to localized charge carriers and reduced carrier lifetime, limiting device efficiency. This feature article summarizes the recent advances of trap suppression by material design and device engineering.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Olivier Monfort, Arshitha Madhusudhan, Martin Motola
Summary: This article presents the advantages of coupling photocatalysis and Fenton-based processes for environmental remediation and discusses their synergy. It critically examines the simultaneous triggering of these two processes and provides insights into research approaches. The study aims to enhance understanding of this complex process and highlight the potential integration of new catalysts in current wastewater treatment technology.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Manideepa Dhar, Chittaranjan Mishra, Avijit Das, Uttam Manna
Summary: An approach of 'polymerization of monomers in its aggregated form' has been introduced to tailor the water wettability of fibrous and porous substrates, achieving hydrophobicity to superhydrophobicity transition, as well as patterned wettability. This facile chemical method provides a durable coating with adjustable and patterned wettability for various potential applications.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Saswat Ranjan Bhoi, Chhanda Debnath, Shikha Gandhi
Summary: In this article, a novel catalytic reaction using Pd(0) and Bronsted acid is reported for the synthesis of biologically important imidazolidinone-fused N-heterocycles through redox-neutral intramolecular N-allylation of indoles and pyrroles with alkynes. This atom-economical method is applicable to a wide range of substrates and eliminates the need for leaving groups or oxidizing agents commonly used in traditional allylation reactions.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Longkun Chen, Mingshuai Zhang, Meichen Liu, Zhuoyuan Liu, Yuetong Qiu, Zhilai Zhang, Fuchao Yu, Jiuzhong Huang
Summary: In this study, an efficient Rh(III)-catalyzed selective mono- and dual-C-H bond functionalization/cyclization with iodonium ylide as the sole coupling partner was demonstrated. Fused benzodiazepine skeletons were obtained in excellent yields, providing an improved approach to dual C-H unsymmetrical functionalization.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alice Kennett, Sven Epple, Gabriella van der Valk, Irene Georgiou, Evelyne Gout, Romain R. Vives, Angela J. Russell
Summary: This study presents the design and synthesis of sulfated disaccharide inhibitors based on IdoA(2S)-GlcNS(6S), which showed potent inhibition of Sulf-2. The results suggest that IdoA(2S)-GlcNS(6S) is the shortest fragment size required for effective inhibition of Sulfs, and a trisulfated disaccharide is identified as the minimal fragment size of heparan sulfate for effective endosulfatase inhibition.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mauro Garbini, Andrea Brunetti, Riccardo Pedrazzani, Magda Monari, Massimo Marcaccio, Giulio Bertuzzi, Marco Bandini
Summary: The self-adaptability of galvanostatic electrolysis was found to be helpful in a multistage chemo- and diastereoselective electrochemically promoted cyclodimerization of chalcones. Through a series of reductive events, densely functionalized cyclopentanes with five contiguous stereocenters were obtained (25 examples, yields up to 95%, dr values up to >20:1). Further experimental and electrochemical investigations indicated the crucial role of dynamic kinetic resolution of the aldol intermediate in the reaction mechanism.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dhananjay S. Nipate, Neha Meena, Prakash N. Swami, Krishnan Rangan, Anil Kumar
Summary: In this study, the synthesis of functionalized benzo[a]phenazines and indazolo[2,3-a]quinolines was achieved through Rh(III)-catalyzed oxidative annulation of 2-arylquinoxalines and 2-aryl-2H-indazoles with allyl alcohols. The method showed a wide substrate scope, excellent functional group tolerance, good to high yields of annulated products, and the capability for scaled-up synthesis. A tentative mechanism of the annulation reaction was proposed based on a preliminary mechanistic investigation.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ruonan Zhang, Abudukadi Tudi, Xia Yang, Xuping Wang, Zhihua Yang, Shujuan Han, Shilie Pan
Summary: A new lead tellurium borate material with a unique fundamental building block [B4O10] was synthesized and found to exhibit high birefringence. The structure-property relationship was discussed using first-principles calculations.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Amresh Kumar Singh, Baishali Thakurta, Anupam Giri, Monalisa Pal
Summary: This study introduces three key concepts for the quick synthesis of large-scale high-quality 2D materials films and their utilization in device fabrication.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Reina Hagiwara, Shun Nishimura, Kosuke Okeyoshi
Summary: A copolymer-conjugated nanocatalytic system has been developed to improve electron transfer and enhance photoinduced H2 generation.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
