Review
Polymer Science
Bartosz Kopka, Bartlomiej Kost, Malgorzata Basko
Summary: Poly(2-isopropenyl-2-oxazoline) is a reactive polymer with multiple reactive sites that can be used as a starting material for constructing complex structures. Its modification can be achieved through simple addition reactions, and it belongs to a class of biocompatible, water-soluble polymers, making it valuable for obtaining innovative materials.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Florica Adriana Jerca, Cristina Muntean, Katrien Remaut, Valentin Victor Jerca, Koen Raemdonck, Richard Hoogenboom
Summary: Poly(2-isopropenyl-2-oxazoline) (PiPOx) is a functional polymer that shows great potential for developing smart biomaterials. In this study, PiPOx-based cationic charged polymethacrylamides with amino acid side chains were synthesized, which can complex siRNA and promote in vitro transfection. The structures and properties of the (co)polymers were investigated through various analyses, and cationic copolymers with tryptophan and valine or proline side chains showed high transfection efficiency and potent gene silencing.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Florica Adriana Jerca, Valentin Victor Jerca, Richard Hoogenboom
Summary: PiPOx shows different hydrolytic stability under different pH conditions, with good stability in neutral and basic conditions, and low stability in acidic conditions, forming a water-soluble structure under acidic conditions.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ema Paulovicova, Zuzana Kronekova, Lucia Paulovicova, Monika Majercikova, Juraj Kronek
Summary: Poly(2-isopropenyl-2-oxazoline) (PIPOx) is a functional polymer with high potential for drug delivery, tissue engineering, and immunomodulation. In vitro studies have shown the immunomodulatory efficiency of PIPOx formulation on various immune cell responses, including the production of specific cytokines and cell phagocytosis. The results demonstrate the bioavailability of PIPOx and its capability to induce immune cell responses, highlighting its potential for future biomedical applications.
Article
Polymer Science
Zheng Chi, Chenchen Ma, Ziyuan He, Zihan Ma, Xuegang Chen, Zhaoge Huang
Summary: A series of gelator polymers containing different contents of terpyridine units were synthesized by grafting terpyridine units into hydrophilic copolymers PAAMa. Supramolecular hydrogels with different cross-linking degrees were prepared by coordination of Ni2+ and terpyridine ligands in linear polymers. These hydrogels exhibited reversible solution-gel transition and adjustable swelling properties.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chenxing Guo, Feng Su, Pingru Su, Xiujun Yu, Xiaopeng Li
Summary: Luminescent metallo-supramolecules based on terpyridine (tpy) ligands have attracted significant attention in recent years due to their well-defined structures, tunable luminescent properties, and wide-ranging applications. This review provides a summary of the recent progress in the development of metallo-supramolecular assemblies from tpy ligands with metal ions, focusing on discrete metallo-supramolecular architectures and metallo-supramolecular polymers. The design strategies, common approaches for tuning luminescence properties, representative applications, and challenges in structural characterization and practical applications are discussed, along with future directions in this field.
SCIENCE CHINA-CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guangqiang Yin, Jianxiang Huang, Depeng Liu, Rui Li, Shuxin Wei, Muqing Si, Feng Ni, Yinfei Zheng, Qiu Yang, Ruhong Zhou, Xiaoxia Le, Wei Lu, Tao Chen
Summary: As a burgeoning research field, ultrasound-responsive materials have attracted intense interest in health-care research. In this study, mechanochemical transformations of europium(III) complexes in a supramolecular hydrogel matrix were demonstrated. The hydrogel showed a noticeable fluorescence change in response to ultrasound, and the mechanochemical transformation was elucidated by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and fully probed and evidenced by electrochemical experiments, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Zahra Sadat Hosseini Rezaei, Samira Sadat Abolmaali, Mohsen Salmanpour, Samaneh Mohammadi, Sedigheh Borandeh, Ali Mohammad Tamaddon
Summary: In this study, cisplatin-polymer conjugates were prepared by synthesizing and characterizing different types of carboxylated polymers, and their potential application in cancer chemotherapy was validated through cytotoxicity assays.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC AND ORGANOMETALLIC POLYMERS AND MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Mathieu Madau, Gaelle Morandi, Vincent Lapinte, Didier Le Cerf, Virginie Dulong, Luc Picton
Summary: HA-based thermo-responsive hydrogels were obtained through functionalization with PiPrOx-co-PnBuOx copolymers. The hydrogel transition temperature can be controlled by varying the monomeric composition.
Article
Polymer Science
Aline-Sarah Glaive, Catherine Amiel, Gisele Volet
Summary: This study describes a biocompatible platform of double hydrophilic graft copolymers based on poly(2-alkyl-2-oxazoline), which can form stimuli-responsive self-assemblies. The copolymers showed self-assembly behavior in aqueous solution, forming spherical structures. In addition, the copolymers exhibited temperature-responsive behavior.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
B. A. Drain, V. P. Beyer, B. Cattoz, C. R. Becer
Summary: Multiblock copolymers and cyclic polymers possess unique physical properties but their synthesis poses challenges due to the delicate balance required. The study reveals a surprising solvent dependence on cyclization reactions and provides insight into optimizing reaction conditions for obtaining desired ratios of step-growth and cyclization polymers. By manipulating catalyst concentration, polymer concentration, temperature, and reaction conditions, it is possible to achieve a higher proportion of cyclization over step-growth polymerization in specific systems.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lingyan Gao, Yong Hou, Haojie Wang, Mingjun Li, Linjie Ma, Zhiqin Chu, Ievgen S. Donskyi, Rainer Haag
Summary: In this study, a stable surface coating was created by modifying biocompatible poly(vinyl alcohol) with terpyridine and catechol groups, which anchored bioactive metal ions and exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity and cellular mechanoresponse manipulation. The coating facilitated cell adhesion, spreading, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation on the implant surface.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Peng-Fei Cui, Xin-Ran Liu, Yue-Jian Lin, Zhen-Hua Li, Guo-Xin Jin
Summary: This study reports the rational design of a metallacage with carborane functionality and cooperative dihydrogen binding sites for the highly selective capture of cyclohexane molecules, which could potentially have exciting future applications in supramolecular chemistry for the selective adsorption and separation of alkane molecules.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Xiujun Yu, Chenxing Guo, Shuai Lu, Zhi Chen, Heng Wang, Xiaopeng Li
Summary: This review summarizes the progress on 3D metallosupramolecular architectures based on terpyridine, and discusses the methods for the design and construction of discrete structures with molecular-level precision through coordination-driven self-assembly.
MACROMOLECULAR RAPID COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yan Liu, Shou-Heng Liao, Wen-Tao Dai, Qixia Bai, Shuai Lu, Heng Wang, Xiaopeng Li, Zhe Zhang, Pingshan Wang, Wei Lu, Qi Zhang
Summary: Construction of supramolecular structures with internal functionalities is a promising approach to build enzyme-like cavities. The endo-functionalized [Pd12L24] and [Pd2L4] coordination cages represent successful systems in this regard. We provide a solution for the controlled endo-functionalization of [Pd2L4] cages through the formation of heteroleptic [Pd-2(L-A)(2)(L-B)-(L-C)] cages. This strategy allows for the selective introduction of different functional groups and provides a new solution for the controlled endo-functionalization of supramolecular cavities.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Francisco J. Arraez, Xiaowen Xu, Mariya Edeleva, Paul H. M. Van Steenberge, Yoshi W. Marien, Valentin-Victor Jerca, Richard Hoogenboom, Dagmar R. D'hooge
Summary: Cationic ring-opening polymerization (CROP) is an interesting synthesis technique for obtaining well-defined polymers with narrow molar mass distribution. By combining experimental data recording and kinetic Monte Carlo modeling, a detailed understanding of the relationship between reaction conditions and molecular properties of poly(2-oxazoline)s (PAOx) can be obtained for optimization of the synthesis of well-defined PAOx building blocks. The validated model provides insights into the type of macrospecies present and allows differentiation between different coupling reactions.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Florica Adriana Jerca, Valentin Victor Jerca, Richard Hoogenboom
Summary: Azobenzenes, as archetypal molecules, have made significant progress in nearly two centuries and have become indispensable in many fields. Their rich chemistry, versatile and straightforward design, robust photoswitching process, and biodegradability have attracted intense academic interest and industrial production.
NATURE REVIEWS CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xiaowen Xu, Jordan D. Skelly, Jie Song
Summary: Facile surgical delivery and stable fixation of synthetic scaffolds are crucial for successful scaffold-guided tissue regeneration, along with degradability and bioactivity. Shape memory polymers (SMPs) with covalently integrated polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSSs) and urethane-crosslinked polylactide (PLA) show high strength and degradability at physiological temperatures. By tuning hydrophilicity, degradability, cytocompatibility, and osteoconductivity/osteoinductivity, these SMPs combined with hydroxyapatite (HA) can be potential synthetic bone grafts.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Xiaowen Xu, Valentin Victor Jerca, Richard Hoogenboom
Summary: This manuscript reports the fabrication of metallo-supramolecular hydrogels using btp-functionalized star PEG precursors. Compared to previous linear systems, this method is more easily accessible and yields stronger hydrogels. The gelation is induced by Ni2+ ions and strongly depends on the metal-ligand ratio and polymer concentration.
MACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Jente Verjans, Tomas Sedlacik, Valentin Victor Jerca, Yann Bernhard, Joachim F. R. Van Guyse, Richard Hoogenboom
Summary: This article describes the synthesis of poly(N-allyl acrylamide) (PNAllAm) as a platform for the preparation of functional hydrogels. PNAllAm was synthesized by organocatalyzed amidation of poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA) with allylamine, and its properties were characterized using 1H NMR spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and turbidimetry. The resulting PNAllAm was used to make functional hydrogels via photoinitiated thiol-ene chemistry, with dithiothreitol (DTT) as the cross-linking agent and mercaptoethanol (ME) as a functional thiol to modulate the properties of the hydrogels. The study demonstrates the value of PNAllAm as a reactive polymer platform for the generation of functional hydrogels.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Zhi-Kang Ye, Qin-Bao Lin, Ying Zeng, Ai-Jie Liu, Dan Li, Huai-Ning Zhong, Yi-Cai Zhang, Xiaowen Xu
Summary: Cardboard-like off-odour in yoghurt can be analyzed using headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The method identified 56 volatile organic compounds, including 8 active compounds responsible for the off-odour. Hexanol and hexanal were indicators of quality deterioration. The off-odour may be caused by packaging materials and temperature changes during logistic activities. Identifying off-odorants can help producers determine process changes to avoid contamination.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DAIRY TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Maarten Vergaelen, Bryn D. Monnery, Valentin Victor Jerca, Richard Hoogenboom
Summary: This paper investigates the polymerization of 2-ethyl-2-oxazoline (EtOx) and explores the effects of different solvents on the reaction. The goal is to find solvents that can produce narrow molar mass distributions at higher molecular weights in the least amount of time.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Qing-Hua Yang, Qin-Bao Lin, Jia Liao, Hong-Sheng Ma, Xiao-Fen Wei, Yue Wang, Xiaowen Xu
Summary: Due to a lack of knowledge about toxicological data and chemical constituents, water-borne coating paper and board are a particular concern for consumer safety. This study presents a step-by-step method for extraction, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) fractionation, tentative identification, and risk assessment of substances in water-borne coatings. The results indicate the presence of heavy metal contamination, likely from decomposition products and impurities in industrial processing, posing a risk to consumers. Understanding the identity of contaminants can aid in finding the source and improving the production process to mitigate the risk.
FOOD PACKAGING AND SHELF LIFE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ronald Merckx, Jana Becelaere, Ella Schoolaert, Olmo Frateur, Meike Nicole Leiske, Daniel Peeters, Florica Adriana Jerca, Valentin Victor Jerca, Karen De Clerck, Richard Hoogenboom
Summary: Global food waste leads to the loss of one-third of produced food products, and there is a need for easy-to-use sensor applications to monitor food freshness continuously. This work presents a straightforward approach to create highly porous cross-linked water-stable and reactive hydrophilic nanofiber membranes for food monitoring, using poly(2-isoproprenyl-2-oxazoline) with succinic acid as the cross-linker and acid-functionalized dyes as indicators for biogenic food spoilage.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Tian-Ying Hao, Qin-Bao Lin, Xue-Feng Wu, Si-Liang Wu, Huai-Ning Zhong, Ben Dong, Zhi-Feng Chen, Zhi-Kang Ye, Zhi-Wei Wang, Xiaowen Xu
Summary: Plastic packaging waste, especially PET, has increased significantly, causing serious concerns about the environment, economy, and policy. Recycling is an effective tool to address this issue. In this study, a feasible method using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS combined with chemometrics was developed to distinguish between virgin and recycled PET based on 202 NVOCs. The method achieved a high discrimination rate and successfully identified marker compounds. The method showed 100% accuracy using a decision tree and improved prediction accuracy through cross-discrimination. This method provides a quick and accurate way to detect fraud in PET recycling.
FOOD ADDITIVES AND CONTAMINANTS PART A-CHEMISTRY ANALYSIS CONTROL EXPOSURE & RISK ASSESSMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
S. Saravanan, Anashwara Babu, Ronald Merckx, Zifu Zhong, Mageshwari Anandan, Venkatramaiah Nutalapati, Bruno G. De Geest, Richard Hoogenboom, Valentin Victor Jerca, Samarendra Maji
Summary: Temperature is a crucial parameter in various applications, and it has significant effects on cellular activity and molecular processes. However, the use of anthrapyrazolone moiety as a fluorescent probe for temperature sensing has been neglected. In this study, polymeric thermometers were developed by investigating the fluorescence properties of different polymer compositions, showing promising potential for intracellular temperature measurements.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Maarten Vergaelen, Bryn D. Monnery, Valentin Victor Jerca, Richard Hoogenboom
Summary: In this study, the solvent effects on the cationic ring-opening polymerization (CROP) of 2-ethyl-2-oxazoline (EtOx) were investigated. It was found that solvent nucleophilicity, electrophilicity, and polarizability affected the activation energy (Ea), while dipolarity did not. Solvents that do not solvate ions well had the lowest Ea, and more dipolar solvents that solvate the polymer chains well had the lowest Arrhenius preexponential factor (A), resulting in narrow molar mass distributions and higher molecular weights produced in the least time.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Huan Li, Zhuo Chen, Shuidong Zhang, Chang-Ying Hu, Xiaowen Xu
Summary: This study developed a versatile packaging film by combining oxidized starch with poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate). The film showed a uniform distribution of oxidized starch particles on its surface and demonstrated favorable antibacterial properties. Additionally, the film effectively preserved chilled fresh pork, extending its shelf life.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)