Modeling of pore formation in phase inversion processes: analysis of pore formation mechanism

The phase inversion process is the most important preparation process of porous polymer membranes. Recently, a numerical model based on first principles to predict pore structures has been proposed (Hopp-Hirschler and Nieken in J Membr Sci 564:820–831, 2018). This model enables a detailed investigation of the mechanism of pore formation in porous polymer membranes. This follow-up presents investigations of the mechanism of nucleation of pores during the phase inversion process in 1D. Pores originate due to accumulation of over-saturated mixtures inside a diffuse interface between homogeneous and demixed polymer solutions behind the precipitation front. This is caused by an expansion of the width of the diffuse interface and time-dependent concentration profiles which finally lead to a change of sign of total diffusive mass flux inside of the diffuse interface. As a result, oscillating compositions behind the precipitation front lead to formation of pores. It is concluded that large surface tension leads to initially small pore sizes. In the second part, a detailed discussion of directional diffusion behind the precipitation front is presented in 2D, which is responsible for different pore structures, e.g., finger or sponge pores. Depending on the dominant direction of diffusion finger pores, lamella structures or sponge pores are formed. This picture can straightforwardly be extended to 3D structures.

     

Thermal analysis of interpenetrating polymer networks through molecular dynamics simulations: a comparison with experiments

Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry - In this work, we verified the synthesis of a novel sequential interpenetrating polymer network, composed of poly(2-hexyl-ethylacrylate) and...     

Ba3V2S4O3: A Mott Insulating Frustrated Quasi‐One‐Dimensional S=1 Magnet

Through a solid‐state reaction, a practically phase pure powder of Ba₃V₂S₄O₃ was obtained. The crystal structure was confirmed by X‐ray single‐crystal and synchrotron X‐ray powder diffraction (P6₃, a=10.1620(2), c=5.93212(1) Å). X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, in conjunction with multiplet calculations, clearly describes the vanadium in charge‐disproportionated V^IIIS₆ and V^VSO₃ coordinations. The compound is shown to be a strongly correlated Mott insulator, which contradicts previous predictions. Magnetic and specific heat measurements suggest dominant antiferromagnetic spin interactions concomitant with a weak residual ferromagnetic component, and that intrinsic geometric frustration prevents long‐range order from evolving.     

Monofluoroalkene-Isostere as a 19F NMR Label for the Peptide Backbone: Synthesis and Evaluation in Membrane-Bound PGLa and (KIGAKI)3

Solid-state ¹⁹F NMR is a powerful method to study the interactions of biologically active peptides with membranes. So far, in labelled peptides, the ¹⁹F-reporter group has always been installed on the side chain of an amino acid. Given the fact that monofluoroalkenes are non-hydrolyzable peptide bond mimics, we have synthesized a monofluoroalkene-based dipeptide isostere, Val-Ψ[(Z)-CF=CH]-Gly, and inserted it in the sequence of two well-studied antimicrobial peptides: PGLa and (KIGAKI)₃ are representatives of an α-helix and a β-sheet. The conformations and biological activities of these labeled peptides were studied to assess the suitability of monofluoroalkenes for ¹⁹F NMR structure analysis.     

Increasing Complexity: A Practical Synthetic Approach to Three-Dimensional,Cyclic Sulfoximines and First Insights into Their in Vitro Properties

A short synthetic approach with broad scope to access five- to seven-membered cyclic sulfoximines in only two to three steps from readily available thiophenols is reported. Thus, simple building blocks were converted to complex molecular structures by a sequence of S-alkylation and one-pot sulfoximine formation, followed by intramolecular cyclization. Seventeen structurally diverse cyclic sulfoximines were prepared in high overall yields. In vitro evaluation of these underrepresented, three-dimensional, cyclic sulfoximines with respect to properties relevant to medicinal chemistry did not reveal any intrinsic flaw for application in drug discovery.     

New Opportunities for the Utilization of the Sulfoximine Group in Medicinal Chemistry from the Drug Designer's Perspective**

Extension of the medicinal chemistry toolbox is in the vital interest of drug designers. However, the diffusion of an innovation can be a lengthy process. Along these lines, it took almost 70 years before the use of the sulfoximine group reached a critical mass in medicinal chemistry. Even though interest in this versatile functional group has increased exponentially in recent years, there is ample room for further innovative applications. This Review highlights emerging trends and opportunities for drug designers for the utilization of the sulfoximine group in medicinal chemistry, such as in the construction of complex molecules, proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs), antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and novel warheads for covalent inhibition.