Facile synthesis of core‐surface crosslinked nanoparticles by interblock RAFT polymerization

A new, efficient method for synthesizing stable nanoparticles with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) functionalities on the core surface, in which the micellization and crosslinking reactions occur in one pot, has been developed. First, amphiphilic PEO‐b‐PS copolymers were synthesized by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) radical polymerization of styrene using (PEO)‐based trithiocarbonate as a macro‐RAFT agent. The low molecular weight PEO‐b‐PS copolymer was dissolved in isopropyl alcohol where the block copolymer self‐assembled as core‐shell micelles, and then the core‐shell interface crosslink was performed using divinylbenzene as a crosslinking agent and 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile as an initiator. The design of the amphiphilic RAFT agent is critical for the successful preparation of core‐shell interface crosslinked micellar nanoparticles, because of RAFT functional groups interconnect PEO and polystyrene blocks. The PEO functionality of the nanoparticles surface was confirmed by ¹H NMR and FTIR. The size and morphology of the nanoparticles was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic laser light scattering analysis. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010     

Formation of hydroxyl radicals by collapsing ozone microbubbles under strongly acidic conditions

Hydroxyl radicals are strong oxidants in aqueous solution, reacting rapidly with a wide range of dissolved compounds. In contrast, ozone is a highly selective oxidant. Understanding the process by which ozone is transformed into hydroxyl radicals is important in the treatment of wastewater and drinking water. We use electron spin-resonance spectroscopy to demonstrate that when microbubbles of ozone in strongly acidic aqueous solution collapse, the ozone progressively decomposes and large quantities of hydroxyl radicals are generated. Moreover, the degradation of polyvinyl alcohol, which is ozone resistant, was also observed during the collapse of the microbubbles. These findings indicate that ozone microbubbles are potentially useful in future water-treatment applications.     

Stable aqueous dispersion of magnetic iron oxide core–shell nanoparticles prepared by biocompatible maleate polymers

A new method is applied to prepare stable aqueous dispersion of magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MNPs) by biocompatible maleate polymers. Fe₃O₄ magnetic core–shell nanoparticles are obtained via forming an inclusion complex between carboxylic acid groups of maleated biocompatible polymers shell and Fe₃O₄ MNPs core surface. Maleate polymers are synthesized via esterification of poly(ethylene glycol), poly(vinyl alcohol) and starch with maleic anhydride (MA). The Fe₃O₄ magnetic core–shell nanoparticles are characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and vibrating sample magnetometer. The obtained magnetic core–shell nanoparticles exhibit superparamagnetic property and reveal long‐term aqueous stability. This work represents a valid methodology to produce highly stable aqueous dispersion of Fe₃O₄ MNPs ferrofluids which can be expected to have great potential as contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging. Furthermore, the shell composition of biocompatible maleate polymers with double bond of MA as crosslinker agent allows the polymerization with other monomers to design preferred drug delivery systems. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Magnetic Resonance Detection of Gas Microbubbles via HyperCEST: A Path Toward Dual Modality Contrast Agent

Gas microbubbles are an established clinical ultrasound contrast agent. They could also become a powerful magnetic resonance (MR) intravascular contrast agent, but their low susceptibility-induced contrast requires high circulating concentrations or the addition of exogenous paramagnetic nanoparticles for MR detection. In order to detect clinical in vivo concentrations of raw microbubbles via MR, an alternative detection scheme must be used. HyperCEST is an NMR technique capable of indirectly detecting signals from very dilute molecules (concentrations well below the NMR detection threshold) that exchange hyperpolarized ¹²⁹Xe. Here, we use quantitative hyperCEST to show that microbubbles are very efficient hyperCEST agents. They can accommodate and saturate millions of ¹²⁹Xe atoms at a time, allowing for their indirect detection at concentrations as low as 10 femtomolar. The increased MR sensitivity to microbubbles achieved via hyperCEST can bridge the gap for microbubbles to become a dual modality contrast agent.     

Tunable diacetylene polymerized shell microbubbles as ultrasound contrast agents

Monodisperse gas microbubbles, encapsulated with a shell of photopolymerizable diacetylene lipids and phospholipids, were produced by microfluidic flow focusing, for use as ultrasound contrast agents. The stability of the polymerized shell microbubbles against both aggregation and gas dissolution under physiological conditions was studied. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 5000, which was attached to the diacetylene lipids, was predicted by molecular theory to provide more steric hindrance against aggregation than PEG 2000, and this was confirmed experimentally. The polymerized shell microbubbles were found to have higher shell-resistance than nonpolymerizable shell microbubbles and commercially available microbubbles (Vevo MicroMarker). The acoustic stability under 7.5 MHz ultrasound insonation was significantly greater than that for the two comparison microbubbles. The acoustic stability was tunable by varying the amount of diacetylene lipid. Thus, our polymerized shell microbubbles are a promising platform for ultrasound contrast agents.     

Iron Oxide Nanoparticles Labeled with an Excited‐State Intramolecular Proton Transfer Dye

Excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) is a particularly well known reaction that has been very little studied in magnetic environments. In this work, we report on the photophysical behavior of a known ESIPT dye of the benzothiazole class, when in solution with uncoated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, and when grafted to silica‐coated iron oxide nanoparticles. Uncoated iron oxide nanoparticles promoted the fluorescence quenching of the ESIPT dye, resulting from collisions during the lifetime of the excited state. The assembly of iron oxide nanoparticles with a shell of silica provided recovery of the ESIPT emission, due to the isolation promoted by the silica shell. The silica network gives protection against the fluorescence quenching of the dye, allowing the nanoparticles to act as a bimodal (optical and magnetic) imaging contrast agent with a large Stokes shift.     

Novel antibacterial hybrid materials based on polyvinyl alcohol and mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane with embedded silver nanoparticles (PVA/AgNps/MPTES)

Hybrid materials based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane (MPTES) with embedded silver nanoparticles (AgNps) have been synthesized via a sol–gel method. Silver nanoparticles were obtained via thermal reduction in the presence of PVA as a stabilizer and reducing agent. The formation of silver nanoparticles within the PVA/MPTES matrix was proven by FTIR, XRD, and TEM analysis. The antibacterial activity of PVA/AgNps/MPTES materials was determined against strains belonging to Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria by disk diffusion and growth curve methods. The hybrid materials showed high antibacterial activity, which depends on the concentration of the silver nanoparticles.     

Green,cost‐effective and efficient procedure for Heck and Sonogashira coupling reactions using palladium nanoparticles supported on functionalized Fe3O4@SiO2 by polyvinyl alcohol as a highly active,durable and reusable catalyst

A novel heterogenized organometallic catalyst was synthesized by coordinating palladium with polyvinyl alcohol‐functionalized Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ nanospheres. This novel catalyst was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, field emission scanning electron microscope, dynamic light scattering, UV–vis spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, thermogravimetric analysis and inductively coupled plasma analysis. The prepared palladium nanoparticles supported on polyvinyl alcohol functionalized Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ nanoparticles were successfully applied as a magnetically recyclable catalyst in Heck and Sonogashira coupling reactions in water. They showed remarkable activity toward aryl halides (I, Br, Cl) using very low palladium loading in excellent yields and demonstrated high TONs (mmol of product per mmol of catalyst). Also, the catalyst could be magnetically separated and reused seven times without any appreciable loss of catalytic activity.     

Sol-gel preparation and magnetic properties of nanocrystalline lanthanum ferrite

LaFeO₃ nanoparticles (30–40 nm) have been prepared via the sol-gel method using polyvinyl alcohol as a stabilizer. Addition of polyvinyl alcohol results in the formation of smaller LaFeO₃ particles and decreases the temperature of transition into the single-phase product as compared with the samples prepared via precipitation with aqueous ammonia. Residual magnetization, magnetization at saturation, and coercive force of LaFeO₃ nanoparticles are monotonous decreasing functions of the nanopowder annealing temperature.     

A Sub‐50‐nm Monosized Superparamagnetic Fe3O4@SiO2 T2‐Weighted MRI Contrast Agent: Highly Reproducible Synthesis of Uniform Single‐Loaded Core–Shell Nanostructures

Oleic acid stabilized superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) were selected as the cores for fabrication of sub‐50‐nm monodisperse single‐loaded SPION@SiO₂ core–shell nanostructures. Parameters that influence the formation of SPION@SiO₂ in the water‐in‐oil reverse microemulsion system have been systematically investigated. The sufficiently high concentration of well‐dispersed SPION, together with an appropriately low injection rate of tetraethoxysilane, were found to be the keys to efficiently prevent the homogeneous nucleation of silica and obtain a high‐quality single‐loaded core–shell nanocomposite. A more detailed mechanism for incorporating oleic acid capped inorganic functional nanoparticles into silica is proposed on the basis of previous reports and our new experimental results. Finally, the as‐synthesized SPION@SiO₂ nanospheres are exploited as an MRI‐enhanced contrast agent, and their contrast effect in solution is tested by using a clinical MRI instrument.     

Preparation and Characterization of Pt/Co‐Core Au‐Shell Magnetic Nanoparticles

Pt/Co‐core Au‐shell nanoparticles were synthesized via a two‐step route using NaBH₄ as a reducing agent. The nanoparticles are characterized by UV‐vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The results indicate that the as‐synthesized Pt/Co‐core Au‐shell nanoparticles have a disordered face centered cubic (fcc) structure, whereas the annealed Pt/Co‐core Au‐shell nanoparticles exhibit an ordered face centered tetragonal (fct) structure. Superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) studies reveal that the coercivity of the annealed Pt/Co‐core Au‐shell nanoparticles increases to 510 Oe after heat treatment at 500 °C for 2 h.     

In Situ Synchrotron Radiation X‐Ray Microspectroscopy of Polymer Microcontainers

Direct, real‐time analytical techniques that provide high‐resolution information on the chemical composition and submicrometer structure of various polymer micro‐ and nanoparticles are in high demand in a range of life science disciplines. Synchrotron‐based scanning transmission X‐ray microspectroscopy (STXM) combines both local‐spot chemical information (assessed via near‐edge X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy) and imaging with resolution of several tens of nanometers, and thus can yield new insights into the nanoscale properties of these materials. Furthermore, this method allows in situ examination of soft‐matter samples in aqueous/gaseous environments and under external stimuli, such as temperature, pressure, ultrasound, and light irradiation. This Minireview highlights some recent progress in the application of the STXM technique to study the temperature‐dependent behavior of polymer core–shell microcapsules and to characterize the physicochemical properties of the supporting shells of gas‐filled microbubbles in their natural hydrated state.     

Synthesis and characterization of silica–polyvinyl imidazole core–shell nanoparticles via combination of RAFT polymerization and grafting‐to method

The silica–polyvinyl imidazole core–shell nanoparticles (silica/PVI NPs) with controlled shell thickness and narrow distribution size were fabricated via “grafting‐to” method. First, O‐ethyl xanthate terminated PVI with various chain lengths was produced via the reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization using O‐ethyl‐S‐phenyl dithiocarbonate (EPDC) as RAFT agent. Next, three synthesized PVI of different molecular weights (3.4, 6.6, and 11 kg/mol) were successfully grafted to the methacrylate modified silica NPs from solution by radical mediated grafting‐to method. These core–shell NPs were then characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray photoelectron spectrum measurements (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Polyvinyl imidazole molecular weight, reaction time, polymer concentration, and reaction temperature were all used to control the grafting reaction for PVI grafting densities and shell thicknesses. The highest grafting density obtained was close to 1.2 chains/nm² and was achieved for 3.4 kg/mol PVI at 80°C. The prepared silica/PVINP displayed efficient antifouling properties and stability in concentrated sodium chloride aqueous solutions over a broad pH range for a period of at least 7 days. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Strategies toward well‐defined polymer nanoparticles inspired by nature: Chemistry versus versatility

Polymeric nanoparticles are promising delivery platforms for various biomedical applications. One of the main challenges toward the development of therapeutic nanoparticles is the premature disassembly and release of the encapsulated drug. Among the different strategies to enhance the kinetic stability of polymeric nanoparticles, shell‐ and core‐crosslinking have been shown to provide robust character, while creating a suitable environment for encapsulation of a wide range of therapeutics, including hydrophilic, hydrophobic, metallic, and small and large biomolecules, with gating of their release as well. The versatility of shell‐ and core‐crosslinked nanoparticles is driven from the ease by which the structures of the shell‐ and core‐forming polymers and crosslinkers can be modified. In addition, postmodification with cell‐recognition moieties, grafting of antibiofouling polymers, or chemical degradation of the core to yield nanocages allow the use of these robust nanostructures as “smart” nanocarriers. The building principles of these multifunctional nanoparticles borrow analogy from the synthesis, supramolecular assembly, stabilization, and dynamic activity of the naturally driven biological nanoparticles such as proteins, lipoproteins, and viruses. In this review, the chemistry involved during the buildup from small molecules to polymers to covalently stabilized nanoscopic objects is detailed, with contrast of the strategies of the supramolecular assembly of polymer building blocks followed by intramicellar stabilization into shell‐, core‐, or core–shell‐crosslinked knedel‐like nanoparticles versus polymerization of polymers into nanoscopic molecular brushes followed by further intramolecular covalent stabilization events. The rational design of shell‐crosslinked knedel‐like nanoparticles is then elaborated for therapeutic packaging and delivery, with emphasis on the polymer chemistry aspects to accomplish the synthesis of such nanoparticulate systems. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012     

Core‐shell microspheres with surface grafted poly(vinyl alcohol) as drug carriers for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Core(polyvinyl neodecanoate‐ethylene glycol dimethacrylate)‐shell(polyvinyl alcohol) (core (P(VND‐EGDMA))‐shell(PVA)) microspheres were developed by seeded polymerization with the use of conventional free radical and RAFT/MADIX mediated polymerization. Poly(vinyl pivalate) PVPi was grafted onto microspheres prepared via suspension polymerization of vinylneodecanoate and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate. The amount of grafted polymer was found to be independent from the technique used with conventional free radical polymerization and MADIX polymerization resulting into similar shell thicknesses. Both systems—grafting via free radical polymerization or the MADIX process—were found to follow slightly different kinetics. While the free radical polymerization resulted in a weight gain linear with the monomer consumption in solution the growth in the MADIX controlled system experienced a delay. The core‐shell microspheres were obtained by hydrolysis of the poly(vinyl pivalate) surface grafted brushes to form poly(vinyl alcohol). During hydrolysis the microspheres lost a significant amount of weight, consistent with the hydrolysis of 40–70% of all VPi units. Drug loading was found to be independent of the shell layer thickness, suggesting that the drug loading is governed by the amount of bulk material. The shell layer does not appear to represent an obstacle to the drug ingress. Cell testing using colorectal cancer cell lines HT 29 confirm the biocompatibility of the empty microspheres whereas the clofazimine loaded particles lead to 50% cell death, confirming the release of the drug. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 3256–3272, 2007     

Gold‐Loaded Carbon Nanoparticles from Poly(vinyl alcohol)‐b‐poly(acrylonitrile) Non‐Shell‐Cross‐Linked Micelles

Herein we show that a new amphiphilic poly(vinyl alcohol)‐b‐poly(acrylonitrile) block copolymer dispersed in water can be easily loaded with gold nanoparticles by addition of chlorauric acid followed by reduction by sodium borohydride. After deposition of the so‐loaded micelles onto a silicon wafer, followed by an appropriate thermal treatment, the poly(acrylonitrile) core of the micelles is carbonized, while the poly(vinyl alcohol) shell is completely decomposed and volatilized, leading to gold encapsulated in carbon nanoparticles. The morphology of the micelles is maintained during thermal treatment without requiring shell‐cross‐linking of the micelles prior to pyrolysis.     

Size‐Selective Yolk‐Shell Nanoreactors with Nanometer‐Thin Porous Polymer Shells

Yolk‐shell nanoreactors with metal nanoparticle core and ultrathin porous polymer shells are effective catalysts for heterogeneous reactions. Polymer shells provide size‐selectivity and improved reusability of catalyst. Nanocapsules with single‐nanometer porous shells are prepared by vesicle‐templated directed assembly. Metal nanoparticles are formed either by selective initiation in pre‐fabricated nanocapsules or simultaneously with the creation of a crosslinked polymer shell. In this study, we investigated the oxidation of benzyl alcohol and benzaldehyde catalyzed by gold nanoparticles and hydrogenation of cyclohexene catalyzed by platinum nanoparticles. Comparison of newly created nanoreactors with commercially available nanoparticles revealed superior reusability and size selectivity in nanoreactors while showing no negative effect on reaction kinetics.     

The Influence of the Capping Agent on the Oxidation of Silver Nanoparticles: Nano‐impacts versus Stripping Voltammetry

The influence of capping agents on the oxidation of silver nanoparticles was studied by using the electrochemical techniques of anodic stripping voltammetry and anodic particle coulometry (“nano‐impacts”). Five spherical silver nanoparticles each with a different capping agent (branched polyethylenimine (BPEI), citrate, lipoic acid, polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)) were used to perform comparative experiments. In all cases, regardless of the capping agent, complete oxidation of the single nanoparticles was seen in anodic particle coulometry. The successful quantitative detection of the silver nanoparticle size displays the potential application of anodic particle coulometry for nanoparticle characterisation. In contrast, for anodic stripping voltammetry using nanoparticles drop casting, it was observed that the capping agent has a very significant effect on the extent of silver oxidation. All five samples gave a low oxidative charge corresponding to partial oxidation. It is concluded that the use of anodic stripping voltammetry to quantify nanoparticles is unreliable, and this is attributed to nanoparticle aggregation.     

The Synthesis of Magnetic Lysozyme‐Imprinted Polymers by Means of Distillation–Precipitation Polymerization for Selective Protein Enrichment

A protein imprinting approach for the synthesis of core–shell structure nanoparticles with a magnetic core and molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) shell was developed using a simple distillation–precipitation polymerization method. In this work, Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles were first synthesized through a solvothermal method and then were conveniently surface‐modified with 3‐(methacryloyloxy)propyltrimethoxylsilane as anchor molecules to donate vinyl groups. Next a high‐density MIP shell was coated onto the surface of the magnetic nanoparticles by the copolymerization of functional monomer acrylamide (AAm), cross‐linking agent N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide (MBA), the initiator azodiisobutyronitrile (AIBN), and protein in acetonitrile heated at reflux. The morphology, adsorption, and recognition properties of the magnetic molecularly imprinted nanoparticles were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and rebinding experiments. The resulting MIP showed a high adsorption capacity (104.8 mg g^?1) and specific recognition (imprinting factor=7.6) to lysozyme (Lyz). The as‐prepared Fe₃O₄@Lyz‐MIP nanoparticles with a mean diameter of 320 nm were coated with an MIP shell that was 20 nm thick, which enabled Fe₃O₄@Lyz‐MIP to easily reach adsorption equilibrium. The high magnetization saturation (40.35 emu g^?1) endows the materials with the convenience of magnetic separation under an external magnetic field and allows them to be subsequently reused. Furthermore, Fe₃O₄@Lyz‐MIP could selectively extract a target protein from real egg‐white samples under an external magnetic field.     

Gold‐loading magnetic core–shell organic/inorganic nanocomposites: facile preparation and multiple properties

Magnetic composite nanospheres (MCS) were first prepared via mini‐emulsion polymerization. Subsequently, the hybrid core–shell nanospheres were used as carriers to support gold nanoparticles. The as‐prepared gold‐loading magnetic composite nanospheres (Au‐MCS) had a hydrophobic core embed with γ‐Fe₃O₄ and a hydrophilic shell loaded by gold nanoparticles. Both the content of γ‐Fe₃O₄ and the size of gold nanoparticles could be controlled in our experiments, which resulted in fabricating various materials. On one hand, the Au‐MCS could be used as a T₂ contrast agent with a relaxivity coefficient of 362 mg^?1 ml S^?1 for magnetic resonance imaging. On the other hand, the Au‐MCS exhibited tunable optical‐absorption property over a wavelength range from 530 nm to 800 nm, which attributed to a secondary growth of gold nanoparticles. In addition, dynamic light scattering results of particle sizing and Zeta potential measurements revealed that Au‐MCS had a good stability in an aqueous solution, which would be helpful for further applications. Finally, it showed that the Au‐MCS were efficient catalysts for reductions of hydrophobic nitrobenzene and hydrophilic 4‐nitrophenol that could be reused by a magnetic separation process. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.