Discotic liquid crystalline poly(propylene imine) dendrimers based on triphenylene

The design, synthesis, and mesomorphic properties of a new series of homodendrimers consisting of the commercially available poly(propylene imine) (PPI) dendrimers (G = 1-5), PPI-(NH(2))(n)() (n = 4, 8, 16, 32, 64), functionalized with a discotic triphenylene moiety are reported. The liquid crystalline behavior was investigated by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarizing-light optical microscopy (POM), and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). All of the homodendrimers showed mesomorphic properties, with the second to fifth generations giving a hexagonal columnar mesophase (Col(h)) and the first generation a rectangular columnar mesophase (Col(r)). The X-ray study reveals that these mesophases show a highly ordered structure with segregation of triphenylenes and dendrimers into separate columns and a regular stacking distance inside the triphenylene columns. GPC analysis showed that the dendrimers had good monodispersity and MALDI-TOF studies of the first three generations gave good evidence that all of the terminal amino groups of the dendrimers were functionalized with a discotic unit.     

Quaternary ammonium ion dendrimers from methylation of poly(propylene imine)s

The poly(propylene imine) dendrimers DAB‐dendr‐(NH₂)₈, DAB‐dendr‐(NH₂)₃₂, and DAB‐dendr‐(NH₂)₆₄ were fully converted with iodomethane to quaternary ammonium ions at both chain ends and branch points and, with less iodomethane, were partially converted to quaternary ammonium ions mainly at end groups. Amidation of the primary amine ends followed by treatment with iodomethane gave the first dendrimers with quaternary ammonium ions only at branch points. After an exchange of iodide counterions for chloride, all of the quaternary ammonium ion dendrimers slightly increased the rate of decarboxylation of 6‐nitrobenzisoxazole‐3‐carboxylate ion in an aqueous solution. Similar quaternary ammonium ion dendrimers with more hydrophobic interiors or more hydrophobic chains on the ends were much more active catalysts for the decarboxylation. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 39: 821–832, 2001     

Preparation, characterization, and antimicrobial property of cotton cellulose fabric grafted with poly (propylene imine) dendrimer

Two generations of poly (propylene imine) dendrimer with amino terminated groups (G2- and G5-PPI-NH₂) were grafted on cotton cellulose fabric using cross linking agents (citric or glutaric acids). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy identified ester groups which were formed between hydroxyl groups of the cotton fabric and carboxylic groups of the cross linking agents. Also, attenuated total reflectance-FTIR (ATR-FTIR) analysis confirmed formation of amide groups between the carboxylic groups of the cross linking agents and the amino end groups of the dendrimers. Nitrogen content (N-content) analysis revealed the presence of the dendrimers on the cotton fabric even after 5 washing cycles. In order to study the dispersion of the PPI dendrimers on the surface of the cotton fabric, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) was performed. The particle size distribution of the G2- and G5-PPI-NH₂ aqueous solutions was also determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis. Antimicrobial activity of the PPI dendrimer aqueous solutions and the cotton cellulose fabric grafted with the dendrimers was evaluated both quantitatively and qualitatively against Gram-positive bacterium (Staphylococcus aureus), Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) and fungus (Candida albicans). The dendrimer grafted cotton cellulose fabric exhibited a 99 % reduction in bacterial counts against S. aureus, E. coli and C. albicans. The antimicrobial activities of the grafted cotton cellulose fabric with the PPI dendrimers were maintained even after 5 washing cycles.     

Polyelectrolyte behavior and interpolyelectrolyte matching of AstramolTM poly(propylene imine) dendrimers

Polyelectrolyte behavior of Astramol^TM poly(propylene imine) dendrimers of five generations, G1‐G5, namely DAB‐dendr‐(NH₂)_x (where x is equal to 4, 8, 16, 32 or 64) was studied by means of potentiometric titration in salt‐free water solutions and also in the presence of a shielding low molecular electrolyte (NaCI). In addition to x outer primary amine groups the dendrimer molecule contains x‐2 inner tertiary amine groups. The repeating unit, the core molecule and the fifth generation dendrimer structure are shown in the following Scheme.     

Positive dendritic effects on the electron-donating potencies of poly(propylene imine) dendrimers

[structure: see text] Two series of poly(propylene imine), PPI, dendrimers terminated with a redox-active donor, 4-dimethylaminobenzyl (4-DMAB), including their respective nondendronized model compounds, are reported. In these two series, a positive dendritic effect was observed for the formation of charge-transfer (CT) complexes between the dendrimers and 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ). However, the nondendronized compounds did not form CT complexes with TCNQ, even though their redox potentials are similar to those of the 4-DMAB units attached to the dendrimers.     

Molecular characteristics of poly(propylene imine) dendrimers as studied with translational diffusion and viscometry

 The generation of dendrimers based on poly(propylene imine) with CN end groups [DAB–dend–(CN) _x ] and with palmitoyl end groups [DAB–dend–(C15) _x ] was studied by methods of translational diffusion and viscometry. The volumes of the DAB–dend–(CN) _x and DAB–dend–(C15) _x dendrimers and the previously studied DAB–dend–(lacto) _x dendrimer were compared to evaluate the volumes of the end groups in hybrid dendrimers. The volume of the hybrid dendrimers compared to that of the initial dendrimers increases proportionally to the number of end groups: this means that the end groups are predominantly located on the periphery of each molecule, thus ensuring this volume will increase. It is shown that the volume of the end groups for DAB–dend–(C15) _x is 3.5 times greater, and for DAB–dend–(lacto) _x it is 5.0 times greater than that occupied by free mole- cules corresponding to the end groups. The values of the intrinsic viscosity were compared with the values of the diffusion coefficient and the chemical formula molecular weight. Received: 7 August 2001 Accepted: 2 November 2001     

Inherent photoluminescence properties of poly(propyl ether imine) dendrimers

Hydroxyl group terminated poly(propyl ether imine) dendrimers of 1 to 5 generations absorb in the region of 260-340 nm, in MeOH and aqueous solutions. Excitation of a solution of the dendrimers at 330 nm led to an emission at approximately 390 nm. The emission intensities increased under acidic pH and in more viscous solvents. The presence of air did not affect the emission profiles, as also aging of a dendrimer solution for prolonged periods. Lifetime measurements show at least two species responsible for the emission. Anions perchlorate, periodate, nitrite, and pyridinium methyliodide quenched the fluorescence efficiently, among several anions tested.     

Cobaltocenium-functionalized poly(propylene imine) dendrimers: redox and electromicrogravimetric studies and AFM imaging

The first four generations of cobaltocenium-functionalized, diaminobutane-based poly(propylene imine) dendrimers DAB-dend-Cb,(PFb)x (x = 4, 8, 16, and 32; Cb=[Co(eta5-C5H4CONH)(eta5-C5H5)] (1-4) have been synthesized and characterized. The redox activity of the cobaltocenium centers in 1-4 has been characterized by using cyclic voltammetry and the electrochemical quartz-crystal microbalance (EQCM). All of the dendrimers exhibit reversible redox chemistry associated with the cobaltocenium/cobaltocene redox couple. Upon reduction. the dendrimers exhibit a tendency to electrodeposit onto the electrode surface, which is more pronounced for the higher generations. Pt and glassy carbon electrodes could be modified with films derived from 1-4,exhibiting a well-defined and persistent electrochemical response. EQCM measurements show that the dendrimers adsorb, at open circuit, onto platinum surfaces at monolayer or submonolayer coverage. Cathodic potential scanning past -0.75 V at which the cobaltocenium sites are reduced, gave rise to the electrodeposition of multilayer equivalents of the dendrimers. The additional material gradually desorbs upon re-oxidation so that only a monolayer equivalent remains on the electrode surface. Changes in film morphology as a function of dendrimer generation and surface coverage were studied by using admittance measurements of the quartz-crystal resonator on the basis of its electrical equivalent circuit, especially in terms of its resistance parameter. In general, we find that films of the lower dendrimer generation 1 behave rigidly, whereas those of the higher generation 4 exhibit viscoelastic behavior with an intermediate behavior being exhibited by 2 and 3. Using tapping-mode atomic force microscopy (AFM). we have been able to obtain molecularly resolved images of dendrimer 4 adsorbed on a Pt(111) electrode.     

Formation and manipulation of supramolecular structures of oligo(p-phenylenevinylene) terminated poly(propylene imine) dendrimers

A third generation poly(propylene imine) dendrimer modified with pi-conjugated oligo(p-phenylenevinylene)s forms spherical and rod-like aggregates that can be manipulated by optical tweezers.     

Synthesis and catalytic activities of Pd-phosphine complexes modified poly(ether imine) dendrimers

In this paper, we report synthesis of new alkyldiphenyl phosphine ligand modified poly(ether imine) dendrimers up to the third generation. The phosphinated dendrimers were obtained by functional group transformations of the alcohols present at the periphery of the dendrimers to chloride, followed by phosphination using LiPPh₂. The modification at the peripheries of the dendrimers was performed successfully to obtain up to 16 alkyl diphenylphosphines in the case of a third generation dendrimer, in good yields for each individual step. After phosphination, dendritic ligands were complexed with Pd(COD)Cl₂ to give dendritic phosphine-Pd^II complexes. Both the ligands and the metal complexes were characterized by spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques including high-resolution mass spectral analysis for the lower generations. Evaluation of the catalytic efficacies of the dendrimer-Pd^II metal complexes in mediating a prototypical C-C bond forming reaction, namely the Heck reaction, was performed using various olefin substrates. While the substrate conversion lowered with catalyst in the order from monomer to third generation dendrimer, the second and third generation dendrimers themselves were found to exhibit significantly better catalytic activities than the monomer and the first generation dendrimer.     

Spectral characterization,antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of poly(propylene imine) metallodendrimers in solution and applied onto cotton fabric

Abstract

Poly(propylene imine) dendrimers from first and third generation modified with 1,8-naphthalimide units and their Cu(II) complexes have been characterized by fluorescence and EPR spectroscopy. Cotton fabric has been modified with these dendrimers and their color characteristics were determined. The antimicrobial activity of dendrimer ligands and their Cu(II) complexes in solution and after their deposition on a cotton fabric was investigated. Good antibacterial effect of dendrimer ligands has been obtained, which is enhanced at their Cu(II) complexes. After their deposition on cotton fabric metallodendrimers exhibit good antibiofilm activity.     

Poly(propylene imine) dendrimers as plasticizers for polyvinyl chloride

Fourth and fifth generation poly(propylene imine) dendrimers and methyl and benzyl functionalized copolymers of these dendrimers are solution blended with poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). The methyl‐derivative copolymer is observed to be dispersed in PVC as judged by optical and dynamic scanning calorimetry measurements. This dispersion leads to a substantial reduction in the glass transition temperature and a commensurate plasticization effect, demonstrating that functionalized dendrimer copolymers can successfully plasticize semicrystalline polymers. This plasticization is thought to occur as a result of additional free volume from the highly branched structure of the dendrimer. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 1970–1975, 2007     

The effect of the charge of astramol™ poly(propylene imine) dendrimers on interaction with polyanionic gels

The effect of the charge of Astramol^? poly(propylene imine) dendrimers of the third and fourth generations on activated sorption of dendrimer molecules by weakly crosslinked polyanionic networks was studied. It was shown that the formed interpolyelectrolyte complex was markedly enriched in the weakly charged dendrimer as the degree of dendrimer neutralization decreased. As was found, depending on the conditions of sorption of dendrimers by oppositely charged networks, this process leads to the formation of either macroscopically heterogeneous “shell-core” structures or microheterogeneous composites with uniform distribution of micrometer-sized clusters of dendrimer molecules in the gel matrix. The structure of such systems separated at the microphase level was studied by the laser scattering technique. Their high ordering was established, and the reasons behind the formation of various alternative heterophase systems were discussed.     

Poly(propylene imine) dendrimers functionalized with stilbene or 1,4-distyrylbenzene chromophores

Two generations of dendritic nanoparticles were prepared, which contain (E)-stilbene or (E,E)-1,4-distyrylbenzene chromophores in the 4 or 8 terminal positions of the propylene imine dendrons. The compounds show a highly efficient photoreactivity. On prolonged irradiation all stilbenoid chromophores were destroyed by oligomerization (crosslinking) and the typical absorption and fluorescence of the chromophores disappeared completely.     

Synthesis and properties of new thiourea-functionalized poly(propylene imine) dendrimers and their role as hosts for urea functionalized guests

Five generations of poly(propylene imine) dendrimers have been modified by palmityl and adamantyl endgroups via a thiourea linkage. The synthesis of the thiourea dendrimers DAB-dendr-(NHCSNHAd)(n) and DAB-dendr-(NHCSNHC(16)H(33))(n) (n = 4, 8, 16, 32, 64) proceeds smoothly via the amino-terminated DAB dendrimer and the adamantyl and palmityl isothiocyanates, respectively. The properties of the thiourea dendrimers have been studied by IR and (1)H NMR, including relaxation (T1, T2) measurements. The thiourea dendrimers are used as multivalent hosts for a number of guest molecules containing a terminal urea-glycine unit in organic solvents. The host-guest interactions have been investigated using 1D- and NOESY-NMR. These investigations show that the guest molecules bind to the dendritic host via thiourea (host)-urea (guest) hydrogen bonding, and ionic bonding between the terminal guest carboxylate moiety and the outer shell tertiary amines of the dendrimer. The ability to bind guest molecules of the adamantyl- and palmitylthiourea dendrimers has been compared with their respective urea containing dendrimer analogues, by NMR-titration, and competition experiments. Upon complexation, the thiourea dendrimer hosts show a larger downfield NH shift than the corresponding urea dendrimer hosts, indicative of stronger hydrogen bonding in the complexed state. Furthermore, microcalorimetry has been used to determine binding constants for formation of the host-guest complexes; the binding constants are typically in the order of 10(4) M(-1). Both NMR and microcalorimetric studies show that the thiourea dendrimers bind the urea containing guests with somewhat higher affinity than the corresponding urea dendrimers.     

Ionic liquid crystals derived from the protonation of poly(propylene imine) dendrimers with a cholesterol-based carboxylic acid

The liquid crystalline character of salts resulting from the interaction of poly(propylene imine) dendrimers with 3-cholesteryloxycarbonylpropanoic acid has been studied. The supramolecular structure and consequently the observed liquid crystalline phases are dictated by the degree of protonation of primary amino groups as compared with that of tertiary ones, determined by FTIR spectroscopy in the bulk and by NMR spectroscopy in solution. Glass transition temperatures of the materials are about 38°C. At higher temperatures they are transformed to smectic C* phases while a second-order smectic C phase to smectic A phase transition is observed between 90 and 110°C depending on dendrimer generation. At about 150°C the onset of degradation is observed. The influence of the ionic dendrimeric scaffold on the thermotropic properties is discussed.     

Ionic liquid crystals derived from the protonation of poly(propylene imine) dendrimers with a cholesterol-based carboxylic acid

The liquid crystalline character of salts resulting from the interaction of poly(propylene imine) dendrimers with 3-cholesteryloxycarbonylpropanoic acid has been studied. The supramolecular structure and consequently the observed liquid crystalline phases are dictated by the degree of protonation of primary amino groups as compared with that of tertiary ones, determined by FTIR spectroscopy in the bulk and by NMR spectroscopy in solution. Glass transition temperatures of the materials are about 38°C. At higher temperatures they are transformed to smectic C* phases while a second-order smectic C phase to smectic A phase transition is observed between 90 and 110°C depending on dendrimer generation. At about 150°C the onset of degradation is observed. The influence of the ionic dendrimeric scaffold on the thermotropic properties is discussed.     

Molecular dynamics of hydrophilic poly(propylene imine) dendrimers in aqueous solutions by 1H NMR relaxation

The local dynamics of three poly(propylene imine) dendrimers with hydrophilic triethylenoxy methyl ether terminal groups were studied in D₂O by the measurement of the ¹H NMR relaxation times, which were treated with the Lipari–Szabo model‐free approach. The results showed that the overall mobility increased with temperature and decreased with increasing dendrimer size. An Arrhenius trend was observed for both overall and local motions. The activation energy of overall tumbling increased from 11.3 to 17.5 kJ/mol with the dendrimer size. The local mobility decreased from the outer part to the inner part of the dendrimer and with the dendrimer size. The spatial restriction of local motions decreased with increasing temperature up to 55 °C and remained constant above 55 °C. Local motions were more restricted when the dendrimer size increased. The results showed that the hydrophilic end groups of the dendrimers were located preferentially at the periphery of the molecules and were extended in the aqueous environment. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 2969–2975, 2003     

The conformation of amine- and amide-terminated poly(propylene imine) dendrimers as investigated by molecular simulation methods

The parameters that influence the conformation of poly(propylene imine) dendrimers were investigated by molecular simulations using molecular mechanics and simulated annealing methods. Dendrimers with two types of peripheral units able to communicate via hydrogen bonding-amine and amide moieties-were considered in order to study the role that secondary interactions among the end groups have in the spatial organization of the dendritic branches. Radial atomic density profiles and radial atomic probability distributions were used to extract global properties, such as the degree of packing of the branches, the distribution of the monomers throughout the molecular volume, and the extent and characteristics of the surface region. Information was also obtained about the nature, location, and extent of formation of the hydrogen bonds, as well as their evolution with dendrimer generation and their assembly into networks. The analyses were supported by a detailed investigation of the first two generations, with an emphasis on the relationship between hydrogen bonding and the compactness and stability of the molecules; this allowed us to account for the generational evolution of hydrogen bonding that is experimentally observed in several poly(propylene imine) dendrimers.