Influence of the chain composition on the thermodynamic properties of binary and ternary polymer solutions

Thermodynamic properties of binary and ternary polymer solutions (one or two uncharged polymers in one solvent) were studied. Poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP), fully hydrolyzed poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) homopolymers, and water-soluble poly(vinyl alcohol-co-vinyl acetal, -vinyl propional, and -vinyl butiral) copolymers with various acetal content and chain structure, respectively, were used in the experiments. The hydrophilic/hydrophobic character of the PVA-based macromolecules and their compatibility with the PVP homopolymer were systematically regulated by changing the chemical structure of the copolymers (acetal content and/or length of side chains). The water activities in binary and ternary solutions of the chemically different polymers were determined by a gel-deswelling method developed here for ternary solutions. On the basis of the Flory-Huggins theory, the relevant solvent-segment and segment-segment pair interaction parameters (chi) have been calculated. The chi12 segment-solvent interaction parameters proved to be sensitive indicators for changes in the chemical structure of the copolymers. With increase of either the acetal content or the length of side chains in the copolymer, chi12 approached the value characteristic of a theta condition. No significant differences could be revealed in the segment-segment interaction parameters obtained for the PVP-copolymer mixtures with various acetal derivatives, when the chi12 and chi13 interaction parameters determined in binary solutions were used in the calculations for chi23. Determination of the parameters chi1,23 as suggested by Panayiotou, however, showed that increasing the acetal content or the length of the hydrophobic side chains in the copolymer resulted in a reduction in the interaction between the PVA "acetals" and PVP molecules.     

Influence of cyclodextrins on the physical stability of DPPC-liposomes

This paper reports on the physical stability of DPPC-(dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl choline) liposomes in various aqueous dispersions and its control by uncharged polymers. The effect of natural (-, β-, γ-) cyclodextrins (CDs) on the stability of bare and polymer-bearing liposomes and also, the attachment of the CD molecules and the macromolecules, respectively, to the DPPC-bilayers of small unilamellar vesicles (SUV) were studied.

It was found that above a CD/DPPC ratio, each cyclodextrin caused a definite destruction in the phospholipid bilayers. The extent of membrane destabilization due to a cyclodextrin closely related to the amount of the CD molecules bound to the DPPC-bilayers.

The polymer-coated liposomes formulated by incorporating a dissolved homopolymer or copolymer into the phospholipid bilayer of the vesicles exhibited higher physical stability. Uncharged polymers effectively hindered the disintegration of the liposomal membranes brought about by the CD molecules. The polymer layers formed around the phospholipid bilayers ensured an enhanced steric stabilization for the DPPC-liposomes. Methylcellulose (MC) with high molecular mass and a polyvinyl alcohol-co-vinyl propional copolymer alike exhibited efficient stabilizing effect.     

Water-soluble polypyrroles by matrix polymerization: Interpolymer complexes

A new class of water-soluble polypyrroles (PPy) has been developed. This was accomplished by oxidative matrix polymerization of pyrrole (Py) monomer with Ce(IV) in the presence of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP), and copolymers (CP) of vinyl pyrrolidone(VP) with acrylic acid (AA) [VP/AA; 25/75 (CP₁), 50/50 (CP₂), 75/25 (CP₃)]. The soluble and insoluble interpolymer complexes were observed according to the nature (and conformation) of polymers in mixture, the ratio of components, and the pH of solutions. The role of PAA, PVP, CP, Py, and Ce(IV) concentrations, the order of component addition, and the pH of the solutions were investigated. The evidence and structural reasons for the formation of soluble interpolymer complexes of PPy with different polymers are discussed. It is proposed that the compactization of the polymer matrix as well as the disturbance of the regularity of reactive groups on the polymer chain decreases the possibility of formation of soluble interpolymer complexes. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 35: 1255–1263, 1997     

Polyvinyl pyridines as flocculating agents

Summary High molecular weight poly 2- and 4-vinyl pyridines were synthesized by ionic polymerisation and their flocculation efficiency tested against kaolin and silica dispersions at pH 3. Low additions of the polymers, around 3 parts per 10₃ parts solid, destabilize the dispersions and clarify silica dispersions to a remarkable extent; however, over-addition of polymer leads to partial restabilization. The flocculation efficiency improves with increase of solids content, especially with clay dispersions. Flocculation efficiency increases with polymer molecular weight, especially over the lower part of the range covered, but is relatively independent of pH in the range 2–4. Quaternization of poly(4-vinyl pyridine) with bromobutane produces a good flocculant for aqueous silica dispersions in which the degree of restabilization on over-dosing depends on the KCI content. TheN-oxide derivatives of the vinyl pyridine polymers do not affect the colloidal stability of silica dispersions. The observations are interpreted in terms of bridging flocculation by the cationic polymer molecules between anionic surface sites on the solid particles.     

Association between branched poly(ethyleneimine) and sodium dodecyl sulfate in the presence of neutral polymers

In the present paper, the effect of different neutral polymers on the self-assemblies of hyperbranched poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) has been investigated at different ionization degrees of the polyelectrolyte molecules. The investigated uncharged polymers were poly(ethyleneoxide), poly(vinylpyrrolidone) and dextran samples of different molecular mass. Dynamic light scattering and electrophoretic mobility measurements demonstrate that the high molecular mass PEO or PVP molecules adsorb considerably onto the surface of the PEI/SDS nanoparticles. At appropriate concentrations of PVP or PEO, sterically stabilized colloidal dispersions of the polyelectrolyte/surfactant nanoparticles with hydrophobic core and hydrophilic corona can be prepared. These dispersions have considerable kinetic stability at high ionic strengths where the accelerated coagulation of the PEI/SDS nanoparticles results in precipitation in the absence of the neutral polymers. In contrast, the addition of dextran does not affect considerably the kinetic stability of PEI/SDS mixtures because of its low adsorption affinity towards the surface of the polyelectrolyte/surfactant nanoparticles.     

Investigation of the influence of the architectures of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) polymers made via the reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer/macromolecular design via the interchange of xanthates mechanism on the stabilization of suspension polymerizations

Linear, star, and block copolymers based on poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) were synthesized with the macromolecular design via the interchange of xanthates (MADIX) process for use as potential stabilizers in suspension polymerization. The design of the leaving group of the dithioxanthate‐based transfer agent was shown to be key to the successful preparation of well‐defined PVP architectures. A linear correlation of the monomer conversion and molecular weight was found in the synthesis of star polymers, whereas the molecular weight distribution remained narrow (polydispersity index < 1.3). Significant side reactions, which typically broaden the molecular weight distribution when R‐designed MADIX agents are used, were absent. The living behavior of the PVP polymerization was furthermore confirmed via chain extension with vinyl acetate, which resulted in the formation of PVP–PVAc block copolymers [where PVAc is poly(vinyl acetate)]. The prepared polymers were used as stabilizers in suspension polymerization to prepare crosslinked poly(vinyl neodecanoate)/ethylene glycol dimethacrylate microspheres. The ratio of the interfacial tension of the aqueous and monomer phases and the overall viscosity were found to have an effect on the diameter of the particles, with PVP star polymers as stabilizers resulting in smaller particles. A smaller interfacial tension, measured when star polymers and block copolymers were used, resulted in the appearance of smaller particles, probably because of more breakup events of the monomer droplets and the enhanced stabilization of the particle surface area. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 4372–4383, 2006     

Membranotropic properties of fullerene-containing amphiphilic (co)polymers of <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-vinylpyrrolidone

The effect of fullerene-containing amphiphilic (co)polymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone (C₆₀/PVP) differed in composition and topology of the polymer chains on the membrane structure of phosphatidylcholine liposomes was studied. Using the method of fluorescent probes it was found that the C₆₀/PVP structures under study are localized in the phosphatidylcholine membrane in the region of glycerol fragments and fatty acid chains of phospholipids. The C₆₀/PVP copolymers form complexes with 2,7-dibromoproflavin and pyrene probes. The effective equilibrium constants of the probe–C₆₀/PVP complexes in aqueous solutions and in the liposome membrane were determined. It is most likely that the fullerene-containing (co)polymers of N-vinylpyrrolidone form complexes not only with fluorescent probes but also with phospholipids of the liposome membrane, which reduces the stability of the probe–C₆₀/PVP complex.     

Specific interaction between water-soluble phospholipid polymer and liposome

A water-soluble polymer having both a phospholipid polar group and an azobenzene group, poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine-co-p-phenylazoacrylanilide) (poly(MPC-co-PAAn)) was synthesized and the interaction between the liposome of the phospholipid was investigated in comparison with other water-soluble azoaromatic polymers. When the poly(MPC-co-PAAn) was incubated with dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) lipo-somes above these gel-liquid crystalline temperatures, an electronic spectrum of azobenzene moiety, which is a hydrophobic probe, showed that the a copolymer chain exists under nonpolar circumstances. Thus, poly(MPC-co-PAAn) interacts with DPPC liposomes. On the other hand, other copolymers do not interact with the liposomes. Moreover, heat of the gel-liquid crystalline transition of DPPC liposomes was increased by the presence of poly(MPC-co-PAAn). These findings clearly indicate that the poly(MPC-co-PAAn) has an affinity to the DPPC liposomes and hybridizes with liposomes based on the phospholipid polar group of the copolymer.     

Anionic Graft Copolymers. III. Hydrogenation of Polydienes Grafted with Vinylaromatics

A new method is described to prepare graft copolymers of polystyrene and polyvinylcyclohexane on polyethylene and poly (ethylene, butene-1). Hydrogenation of the butadiene moieties of graft copolymers of polystyrene on poly-1, 4-butadiene and high vinyl polybutadiene forms graft copolymers of polystyrene on polyethylene and on poly (ethylene, butene-1). Graft copolymers of polyvinylcyclohexane on polyethylene and on poly (ethylene, butene-1) are prepared by completely hydrogenating graft copolymers of polystyrene on poly-1, 4-butadiene and on high vinyl polybutadiene. The physical properties of these polymer systems depend on composition and graft level, resulting in either tough polymers or elastomers.     

Interaction Between Liposomes and Neutral Polymers: Effect of Adsorption on Drug Release

The processes of adsorption of two neutral polymers (poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), PVP and poly(vinyl alcohol), PVA) were investigated on liposomes composed of soy lecithin/dicetyl phosphate/cholesterol = 25:2:3 (molar ratio). The liposomes were prepared in buffered solution at pH = 7.4 and mixed with the solution of the measured polymers in the desired polymer/lipid (w/w) ratios. Adsorption was measured by determination of the equilibrium bulk concentration of the polymer. In the case of PVA quantitative adsorption measurements with a specific reagent were possible. Adsorption isotherms were recorded at 25 ± 1°C. It was concluded that adsorbed and unadsorbed PVA molecules are in equilibrium even at low polymer/ lipid ratios. The results were confirmed by dynamic laser light scattering (DLS), and thermal activity monitoring (TAM) experiments. Another group of the liposomes was prepared in 60 mM ammonium sulphate (pH = 5.0) and we filled the vesicles with a test dye, acridine orange (AO) using the pH-gradient (remote loading) method. The AO release property of liposomes was tested with a special vertical diffusion cell after we had made PVA adsorb on their surface in different PVA/lipid (w/w) ratios.     

Osmotic compression of mixtures of polymers and particles

Aqueous dispersions of nanometric ceria particles have been concentrated through osmotic stress. Mixed dispersions of ceria with small adsorbing macromolecules of poly (vinylpyrrolidone) have been prepared by the same method. The osmotic pressure of pure ceria dispersions results from electrostatic repulsions between particles. The osmotic pressure of dispersions containing a non-saturating amount of PVP is the same as that of pure dispersions, and the colloidal stability is depressed with respect to the pure dispersions. The osmotic pressure of dispersions containing an excess of PVP is increased by the free macromolecules, and the colloidal stability is enhanced. The organization of particles in these dispersions has been examined by small-angle x-ray scattering and cryotransmission electron microscopy. In pure ceria dispersions and in saturated dispersions, a liquid-like short-range order was found; when the concentration is increased, this short-range order follows a three-dimensional swelling law. In dispersions containing a non-saturating amount of PVP, the structure shows an alternance of clusters and voids, and the separations of clusters follow an unusual one-dimensional swelling law.     

Factors influencing the aqueous solution behaviour of vinyl alcohol with vinyl acetate copolymers

Variations, as a function of temperature, are reported in the magnitude of values for the partial molal volume, partial molal expansibility, flowing volume and surface pressure for dilute solutions of a series of poly(vinyl alcohol-co-vinyl acetate) copolymers of various vinyl acetate contents and acetate sequence length. The temperature range investigated, from 5° to 30°, showed that, for all the examples examined, a general behaviour pattern was observed, indicating the predominance of hydrophilic interactions at temperatures below approximately 10°, with hydrophobic interactions predominating between 10° and 20°. The variations can be related to the detailed microstructure of the polymer backbone.     

Interaction of copper nanoparticles with liposomes

The reduction of copper(II) ions in an aqueous dispersion of positively charged liposomes results in the formation of stable sols of a complex of copper nanoparticles with the surface of liposomes. The mean size (7 nm) and the narrow size distribution of metal nanoparticles are similar to those observed in the case of metal sol formation in polymer solutions. The labile character of bonds between nanoparticles and liposomes makes the latter able to compete with a linear polymer (poly-N-vinylpyrrolidone) in binding to nanoparticles. This ability is manifested in the independence of an almost even distribution of nanoparticles between these competitors from the sol preparation mode in a system including both poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) macromolecules and liposomes. The evenness of the distribution indicates an approximately identical stability of complexes of copper nanoparticles with both competitors. The replacement of liposomes with poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) macromolecules in the protective shields of nanoparticles is accompanied by the detachment of the nanoparticles from the surface, thereby allowing the measurement of their size and size distribution in the case where such measurements are impossible because of a high density of nanoparticles on the liposome surface.     

Controlling the assembly of nanoparticle mixtures with two orthogonal polymer complexation reactions

Self-assembly from mixed dispersions of three sizes of monodisperse polystyrene nanoparticles, large (L), medium (M), and small (S), was controlled by coating each particle type with either a monofunctional or bifunctional polymer capable of participating in specific complexation reactions. The complexation reactions were (1) complexation between phenolic polymers and polyethylene glycol (PEG) containing polymers and (2) condensation of phenylboronic acid containing polymers with polyols. These complexation reactions function independently and can be "turned off" independently; phenylboronic acid complexation was reversed by lowering the pH, whereas the interactions of phenolic copolymers with PEG copolymers could be reversed by adding excess PEG homopolymer. The specificity and reversibility of the interactions was demonstrated by the formation of simple binary aggregates from mixtures. The bifunctional copolymers were poly(vinyl phenol-co-diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride), Ph-DADMAC, and poly(3-acrylamide phenylboronic acid-co-PEG methacrylate), PBA-PEG. The monofunctional polymer was polyvinylalcohol, PVA. Ph-DADMAC forms complexes with PBA-PEG (H-bonding) and with anionic surfaces or polymers (electrostatic/polyelectrolyte complexation). PBA-PEG complexes with Ph-DADMAC (H-bonding) and with PVA (boronate ester formation). PVA does not interact with Ph-DADMAC; therefore, PVA coated particles do not deposit onto Ph-DADMAC coated particles.     

Coordination power adjustment of surface-regulating polymers for shaping gold polyhedral nanocrystals

PVP (poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)) is a common polymer that behaves as a surface-regulating agent that shapes metal nanocrystals in the polyol process. We have used different polymers containing tertiary amide groups, namely PVCL (poly(vinyl caprolactam)) and PDMAm (poly(N,N-dimethyl acrylamide)), for the synthesis of gold polyhedrons, including octahedrons, cuboctahedrons, cubes, and higher polygons, under the present polyol reaction conditions. The basicity and surface coordination power of the polymers are in the order of PVCL, PVP, and PDMAm. A correlation is observed between the coordination power of the polymers and the resulting gold nanocrystal size. Strong coordination and electron donation from the polymer functional groups to the gold surface restrict particle growth rates, which leads to small nanocrystals. The use of PVCL can yield gold polyhedral structures with small sizes, which cannot be achieved in the reactions with PVP. Simultaneous hydrolysis of the amide group in PDMAm leads to carboxylate functionality, which is very useful for generating chemical and bioconjugates through the formation of ester and amide bonds.     

Synthesis of Vinyl Polymer—Poly (α-Amino Acid) Block Copolymers by End-Reactive Oligomers

In order to synthesize block copolymers consisting of segments having dissimilar properties, vinyl polymer - poly (α-amino acid) block copolymers were synthesized by two different methods. In the first method, the terminal amino groups of polysarcosine, poly(γ-benzyl L-glutamate), and poly(γ-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-lysine) were haloacetylated. The mixture of the terminally haloacetylated poly (α-amino acid) and styrene or methyl methacrylate was photoirradiated in the presence of Mo (CO)₆ or heated with Mo(CO)₆, yielding A-B-A-type block copolymers consisting of poly(α-amino cid) (the A component) and vinyl polymer(the B component). The characterization of block copolymers revealed that the thermally initiated polymerization of vinyl compounds by the trichloroacetyl poly(α-amino acid)/Mo(CO)₆ system was most suitable for the synthesis of vinyl polymer - poly-(α-amino acid) block copolymers. In the second method, poly (methyl methacrylate) and polystyrene having a terminal amino group were synthesized by the radical polymerization in the presence of 2-mercaptoethylammonium chloride. Using these polymers having a terminal amino group as an initiator, the block polymerizations of γ-benzyl L-glutamate NCA and e-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-lysine NCA were carried out, yielding A-B-type block copolymer. By eliminating the protecting groups of the side chains of poly(α-amino acid) segment, block copolymers such as poly(methyl methacrylate) with poly(L-glutamic acid) or poly(L-lysine) and polystyrene with poly(L-glutamic acid) and poly(L-lysine) were successfully synthesized.     

Serum-resistant Gene Transfer Activity of Mannosylated Dendrimer/α-Cyclodextrin Conjugate (G3)

Interactions in aqueous dispersion between dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl choline (DPPC) liposomes and dissolved cyclodextrins (CD) of different chemical compositions, respectively, were studied. Liposomal dispersions with small unilamellar vesicles (SUV) of monomodal size distribution were prepared and the physical stability of the vesicles both in the presence and absence of cyclodextrin was investigated. For the characterization of the kinetic stability of the dispersions under various conditions, size-distribution functions determined by photon-correlation spectroscopy (PCS) were used. The affinity of cyclodextrins to the liposomes was characterized by ‚binding isothermsȁ9 determined under equilibrium conditions at 25 °C. Based on the quantity of the cyclodextrins bound to the DPPC bilayers, stability constants for the associates were estimated. The physical stability of the liposomes and the possible control of stability were also investigated.     

Manipulating interactions between functional colloidal particles and polyethylene surfaces using interfacial engineering

Polymer-hybridized liposomes (PHLs) of saturated lecithin were formed by association of poly(asparagines) grafted with alkyl chains (PAsn-g-Cn). The thermal, physical, and surface properties of the polymer-hybridized liposomes were examined with varying polymer concentration, alkyl chain length (C(8), C(12), C(18), C(22)), and degree of substitution (DS) in the polymer. The inclusion of the polymer raised the membrane fluidity of liposomes. By the incorporation of small amount of polymer, the membrane rigidity of liposomes dropped sharply and then increased close to the original level as the polymer concentrations increased in the cases of PAsn-g-C(18) and PAsn-g-C(22). Also, the membrane rigidity and stability of PHLs increased with alkyl chain length at the same polymer concentration. The surface charge of PHL associated with PAsn-g-C(22) was changed by DS of alkyl chains. The polymer bearing long alkyl chains (C(12), C(18), C(22)) formed PHLs well at low polymer concentration and the number of disk-shaped polymer-lipid mixed micelles increased with polymer concentration. The anchored polymers induced shifts in gel-to-liquid crystal transition temperature (Tc) of the vesicles and Tc varied with polymer concentration, alkyl chain length, and DS of the polymer.     

DNA capillary electrophoresis using poly(vinyl alcohol). II. Separation media

We represent the first extensive study on DNA capillary electrophoresis using various poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVAL)-related polymers as separation media. As a separation medium, PVAL homopolymer has shown poor resolutions probably due to its very strong hydrogen-bonding characteristics, resulting in extensive self-aggregation. On the other hand, poly(vinyl alcohol-co-vinyl acetate) and poly(vinyl alcohol-co-1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (PVAL-VP), both with a degree of polymerization of approximately 3.0x10(3), have been found to give excellent electropherograms with good resolutions for the analysis of double-stranded (ds)DNA. PVAL-VP, with hydrolytic stability in high and low pH regions, has also yielded fair electropherograms for single-stranded (ss)DNA under neutral and alkaline conditions, although further investigation is essential in order to increase the resolutions necessary for DNA sequencing analysis. The separations obtained under alkaline conditions have shown significantly shorter retention times, one-third of that for the current commercial separation media, due to the higher ionization of phosphate groups in the DNA chains.     

Grafting of Polymers Having Pendant Peroxycarbonate Groups Onto Carbon Black and Postpolymerization of Vinyl Monomers

Abstract

Postpolymerization of vinyl monomers initiated by pendant peroxycarbonate groups of grafted polymer chains on carbon black (CB) was investigated. The grafting of polymers having pendant peroxycarbonate groups onto CB was achieved by the trapping of polymer radicals formed by the thermal decomposition of copolymers of t-butylperoxy-2-methacryloyloxyethyl-carbonate (HEPO) with vinyl monomers such as vinyl acetate (VAc), styrene (St) and methyl methacrylate (MMA). The copolymers having pendant peroxycarbonate groups were prepared by copolym-erization of HEPO with vinyl monomers using azo initiator under irradiation of UV light at room temperature. The amount of remaining pendant peroxycarbonate groups of the poly(VAc-co-HEPO)-grafted CB obtained from the reaction at 90°C was maximum and decreased above the temperature. Furthermore, the postpolymerization of vinyl monomers, such as St, MMA, and VAc was initiated in the presence of poly(VAc-co-HEPO)-grafted and poly(St-co-HEPO)-grafted CB and the corresponding polymers were postgrafted onto CB to give branched polymer-grafted CB. The percentage of poly(St)-postgrafting (proportion of post-grafted poly(St) to poly(MMA-co-HEPO)-grafted CB used) increased with increasing polymerization time, but became constant at 20% after 4 hours.