Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Mesogen‐Jacketed Liquid Crystalline Miktoarm Star Rod‐Coil Block Copolymer

Summary: A series of novel mesogen‐jacketed liquid crystal miktoarm star rod‐coil block copolymers were synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Their architectures {coil conformation of styrene segment and rigid rod conformation of {2,5‐bis[(4‐methoxyphenyl)oxycarbonyl]styrene} (MPCS) segment} were confirmed by GPC, ¹H NMR, and MALDI‐TOF studies. The liquid crystalline behaviors of the synthesized copolymers are evidenced from POM observation. The liquid crystalline phase depends on the molecular weights of the rigid rod arm of miktoarm star copolymers.

Miktoarm star rod‐coil block copolymer.     

Temperature/pH‐Sensitive Hydrogels Prepared from Pluronic Copolymers End‐Capped with Carboxylic Acid Groups via an Oligolactide Spacer

The Pluronic F127 triblock copolymer was end‐capped by carboxyl groups using a degradable oligolactide as a spacer to confer pH‐ and thermo‐sensitive properties. With increasing chain length of the oligolactide, the temperature‐dependent sol‐gel transition curve was significantly shifted to higher concentration with concomitant narrowing of the gelation temperature range. Carboxylic acid end‐capped Pluronic also exhibited a peculiar pH‐dependent sol‐gel transition behavior. At 37 °C, sharp gel‐to‐sol and sol‐to‐gel transitions were observed around pH = 4.8 and 8.2, respectively. The pH‐dependent phase transition was caused by introduction of carboxylic acid groups at the ends of Pluronic F127.

     

Supramolecular Nanocycles Comprising β‐Cyclodextrin‐click‐Ferrocene Units: Rings of Rings of Rings

We applied 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition to bind ethynylferrocene onto 6I‐azido‐6I‐deoxycyclomaltoheptaose under microwave assisted conditions. The process was investigated by ¹H NMR, FT‐IR spectroscopy, and MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry. The ability of the synthesized compound to self‐organize to cyclic supramolecular structures was investigated by dynamic light scattering measurements and cryo‐transmission electron microscopy.

     

α,ω‐Nitroxide‐Capped Polystyrenes and Poly(butyl acrylate)s as Macroinitiators for the Free‐Radical Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate

The use of a bisaminooxy compound as initiator for nitroxide‐mediated radical polymerization (NMRP) of styrene or n‐butyl acrylate allows the synthesis of α,ω‐nitroxide‐capped polymers. At high temperatures and with the addition of acetic anhydride, it was found that these polymers could be applied as macroinitiators in the free‐radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate. This enables the synthesis of block copolymers with only minor contents of homopolymer.

The structure of bis‐TIPNO, the bisaminooxy compound used as an initiator for the nitroxide‐mediated radical polymerization of styrene or n‐butyl acrylate.     

Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Calix[4]arene‐Based Periodic Mesoporous Organosilica

Summary: A new calix[4]arene‐based periodic mesoporous organosilica has been synthesized using tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and a calix[4]arene‐based silane monomer as the precursors and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) surfactant as the structure‐directing template, and is shown to be capable of visual detection and entrapment of NO₂.

Synthesis of the novel mesoporous organosilica material containing covalently bound tetra‐O‐alkylated calix[4]arene hosts.     

Characterization of Defined Metal‐Containing Supramolecular Block Copolymers

The characterization of metal‐containing supramolecular polymers by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) or matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionisation time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) is complicated because of the interaction of the charged materials with the GPC column material in the first case and fragmentation due to the applied laser energy in the latter case. In this contribution we report recent advances made for the characterization of supramolecular polymers based on terpyridine metal complexes utilizing GPC and MALDI‐TOF MS. In particular for GPC analysis, the choice of solvent and additive was found to be crucial for a successful characterization. Furthermore, MALDI‐TOF MS spectra of these compounds are not straightforward to interpret. Both aspects are discussed in detail with the result of a better understanding and improved analysis possibilities of the mentioned supramolecular polymers.

A GPC‐coupled in‐line diode array spectrum of one of the complexes investigated here.     

Preparation of Well‐Defined PVOH/C60 Nanohybrids by Cobalt‐Mediated Radical Polymerization of Vinyl Acetate

Summary: Poly(vinyl acetate) chains end‐capped by a Co(acac)₂ complex [PVAc‐Co(acac)₂] were prepared by bulk cobalt‐mediated radical polymerization (CMRP) of vinyl acetate and used for grafting fullerene (C60) with four PVAc arms at low temperature (30 °C). A photoactive water‐soluble poly(vinyl alcohol)/C60 nanohybrid was then prepared by hydrolysis of the PVAc arms of the nanohybrid. Because of photoactivity and very low cytotoxicity, this type of water‐soluble nanohybrid is very promising for the photodynamic cancer therapy.

Strategy for the preparation of PVAc/C60 nanohybrid and hydrolysis of PVAc/C60 nanohybrid into PVOH/C60 nanohybrid.     

Particle Size Effects in TEMPO‐Mediated Radical Polymerization of Styrene in Aqueous Miniemulsion

Summary: 2,2,6,6‐Tetramethylpiperidinyl‐1‐oxy (TEMPO)‐mediated radical polymerization of styrene in aqueous miniemulsion at 125 °C using sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate and poly(vinyl alcohol), respectively, as colloidal stabilizers has been investigated. The particle size had a dramatic effect on the polymerization process. Decreasing particle size led to a markedly higher polymerization rate, but less control and a lower degree of livingness. For particles with diameters greater than approximately 170 nm, the polymerization behavior was essentially the same as in the corresponding bulk system. By varying the particle size within an appropriate range, it is possible to tune the polymerization such that the polymerization rate is increased while still maintaining reasonable control and livingness.

     

Influence of Microwave Irradiation on the Lipase‐Catalyzed Ring‐Opening Polymerization of ε‐Caprolactone

Summary: The microwave (MW)‐assisted lipase‐catalyzed ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone in boiling solvents was investigated for the first time. In case of boiling toluene or benzene the MW‐assisted reaction proceeded significantly slower compared to oil bath heating. On the other hand, using boiling diethyl ether as solvent, an increase of the polymerization rate due to MW irradiation was found. Yield, molecular weight measurements, and MALDI‐TOF analysis supported the results.

Reactivity of the MW‐assisted ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone compared with conventional thermal heating in different solvents.     

Gold Nanoparticle‐Hybridized “Nano‐Sponge” Polymer Coatings to Enhance the Reliability and Sensitivity of Biosensors

We have created a new functional biosensor coating composed of polyelectrolyte multilayers containing gold nanoparticles. This gold‐hybridized polyelectrolyte multilayer film possesses a stable nanoporous structure under physiological conditions. Antibody molecules were successfully conjugated onto the gold nanoparticles within the film. This functional coating successfully extinguished false signals from non‐specific binding of proteins and cells and also provided highly enhanced detection sensitivity. Furthermore, the drastic differences in protein and cellular adhesion properties between a chip coated with the nanoporous PEM film and a bare chip demonstrate that morphological control of biological interactions on chip surfaces is possible.

     

Free Volume and Swelling in Thin Films of Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) End‐Capped with n‐Butyltrithiocarbonate

The free volume in thin films of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamid) end‐capped with n‐butyltriocarbonate (nbc‐PNIPAM) is probed with positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS). The PALS measurements are performed as function of energy to obtain depth profiles of the free volume of nbc‐PNIPAM films. The range of nbc‐PNIPAM films with thicknesses from 40 to 200 nm is focused. With decreasing film thickness the free volume increases in good agreement with an increase in the maximum swelling capability of the nbc‐PNIPAM films. Thus in thin hydrogel films the sorption and swelling behavior is governed by free volume.

     

TEMPO‐Mediated Emulsion Polymerization

While miniemulsion polymerization has proven to be well‐suited for conducting living/controlled radical polymerizations, emulsion polymerizations have proven to be far more challenging. Ab initio emulsion polymerizations, in which monomer droplets are present during polymerization, have thus far not been successful with TEMPO‐mediated polymerizations, as a result of colloidal instability and coagulum formation. By selectively inhibiting polymerization in the monomer droplets, it is demonstrated that droplet polymerization is responsible for the formation of large (>1 µm) particles that can lead to coagulum formation. Furthermore, we show that coagulum‐free latexes can be produced using a TEMPO‐mediated ab initio emulsion polymerization by suppressing droplet polymerization.

     

A New Approach to High‐Capacity Functionalized Monoliths via Post‐Synthesis Grafting

A new approach toward the grafting of norborn‐2‐ene derivatives onto ROMP‐based monolithic supports has been developed. Grafting yields were governed by three variables, which are the catalyst, temperature and the crosslinker used. Three different catalysts, three grafting temperatures, as well as two different crosslinkers were investigated. By optimizing all variables 4‐fold amounts of grafted monomers compared to previously reported procedures were obtained reaching values of 1.04 mmol of monomer/g monolith.

Grafted monolithic supports applying the method reported here.     

Uncharged Water‐Soluble Metal‐Bis‐Porphyrins Like Molecular Tweezers for Amino Acids

Some new water‐soluble bis‐porphyrins, constituted of two porphyrin units spaced by means of aliphatic bridges of different lengths, were synthesized and characterized by MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry, ¹H NMR and UV‐vis spectroscopy. The hydrosolubility of these uncharged compounds was guaranteed from the presence of six long PEG chains bound on the peripheral positions of the two porphyrins. Cobalt and zinc derivatives were also prepared. In the case of Co‐bis‐porphyrin, the appearance of induced circular dichroism (ICD) signals in water solution confirmed the formation of stable complexes with some amino acids, in which the bis‐porphyrin behaves like molecular tweezers.

     

Synthesis and Characterization of β‐Cyclodextrin Based Functional Monomers and its Copolymers with N‐isopropylacrylamide

Two novel monovinyl β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) monomers are synthesized. Their chemical compositions are characterized by means of element analysis, NMR and FT‐IR spectroscopy. The results show that the synthesis techniques used are convenient and efficient. Using N‐isopropylacrylamide as a comonomer, two novel linear copolymers can also be synthesized.

Synthesis route of monovinyl β‐CD monomers.     

Simultaneous Chain‐Growth and Step‐Growth Polymerization—A New Route to Cyclic Polymers

Reinvestigation of numerous ring‐opening polymerizations by means of MALDI‐TOF mass spectrometry has evidenced that cyclic polymers were formed as the only reaction products or, at least, in large fractions. This finding is ascribed to the intermediate formation of difunctional chains having active end groups that can react with each other. Due to the low concentration of these difunctional chains cyclization is favored over chain extension according to the Ruggli–Ziegler dilution principle. A polymerization mechanism which usually favors the formation of cyclic polymers is the zwitterionic polymerization, but an exception from this rule is known. The following classes of monomers were discussed: α‐amino acid, N‐carboxyanhydrides (oxazolidine‐2,5‐diones), dithiolane‐2,4‐diones, 5,5‐dimethyl‐1,3,2‐dioxathiolan‐4‐one‐2‐oxide, salicylic acid O‐carboxyanhydride, L ‐lactide and D ,L ‐lactide, hexamethyl cyclotrisiloxane, and macrocyclic dithiocarbamates.

     

A Facile Route to Prepare Organic/Inorganic Hybrid Nanomaterials by ‘Click Chemistry’

An organosilane with an alkyne group at the non‐condensable end, [(2‐propynylcarbamate)propyl]triethoxysilane, has been synthesized. Condensation of this organosilane with tetraethoxysilane can be achieved by a co‐condensation strategy to produce silica nanoparticles with surface alkyne functionality. The size and uniformity of size distribution of the silica nanoparticles are influenced by varying the concentration of the added organosilane. The alkyne‐functionalized silica nanoparticles are coupled directly with azide‐modified polymers by ‘click chemistry’ to yield organic–inorganic hybrid nanomaterials.

     

Ordered Honeycomb‐Structured Films from Dendronized PMA‐b‐PEO Rod‐Coil Block Copolymers

Summary: Fabrication of honeycomb‐patterned films from amphiphilic dendronized block copolymer (PEO₁₁₃‐b‐PDMA₈₂) by ‘on‐solid surface spreading’ and ‘on‐water spreading’ method is reported. Highly ordered honeycomb films with quasi‐horizontally paralleled double‐layered structure can be fabricated by the on‐solid surface spreading method. This work raises the possibility that such structures can be formed in amphiphilic dendronized block copolymers and extends the family of source materials.

     

Supramolecular Assembly of Gold Nanoparticles Mediated by Polypseudorotaxane with Thiolated β‐Cyclodextrin

Summary: A water‐soluble gold nanoparticle aggregate 2 was prepared by chloroauric acid and a polypseudorotaxane 1 of mono‐6‐thio‐β‐cyclodextrin with poly(propylene glycol) bis(2‐aminopropyl ether) ( ≈ 2 000) in the presence of sodium borohydride in N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) solution. The investigative results indicated that the gold nanoparticle aggregate 2 might act as an efficient DNA‐cleavage reagent.

A typical TEM image of gold nanoparticle aggregate 2 .