Size-Exclusion Effect and Protein Repellency of Concentrated Polymer Brushes Prepared by Surface-Initiated Living Radical Polymerization

The adsorption of proteins on poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) brushes was systematically investigated from the viewpoint of the size-exclusion effect of the concentrated brushes. By use of surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization, well-defined, concentrated PHEMA brushes were successfully grafted on the inner surface of the silica monolithic column with meso pores of ca. 80 nm as well as a silicon wafer and a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) chip. By eluting low-polydispersity pullulans with different molecular weight through the modified monolithic column, the concentrated PHEMA brush was characterized and demonstrated to sharply exclude solute molecules with the critical molecular size (size-exclusion limit) comparable to the distance between the nearest-neighboring graft points d. The elution behaviors of proteins with different sizes were studied with this PHEMA-grafted column: the protein sufficiently larger than the critical size was perfectly excluded from the brush layer and separated only in the size-exclusion mode by the meso pores without affinity interaction with the brush surface. Then, the irreversible adsorption of proteins on PHEMA brushes was investigated using QCM by varying graft densities (σ = 0.007, 0.06, and 0.7 chains/nm²) and protein sizes (effective diameter = 2–13 nm). A good correlation between the protein size and the graft density was observed: proteins larger than d caused no significant irreversible adsorption on the PHEMA brushes. Thus, we experimentally substantiated the postulated size-exclusion effect of the concentrated brushes and confirmed that this effect plays an important role for suppressing protein adsorption.     

Organocatalyzed Photocontrolled Radical Polymerization of Semifluorinated (Meth)acrylates Driven by Visible Light

Fluorinated polymers are important materials that are widely used in many areas. Herein, we report the development of a metal‐free photocontrolled radical polymerization of semifluorinated (meth)acrylates with a new visible‐light‐absorbing organocatalyst. This method enabled the production of a variety of semifluorinated polymers with narrow molar‐weight distributions from semifluorinated trithiocarbonates or perfluoroalkyl iodides. The high performance of “ON/OFF” control and chain‐extension experiments further demonstrate the utility and reliability of this method. Furthermore, to streamline the preparation of semifluorinated polymers, a scalable continuous‐flow approach has been developed. Given the broad interest in fluorinated materials and photopolymerization, we expect that this method will facilitate the development of advanced materials with unique properties.     

Polymer Dispersity Control by Organocatalyzed Living Radical Polymerization

Molecular weight distribution of polymers, termed dispersity (?), is a fundamental parameter for determining polymer material properties. This paper reports a novel approach for controlling ? by exploiting a temperature‐selective radical generation in organocatalyzed living radical polymerization. The polymers with tailored ? were synthesized in a batch system without the assistance of an external pump. A unique aspect of this approach is that ? was tuneable from 1.11 to 1.50 in any segment in diblock, triblock, and multiblock copolymers and in any form of star and brush polymer without segmental or topological restriction. This approach is amenable to various monomers and free from metals and thus attractive for applications. The approach also generated polymer brushes on surfaces with tailored ?. An interesting finding was that the polymer brushes exhibited unique interaction with external molecules, depending on the ? value.     

Organocatalyzed Group Transfer Polymerization

In contrast to the conventional group transfer polymerization (GTP) using a catalyst of either an anionic nucleophile or a transition‐metal compound, the organocatalyzed GTP has to a great extent improved the living characteristics of the polymerization from the viewpoints of synthesizing structurally well‐defined acrylic polymers and constructing defect‐free polymer architectures. In this article, we describe the organocatalyzed GTP from a relatively personal perspective to provide our colleagues with a perspicuous and systematic overview on its recent progress as well as a reply to the curiosity of how excellently the organocatalysts have performed in this field. The stated perspectives of this review mainly cover five aspects, in terms of the assessment of the livingness of the polymerization, limit and scope of applicable monomers, mechanistic studies, control of the polymer structure, and a new GTP methodology involving the use of tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane and hydrosilane.

     

Polymer Brushes by Nitroxide‐Mediated Polymerization

This review article describes the preparation of polymer brushes by nitroxide‐mediated radical polymerization using either the ‘grafting to’ or the ‘grafting from’ approach. The use of TEMPO as a classical initiator is intensively described. More sophisticated nitroxides are also included in the discussion. Brush formation on flat surfaces such as wafers and also on particles is reported. Finally, some applications of polymer brushes are presented.

     

Stereogradient Polymers Formed by Controlled/Living Radical Polymerization of Bulky Methacrylate Monomers

Life RAFT : A bulky methacrylate monomer, triphenylmethyl methacrylate (TrMA), was polymerized with reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) agents. Stereogradient polymers in which the isospecificity increased spontaneously as the monomer concentration decreased were formed by a polymerization–depolymerization equilibrium that can convert a less stable growing polymer terminal into a more stable form (see picture).

     

Dimethyl Dihydroacridines as Photocatalysts in Organocatalyzed Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of Acrylate Monomers

Development of photocatalysts (PCs) with diverse properties has been essential in the advancement of organocatalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization (O‐ATRP). Dimethyl dihydroacridines are presented here as a new family of organic PCs, for the first time enabling controlled polymerization of challenging acrylate monomers by O‐ATRP. Structure–property relationships for seven PCs are established, demonstrating tunable photochemical and electrochemical properties, and accessing a strongly oxidizing ²PC^.+ intermediate for efficient deactivation. In O‐ATRP, the combination of PC, implementation of continuous‐flow reactors, and promotion of deactivation through addition of LiBr are critical to producing well‐defined acrylate polymers with dispersities as low as 1.12. The utility of this approach is established through demonstration of the oxygen‐tolerance of the system and application to diverse acrylate monomers, including the synthesis of well‐defined di‐ and triblock copolymers.     

《高分子化学》课程中“活性自由基聚合”的教学实践

《高分子化学》课程是五大化学基础课程(无机化学、有机化学、分析化学、物理化学、高分子化学)之一,是化学类、高分子材料与工程、材料化学专业的必修课程。"活性"/可控自由基聚合是一种相对较新且重要的聚合物合成技术和方法,针对目前《高分子化学》课程中活性自由基聚合的教学比较薄弱的现状,从教学的角度探讨了活性聚合和可控/"活性"自由基聚合的本质和特点,介绍了本人在这方面的教学实践活动,遵循成果导向教育理念,通过以学为中心的教学方式,打造金课,提高教学质量。     

Photocontrolled Iodine‐Mediated Reversible‐Deactivation Radical Polymerization: Solution Polymerization of Methacrylates by Irradiation with NIR LED Light

Herein, near‐infrared (NIR) photocontrolled iodide‐mediated reversible‐deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) of methacrylates, without an external photocatalyst, was developed using an alkyl iodide (e.g., 2‐iodo‐2‐methylpropionitrile) as the initiator at room temperature. This example is the first use of a series of special solvents containing carbonyl groups (e.g., 1,3‐dimethyl‐2‐imidazolidinone) as both solvent and catalyst for photocontrolled RDRP using long‐wavelength (λ_max=730 nm) irradiation. The polymerization system comprises monomer, alkyl iodide initiator, and solvent. Well‐defined polymers were synthesized with excellent control over the molecular weights and molecular weight distributions (M_w/M_n<1.21). The living features of this system were confirmed by polymerization kinetics, multiple controlled “on‐off” light switching cycles, and chain extension experiments. Importantly, the polymerizations proceeded successfully with various barriers (pork skin and A4 paper), demonstrating the advantage of high‐penetration NIR light.     

高分子化学中的活性/可控自由基聚合教学

活性/可控自由基聚合自20世纪90代被报道到现在经历了30余年的发展,其反应机理和相关理论比较成熟,对高分子化学和功能高分子材料产生重大的影响。而目前本科生高分子化学的教学中对该部分的内容没有足够的重视,很多专业受学时的限制并未对该部分的内容进行讲授,制约了学生的知识面和科学研究思维。针对如何将普通自由基聚合转变为可控/活性自由基聚合这一问题,通过问题的提出、寻找解决策略及其发展趋势等,循序渐进教学,启发学生进行知识创新,提高学生对知识的运用能力和解决问题的能力。     

Synthesis of Polymer Brushes Using Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization

Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is a robust method for the preparation of well‐defined (co)polymers. This process has also enabled the preparation of a wide range of polymer brushes where (co)polymers are covalently attached to either curved or flat surfaces. In this review, the general methodology for the synthesis of polymer brushes from flat surfaces, polymers and colloids is summarized focusing on reports using ATRP. Additionally, the morphology of ultrathin films from polymer brushes is discussed using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and other techniques to confirm the formation of nanoscale structure and organization.

Formation of polymer brushes by ATRP.     

New Segmented Copolymers by Combination of Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization and Ring Opening Polymerization

Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and ring opening polymerization (ROP) were combined to synthesize various polymers with various structures and composition. Poly(ε-caprolactone)-b-poly(n-octadecyl methacrylate), PCL-PODMA, was prepared using both sequential and simultaneous polymerization methods. Kinetic studies on the simultaneous process were performed to adjust the rate of both polymerizations. The influence of tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate on ATRP was investigated, which led to development of new initiation methods for ATRP, i.e., activators (re)generated by electron transfer (AGET and ARGET). Additionally, block copolymers with two crystalizable blocks, poly(ε-caprolactone)-b-poly(n-butyl acrylate)-b-poly(n-octadecyl methacrylate), PCL-PBA-PODMA, block copolymers for potential surfactant applications poly(ε-caprolactone)-b-poly(n-octadecyl methacrylate-co-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), PCL-P(ODMA-co-DMAEMA), and a macromolecular brush, poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate)-graft-poly(ε-caprolactone), PHEMA-graft-PCL, were prepared using combination of ATRP and ROP.     

Controlled Alternating Copolymerization of (Meth)acrylates and Vinyl Ethers by Using Organoheteroatom‐Mediated Living Radical Polymerization

Alternating copolymers comprised of (meth)acrylates and vinyl ethers with controlled molecular weights and polydispersities were synthesized for the first time by living radical polymerization using organotellurium, stibine, and bismuthine chain transfer agents. Combining living alternating copolymerization and living radical or living cationic polymerization afforded hitherto unavailable block copolymers with controlled macromolecular structures.

     

Cytocompatible Polymer Grafting from Individual Living Cells by Atom‐Transfer Radical Polymerization

A cytocompatible method of surface‐initiated, activator regenerated by electron transfer, atom transfer radical polymerization (SI‐ARGET ATRP) is developed for engineering cell surfaces with synthetic polymers. Dopamine‐based ATRP initiators are used for both introducing the ATRP initiator onto chemically complex cell surfaces uniformly (by the material‐independent coating property of polydopamine) and protecting the cells from radical attack during polymerization (by the radical‐scavenging property of polydopamine). Synthetic polymers are grafted onto the surface of individual yeast cells without significant loss of cell viability, and the uniform and dense grafting is confirmed by various characterization methods including agglutination assay and cell‐division studies. This work will provide a strategic approach to the generation of living cell–polymer hybrid structures and open the door to their application in multitude of areas, such as sensor technology, catalysis, theranostics, and cell therapy.     

Supramolecular Polymerization from Controllable Fabrication to Living Polymerization

Supramolecular polymers have attracted plenty of interest in the scientific community; however, developing controllable methods of supramolecular polymerization remains a serious challenge. This article reviews some recent developments of methods for supramolecular polymerization from controllable fabrication to living polymerization. Three facile methods with general applicability for controllable fabrication of supramolecular polymers have been established recently: the first method is a self‐sorting approach by manipulating ring–chain equilibrium based on noncovalent control over rigidity of monomers; the second is covalent polymerization from supramonomers formed by noncovalent interactions; and the third is supramolecular interfacial polymerization. More excitingly, living supramolecular polymerization has been achieved by two elegant strategies, including seeded supramolecular polymerization under pathway complexity control and chain‐growth supramolecular polymerization by metastable monomers. It is anticipated that this review may provide some guidance for precise fabrication of supramolecular polymers, leading to the construction of supramolecular polymeric materials with controllable architectures and functions.     

Organosilicon‐Assisted Transformation of Living Anionic into Living Cationic Polymerization

A novel method is described for transforming an anionic polymerization process into a cationic polymerization process assisted by organosilyl groups. The reaction of the p‐tolyldimethylsilyl end group of polystyrene and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid produced a silyl triflate end group that served as a macroinitiator for the living cationic polymerization of isobutyl vinyl ether. The Si O linkage in the block copolymers underwent specific cleavage by reaction with tetrabutylammonium fluoride.

     

Ultradense Polymer Brushes by Adsorption

Standing room only : Dense polymer brushes can be prepared by adsorbing a diblock copolymer comprising a neutral block and a polyelectrolyte block to an oppositely charged polyelectrolyte brush (see picture). The density of the resulting neutral brush is determined by charge compensation, leading to brush densities well over 1 nm^?2. The diblock copolymer can be desorbed by changing the solution conditions.

     

Homogeneous Oligomeric Ligands Prepared via Radical Polymerization that Recognize and Neutralize a Target Peptide

Abiotic ligands that bind to specific biomolecules have attracted attention as substitutes for biomolecular ligands, such as antibodies and aptamers. Radical polymerization enables the production of robust polymeric ligands from inexpensive functional monomers. However, little has been reported about the production of monodispersed polymeric ligands. Herein, we present homogeneous ligands prepared via radical polymerization that recognize epitope sequences on a target peptide and neutralize the toxicity of the peptide. Taking advantage of controlled radical polymerization and separation, a library of multifunctional oligomers with discrete numbers of functional groups was prepared. Affinity screening revealed that the sequence specificity of the oligomer ligands strongly depended on the number of functional groups. The process reported here will become a general step for the development of abiotic ligands that recognize specific peptide sequences.     

Electron Transfer Reactions of Radical Anions with TEMPO: A Versatile Route for Transformation of Living Anionic Polymerization into Stable Radical‐Mediated Polymerization

Summary: The possibility of transforming a living anionic polymerization into a stable radical‐mediated radical polymerization (SFRP) was demonstrated. For this purpose, 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐N‐oxyl (TEMPO) alcoholate, formed by a one‐electron redox reaction between potassium naphthalene and TEMPO, was used to initiate the living anionic polymerization of ethylene oxide (EO). Poly(ethylene oxide) obtained in this way possessed TEMPO terminal units and was subsequently used as an initiator for the SFRP of styrene to give block copolymers.

A one‐electron redox reaction gives rise to TEMPO alcoholate, which is able to initiate the living anionic polymerization of ethylene oxide (EO).