Aggregation behavior of amphiphilic poly(2-alkyl-2-oxazoline) diblock copolymers in aqueous solution studied by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy

The diffusional behavior of amphiphilic poly(2-oxazoline) diblock copolymers in aqueous solution is studied using photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS). The polymers were synthesized by living cationic polymerization and were fluorescence-labeled with tetramethyl rhodamine isothiocyanate either at the end of the hydrophilic or the hydrophobic block. Temperature-resolved PCS showed that, at room temperature, large metastable aggregates are present along with unimers and micelles. An annealing above ~40 °C resulted in stable equilibrium micellar solutions. By means of FCS, the hydrodynamic radii of the unimers and the micelles were measured simultaneously in a broad concentration range, and the critical micelle concentration could be determined. Comparison of the results from conventional PCS measurements with this first FCS study showed excellent agreement and the high potential of the FCS technique.Dedicated to Prof. Dr. Erhard W. Fischer on the occasion of his 75th birthdayAn erratum to this article can be found at     

Effect of carbon chain length of monocarboxylic acids on cloud point temperature of poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)

The temperature-induced phase transition of poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEtOx) aqueous solution under mixing with a series of small carboxylic acids has been studied by turbidity measurements and laser light scattering. It has been found that cloud point temperature (T _cp) of the PEtOx was changed to varying degrees depending upon the pH, ionic strength, molar ratio of acids to 2-ethyl-2-oxazoline unit, and carbon chain length of small carboxylic acids. Significant change in T _cp was observed in the case of hexanoic acid. At acidic pH, an increase in the molar ratio of hexanoic acid to the 2-ethyl-2-oxazoline unit gradually decreased the phase transition temperature of the polymer as compared to the T _cp of pure PEtOx. At original pH 6 (pH?>?pK _a), T _cp shifts to higher value than that of pure PEtOx for lower molar ratios and decreased later on with increasing the molar ratio. The shift in the T _cp is described based on the differences in the driving force of phase transition, including hydrogen bonding between small carboxylic acids and PEtOx polymer and hydrophobic interaction.     

First aldehyde-functionalized poly(2-oxazoline)s for chemoselective ligation

A protected aldehyde-functionalized 2-oxazoline, 2-[3-(1,3)-dioxolan-2-ylpropyl]-2-oxazoline (DPOx), was synthesized from commercially available compounds in high yields. The polymerization of DPOx with different initiators proceeds via a living ionic mechanism; thus, the polymers were of low polydispersity and the degree of polymerization could be precisely adjusted. Copolymerization with 2-methyl-2-oxazoline gave water-soluble statistical copolymers. Hydrolysis of the homo- and copolymers resulted in well-defined, aldehyde-bearing poly(2-oxazoline)s. The aldehyde side functions reacted quantitatively with an amino-oxy compound to form the corresponding oxime.     

Influence of arm length and number on star-shaped poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline) aggregation in aqueous solutions near cloud point

Four-arm star-shaped poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazolines) (PiPrOx₄) are synthesized by cationic polymerization on t-butylcalix[4]arene macroinitiator. The obtained samples differ by polymerization degree of arms N_PiPrOx = 9 and 25 and are characterized in chloroform. The behavior in aqueous solutions is studied by light scattering methods and compared with the results of investigation of eight-arm star with similar structure. Three types of particles are observed in solution of short-arm PiPrOx₄ at room temperature, whereas only two particle types are present in long-arm star solution. Arm shortening leads to widening of the phase transition interval. The arm number decreasing reduces the phase transition temperature by 1°C.     

Synthesis of novel macromonomers and telechelics of poly(2-alkyl-2-oxazoline)s

Novel macromonomers and telechelics of poly(2-alkyl-2-oxazoline) (PROZO) were syn-thesized by utilizing termination of propagating species (2-oxazolinium ions) in the living polymerization of 2-alkyl-2-oxazoline (ROZO) with suitable nucleophiles. Two types of p-vinylbenzyl–type macromonomers were obtained by terminating living PROZO with sodium p-vinylbenzyl alkoxide or with sodium p-vinylbenzyl mercaptide. The synthesis of telechelics having a functional group (SH, COOH) on both ends of PROZO was achieved by using a bis(2-oxazolinium salt) initiator. The PROZO dithiol was synthesized by two methods: (1) termination of the living species on both ends with NaSH, and (2) aminolysis of PROZO bis(O-ethyldithiocarbonate) given by treatment of the living PROZO with potassium O-ethyldithiocarbonate. Termination of the living PROZO with the sodium salt of di-t-butyl malonate yielded a PROZO with di-t-butyl malonate moieties on both polymer ends, from which the PROZO dicarboxylic acid was derived via free tetracarboxylic acid. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Microwave-assisted synthesis and micellization behavior of soy-based copoly(2-oxazoline)s

Polymers based on renewable resources are promising candidates for replacing common organic polymers, and thus, for reducing oil consumption. In this contribution we report the microwave-assisted synthesis of block and statistical copolymers from 2-ethyl-2-oxazoline and 2-“soy alkyl”-2-oxazoline via a cationic ring-opening polymerization mechanism. The synthesized copolymers were characterized by gel permeation chromatography and ¹H-NMR spectroscopy. The micellization of these amphiphilic copolymers was investigated by dynamic light scattering and atomic force microscopy to examine the effect of hydrophobic block length and monomer distribution on the resulting micellar characteristics.     

Characterization of poly(2-oxazoline) homo- and copolymers by liquid chromatography at critical conditions

In this study liquid chromatography at critical conditions for poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)s (PEtOx) has been performed for the first time in order to analyze functional PEtOx homopolymers and block copolymers. Besides the verification of the critical point of adsorption with two series of ester end group functionalized PEtOx homopolymers, to evaluate the effect of both the chain length dependence and the end group polarity, using a cyano column with a solvent combination of 2-propanol and water, also two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC) has been applied for a poly(2-oxazoline) block copolymer. The combined characterization techniques provided further information about the polymerization procedure with regard to the formation of side-products by separation of the block copolymer from the corresponding homopolymer impurities. In addition, hyphenation of LCCC with MALDI-TOF MS and ESI-Q-TOF tandem mass spectrometry verified the obtained results.     

Stealth nanorods via the aqueous living crystallisation-driven self-assembly of poly(2-oxazoline)s

The morphology of nanomaterials critically influences their biological interactions. However, there is currently a lack of robust methods for preparing non-spherical particles from biocompatible materials. Here, we combine ‘living’ crystallisation-driven self-assembly (CDSA), a seeded growth method that enables the preparation of rod-like polymer nanoparticles, with poly(2-oxazoline)s (POx), a polymer class that exhibits ‘stealth’ behaviour and excellent biocompatibility. For the first time, the ‘living’ CDSA process was carried out in pure water, resulting in POx nanorods with lengths ranging from ∼60 to 635 nm. In vitro and in vivo study revealed low immune cell association and encouraging blood circulation times, but little difference in the behaviour of POx nanorods of different length. The stealth behaviour observed highlights the promising potential of POx nanorods as a next generation stealth drug delivery platform.

Triggered by heating, a poly(2-alkyl-2-oxazoline) block copolymer undergoes seeded growth in water forming length tuneable nanorods. Morphology and composition combine to impart low immune cell association and promising blood circulation lifetimes.     

Investigation of the swelling behavior of hydrogels derived from high-molecular-weight poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)

Thermoresponsive hydrogels are of great importance as smart materials. They are usually composed of cross-linked polymers with a lower critical solution temperature (LCST). Although much is known about networks of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), all other polymers are somewhat neglected. In this work, the temperature-dependent swelling behavior of differently cross-linked thermoresponsive poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEtOx) hydrogels were investigated with regard to varying parameters of the network composition. It was found that the degrees of swelling of the hydrogels converge for a certain polymer/solvent system at a distinct temperature independent of its degree of cross-linking. Furthermore, this temperature correlates with the LCST of the respective starting PEtOx. Its net chain molecular weight M_c only affects the maximum degree of swelling and thus, the swelling–deswelling rate of the hydrogel. The fundamental structure/property relations found in this study could be useful to predict the behavior of other thermoresponsive hydrogels.     

Behavior of aqueous solutions of polymer star with block copolymer poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) and poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline) arms

Eight-arm star-shaped poly(2-alkyl-2-oxazoline) (M?≈?21,000?g?·?mol^?1) was studied by turbidimetry and light scattering in aqueous solutions within concentration ranging from 0.00038 to 0.0276?g?·?cm^?3. The arms were the block copolymers of poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline) (PiPrOx) and poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEtOx). Calix[8]arene core was connected with poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline). The behavior of investigated polymer differed from that of thermosensitive stars with poly(2-alkyl-2-oxazoline) homopolymer arms. At low temperatures, the aggregates were formed due to interaction of hydrophobic cores. The phase separation temperatures T₁ and T₂ of studied star were higher than those for star-shaped poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline) and lower than for poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline). T₁ and T₂ increased with dilution.     

Aggregation behavior of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) microspheres

Electrophoretic mobility and aggregation in suspensions of three types of microspheres (Ms 1, Ms 2 and Ms 3) are studied at different pH, ionic strengths and temperatures of the medium. Here Ms 1 is a core particle composed of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-styrene). Ms 2 is a core-shell microsphere consisting of Ms 1 as the particle core covered with a surface layer of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogel. Ms 3 is also a core-shell microsphere composed of MS-1 covered with a surface layer of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) hydrogel. The charge density zN and the softness parameter 1/λ of the microspheres were obtained from the electrophoretic mobility data on the basis of an electrokinetic theory of soft particles. It is shown that when zN is large, suspensions of microspheres are always stable, showing no aggregation. When zN is small, the suspensions are stable for large 1/λ but show strong aggregation for small 1/λ.     

Effect of pendant groups on the blood compatibility and hydration states of poly(2-oxazoline)s

Poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) (PMeOx), poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEtOx), poly(2-n-butyl-2-oxazoline) (PBuOx), and poly(2-phenyl-2-oxazoline) (PPhOx) are selected as poly(2-oxazoline) (POX) models to study the effect of pendant groups on their blood compatibility and hydration states. A comprehension of this can provide a perspective for understanding the biocompatibility of PMeOx and PEtOx in water-polymer interactions and may inspire the development of novel blood-compatible POX derivatives. The aforementioned four POXs are grafted onto glass substrates via photo-grafting, and their blood compatibility is estimated via platelet adhesion and the degree of denaturation of the adsorbed fibrinogen. The hydration states of the POXs are investigated using differential scanning calorimetry and attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy. Intermediate water is found to be present in hydrated PMeOx and PEtOx, but is observed to be scarce in hydrated PBuOx and PPhOx. This could be the reason for the biocompatibility of PMeOx and PEtOx. The carbonyl groups in PMeOx and PEtOx can be fully hydrated. However, in PBuOx and PPhOx, water mainly exists as bulk water. The hydration of the carbonyl groups is hindered by the bulky side chains, and IW cannot be generated.     

Role of the deuterium isotope in the formation of the behavior of thermosensitive poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline)

Thermosensitive star-shaped poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline) is studied via light scattering in D₂O solutions in a ten-fold concentration range at the temperatures from 21 to 60°С. The data are compared to the results of investigations on this polymer in Н₂O at close concentration values. A qualitative similarity in behavior of the polymer in the compared solvents is established; the changes that occur after the change from Н₂O to D₂O are quantitative. After changing to the deuterated solvent, the initial temperature of phase separation decreases by 0.5–1.0°С. The lower the solution concentration, the greater the width of the phase-separation interval.     

Frontal polymerization synthesis and drug delivery behavior of thermo-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogel

Thermo-responsive hydrogels of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) were prepared by fontal polymerization and investigated as a temperature-triggered delivery device for the model drug aspirin. The influence of relative amount of reactant components on the feature of the polymerization front was studied. Furthermore, aspirin was loaded into hydrogels prepared by fontal polymerization method and classical polymerization, respectively, and its release characteristics were determined under different temperature conditions (25 °C and 37 °C). The drug storages and kinetic parameters for two hydrogels indicated that drug-loading capacity and drug release of frontal polymerization (FP) hydrogel were improved as compared with the classical polymerization (CP) one. Scanning electronic microscope and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results could account for these improvements in drug delivery for FP hydrogel. The above results indicate that FP can be an alternative method for the preparation of PNIPAm hydrogels used as drug delivery devices with less time consuming and easier protocols.     

聚(2-甲基-2-噁唑啉)在毛细管电泳分离蛋白质中的应用

毛细管电泳作为一种常见的液相分离技术,因其分析速度快、分离效率高、样品消耗量少等特点,在蛋白质分离分析领域有广泛应用。然而,常用的熔融硅毛细管容易吸附蛋白质,导致电渗流不稳定,分离结果重现性变差;此外,商用毛细管电泳中常用的紫外检测器由于光程短,使得毛细管电泳的检测灵敏度往往不能达到低丰度蛋白质的直接分析要求。因此寻找能够阻止蛋白质吸附、同时能够提高检测灵敏度的涂层是毛细管电泳分离分析蛋白质的重要课题之一。聚（2-甲基-2-噁唑啉）（PMOXA）作为一种类肽类亲水性聚合物,具有与抗蛋白质吸附聚合物聚乙二醇类似的亲水性、抗蛋白质吸附性和生物相容性,而且其类肽结构使之具有较聚乙二醇更好的稳定性,因此近年来在生物质传递、药物载体和阻抗蛋白质吸附等领域得到越来越多的应用。该文主要从两个方面对聚（2-甲基-2-噁唑啉）在毛细管电泳中的应用进行了阐述。一是利用多巴胺作为黏合层将其涂覆在毛细管内壁作为抗蛋白质吸附涂层,这种涂层不仅能成功分离多种蛋白质的混合物（如溶菌酶、细胞色素C、核糖核酸酶A和α-胰凝乳蛋白酶原A）,而且在定量检测奶粉中三聚氰胺、乳铁蛋白的过程中,能阻抗其他蛋白质的非特异性吸附,提高了毛细管电泳对奶粉中三聚氰胺、乳铁蛋白的检测效率。二是将其与具有刺激响应性的聚合物（如聚丙烯酸）构成二元混合刷涂层,在一定的pH和离子强度条件下,涂层可吸附目标蛋白质（如牛血清白蛋白、溶菌酶）,在另一pH和离子强度条件下可将吸附的目标蛋白质全部释放,同时在释放过程中,处于涂层表面的聚（2-甲基-2-噁唑啉）会进一步阻止蛋白质的吸附,释放的蛋白质在电渗流和电泳的双重作用下快速迁移,到达检测器的蛋白质瞬时浓度大大增加,使目标蛋白质得到富集,目标蛋白质的检测信号得到放大,从而达到了提高低丰度蛋白质检测灵敏度的目的。此外,该文还对聚（2-甲基-2-噁唑啉）在毛细管电泳分离蛋白质中的未来发展趋势进行了展望。