Combining Modular Ligation and Supramolecular Self‐Assembly for the Construction of Star‐Shaped Macromolecules

A well‐defined random copolymer of styrene (S) and chloromethylstyrene (CMS) featuring lateral chlorine moieties with an alkyne terminal group is prepared (P(S‐co‐CMS), = 5500 Da, PDI = 1.13). The chloromethyl groups are converted into Hamilton wedge (HW) entities (P(S‐co‐HWS), = 6200 Da, PDI = 1.13). The P(S‐co‐HWS) polymer is subsequently ligated with tetrakis(4‐azidophenyl)methane to give HW‐functional star‐shaped macromolecules (P(S‐co‐HWS))₄, = 25 100 Da, PDI = 1.08). Supramolecular star‐shaped copolymers are then prepared via self‐assembly between the HW‐functionalized four‐arm star‐shaped macromolecules ( P(S‐co‐HW )) ₄ and cyanuric acid (CA) end‐functionalized PS (PS–CA, = 3700 Da, PDI = 1.04), CA end‐functionalized poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA–CA, = 8500 Da, PDI = 1.13) and CA end‐functionalized polyethylene glycol (PEG–CA, = 1700 Da, PDI = 1.05). The self‐assembly is monitored by ¹H NMR spectroscopy and light scattering analyses.     

A Helical Poly(macromonomer) Consisting of a Polyacetylene Main Chain and Polystyrene Side Chains

A novel helical poly(macromonomer) [poly(M‐PS): absolute = 82 800–252 000, determined by GPC/RALLS] with a polyacetylene main chain and polystyrene (PS) side chains was synthesized by the polymerization of acetylene‐terminated M‐PS [ = 2 000, / = 1.20, = 18] with an Rh catalyst. M‐PS was prepared by ATRP of styrene using the acetylene‐containing initiator 2‐bromo‐2‐methylpropionic acid (S)‐1‐methylpropargyl ester ( l ). In solutions, poly(M‐PS) exhibited an intense CD signal at 345–355 nm, indicating that it possessed a predominantly one‐handed helical conformation. Poly(M‐PS) had a stable helical conformation irrespective of solvents and temperature.

     

A Facile Two‐Step Route to Branched Polyisoprenes via ABn‐Macromonomers

A facile two‐step synthesis for branched poly(isoprene)s (PI) based on polyaddition of AB_n‐type macromonomers is described. The synthesis of the macromonomers was achieved by anionic polymerization of isoprene and subsequent end‐capping of the polymers by addition of chlorodimethylsilane to the living carbanions. This led to PI‐based macromonomers with narrow polydispersity ( / < 1.15) and molecular weights in the range of 1 700 – 22 100 g · mol⁻¹. Synthesis of the branched polymers was carried out by a hydrosilylation‐based polymerization of the macromonomers. Characterization via SEC, SEC‐MALLS, coupled SEC‐viscosimetry and ¹H‐NMR‐spectroscopy supported the formation of branched structures. Interestingly, these branched polymers exhibited α‐values that were similar to those reported for hyperbranched polymers based on AB₂‐monomers.

     

Amphiphilic Poly(4‐acryloylmorpholine)/Poly[2‐(N‐carbazolyl)ethyl acrylate] Random and Block Copolymers Synthesized by NMP

A series of random copolymers and block copolymers containing water‐soluble 4AM and fluorescent VAK are synthesized by NMP. The homopolymerizations of 4AM and VAK and 4AM/VAK random copolymerization are performed in 50 wt% DMF using 10 mol% SG1, resulting in a linear increase in versus conversion, and final polymers with narrow molecular weight distributions ( < 1.4). Reactivity ratios r_VAK = 0.64 ± 0.52 and r_4AM = 0.86 ± 0.66 are obtained for the 4AM/VAK random copolymerization. In addition, a poly(4AM) macroinitiator is used to initiate a surfactant‐free suspension polymerization of VAK. After 2.5 h, the resulting amphiphilic block copolymer has = 12.6 kg · mol^?1, = 1.48, molar composition F_VAK = 0.38 with latex particle sizes between 270 and 475 nm.

     

Morphological Analysis of Telechelic Ureidopyrimidone Functional Hydrogen Bonding Linear and Star‐Shaped Poly(ethylene‐co‐propylene)s

Ureidopyrimidone (UPy) end‐functionalized linear and star‐shaped poly(ethylene‐co‐propylene)s (hydrogenated polyisoprene) with molecular weights between 12K and 90K and narrow molecular weight distributions (PDI = < 1.10) were studied with SAXS and AFM. These hydrogen bond end‐functionalized polymers (0.45–1.14 mol.‐% UPy end‐groups) unexpectedly exhibited microphase separated domains with interdomain spacings of approximately 10–15 nm suggesting a solid‐state clustering of the hydrogen bonding end‐groups beyond simple dimerization. The interdomain spacings that were obtained from SAXS measurements systematically increased with molecular weight and decreased for monofunctional oligomers relative to telechelic analogs of the identical molecular weight. Variable temperature AFM measurements confirmed the presence of microphase separation at the surface for the star‐shaped UPy end‐functional poly(ethylene‐co‐propylene) and revealed a decrease in phase contrast upon heating to 130 °C with retention of the microphase separated texture.

     

New Strategy Targeting Well‐Defined Polymethylene‐block‐Polystyrene Copolymers: The Combination of Living Polymerization of Ylides and Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization

Well‐defined polymethylene‐block‐polystyrene (PM‐b‐PS) diblock copolymers were synthesized via a combination of living polymerization of ylides and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of styrene. A series of hydroxyl‐terminated polymethylenes (PM‐OHs) with different molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution were prepared using living polymerization of ylides following efficient oxidation in a quantitive functionality. Then, the macroinitiators (PM‐MIs ( = 1 900–15 000; PDI = 1.12–1.23)) transformed from PM‐OHs in ≈ 100% conversion initiated ATRPs of styrene to construct PM‐b‐PS copolymers. The GPC traces indicated the successful extension of PS segment ( of PM‐b‐PS = 5 000–41 800; PDI = 1.08–1.23). Such copolymers were characterized by ¹H NMR and DSC.

     

RAFT Polymerization of Pentafluorophenyl Methacrylate: Preparation of Reactive Linear Diblock Copolymers

Summary: Reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of pentafluorophenyl methacrylate (PFMA) was carried out in the presence of cumyldithiobenzoate and 4‐cyano‐4‐((thiobenzoyl)sulfanyl)pentanoic acid, respectively. These chain transfer agents with 2,2′‐azoisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as initiator yielded the active ester polymer poly(PFMA) with up to 17 000 g · mol⁻¹ and low polydispersity index ( < 1.2). Kinetic analysis using ¹⁹F NMR spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) measurements showed controlled polymerization behavior for both chain transfer agents. Successful preparation of linear diblock copolymers consisting of an active ester block and methyl methacrylate, N‐acryloylmorpholine, or N,N‐diethylacrylamide, respectively, could be demonstrated. These polymers could easily react with amines in a polymer analogous reaction to form multifunctional polymers.

     

Cationic Graft Copolymers as Carriers for Delivery of Antisense‐Oligonucleotides

Self‐assembling systems based on ionic complexes of DNA fragments (36 base pairs), bcl‐2 antisense oligonucleotides (octadecamer), oligophosphates (25 phosphate groups) or acrylic oligomers (18 groups of phosphonic acid) with poly(L ‐lysine) (PLL) ( = 130 000 and 88 000) grafted with short poly[N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide] (PHPMA) chains ( = 4 300 or 8 600) were studied by static and dynamic light scattering methods as systems suitable for gene therapy applications. The graft copolymers (GPLLs) with shorter PHPMA grafts ( = 4 300) provide polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) with smaller and R_H than the corresponding GPLLs with longer grafts ( = 8 600) and the same content of PLL. The lowest aggregation number of 2 was observed for PECs prepared from the GPLL with short grafts and 40 wt.‐% of PLL. The complexes of oligonucleotides and DNA fragments with GPLLs showed quite similar behavior to that with oligophosphates and acrylic oligomer. The complexes prepared from GPLLs containing 40 wt.‐% of PLL and at excess of oligophosphate were stable for at least 48 h under physiological conditions (0.15 M NaCl) and in bovine serum albumin solutions (1 mg · mL^?1). Additionally, polyanion exchange reactions of the PECs in contact with poly(styrenesulfonate) and DNA were studied in 0.15 M NaCl solutions. The oligophosphates in complexes were at least partially substituted with high‐molecular‐weight polyanions. The structure of the initial PECs dominated the PEC structure after the exchange reaction.

The dependence of the molecular weight (a) and the hydrodynamic radius R_H (b) of complexes of the oligophosphate (OPP) and four graft copolymers (GPLLi, i = 0–3) on the mixing ratio X.     

Film Growth and Surface Roughness with Effective Fluctuating Covalent Bonds in Evaporating Aqueous Solution of Reactive Hydrophobic and Polar Groups: A Computer Simulation Model

Summary: A computer simulation model is proposed to study film growth and surface roughness in aqueous (A) solution of hydrophobic (H) and hydrophilic (P) groups on a simple three dimensional lattice of size with an adsorbing substrate. Each group is represented by a particle with appropriate characteristics occupying a unit cube (i.e., eight sites). The Metropolis algorithm is used to move each particle stochastically. The aqueous constituents are allowed to evaporate while the concentration of H and P is constant. Reactions proceed from the substrate and bonded particles can hop within a fluctuating bond length. The film thickness ( ) and its interface width ( ) are examined for hardcore and interacting particles for a range of temperature ( ). Simulation data show a rapid increase in and followed by its non‐monotonic growth and decay before reaching steady‐state and near equilibrium ( ) in asymptotic time step limit. The growth can be described by power laws, e.g., with a typical value of in initial time regime followed by at . For hardcore system, the equilibrium film thickness ( ) and surface roughness ( ) seem to scale linearly with the temperature, i.e., at low and at higher . For interacting functional groups in contrast, the long time (unsaturated) film thickness and surface roughness, and decay rapidly followed by a slow increase on raising the temperature.

Growth of the average film thickness at a temperature .     

Azide/Alkyne‐“Click”‐Reactions of Encapsulated Reagents: Toward Self‐Healing Materials

The successful encapsulation of reactive components for the azide/alkyne‐“click”‐reaction is reported featuring for the first time the use of a liquid polymer as reactive component. A liquid, azido‐telechelic three‐arm star poly(isobutylene) ( = 3900 g · mol⁻¹) as well as trivalent alkynes were encapsulated into micron‐sized capsules and embedded into a polymer‐matrix (high‐molecular weight poly(isobutylene), = 250 000 g · mol⁻¹). Using (Cu^IBr(PPh₃)₃) as catalyst for the azide/alkyne‐“click”‐reaction, crosslinking of the two components at 40 °C is observed within 380 min and as fast as 10 min at 80 °C. Significant recovery of the tensile storage modulus was observed in a material containing 10 wt.‐% and accordingly 5 wt.‐% capsules including the reactive components within 5 d at room temperature, thus proving a new concept for materials with self‐healing properties.

     

Hydrophilic Poly(ether‐ester)s and Poly(ether‐ester‐amide)s Derived from Poly(ε‐caprolactone) and ?COCl Terminated PEG Macromers

A series of poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)‐based multiblock poly(ether‐ester)s (PEE)s and poly(ether‐ester‐amide)s (PEEA)s were obtained from α,ω‐dihydroxy‐PCL ( = 2–4 kDa) and ? COCl di‐terminated poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) macromers (MAC) of different length ( = 150, 300, 600, 1 000 Da). 4,7,10‐Trioxa‐1,13‐tridecanediamine was used in the synthesis of PEEAs. Bulk polycondensation processes were accomplished by one step (PEE) and two step (PEEA) procedures. PEEAs with PCL/MAC/Trioxy molar ratios 1:2:1 and 1:3:2 were investigated. The multiblock copolymer architecture was proved by ¹H NMR and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) techniques. Unimodal molecular weight (MW) distributions and values in the range of 13.3–21.0 kDa (PEE) and 8.1–12.8 kDa (PEEA) were found. Crystalline PCL‐type phases were identified for both PEEAs and PEEs by X‐ray diffraction. The thermal transitions were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The T_m values (49.9–53.4 °C) reflect those of the PCL component while the T_g of PEEAs (?45 to ?52 °C) are higher than those of the PEEs (?58 to ?61 °C) or the macromers. The equilibrium water uptakes range from 1.0 to 18.4 wt.‐% (PEE) and from 4.4 to 8.8 wt.‐% (PEEA) depending on both the composition and length of the ethylene oxide sequences. A dependence of surface homogeneity on copolymer composition was found for PEEs by dynamic contact angle measurements.

The preparation of PEEAs and PEEs.     

Tuning the Properties of Functional Pyrrolidinium Polymers by (Co)polymerization of Diallyldimethylammonium Ionic Liquids

The synthesis and polymerization of novel diallyldimethylammonium ionic liquid monomers is described. A free‐radical polymerization follows a ring‐closing cyclopolymerization mechanism similar to the one observed previously for diallyldimethylammonium halides that leads to pyrrolidinium functional polymers. As previously observed in other families of polymeric ionic liquids, their physico‐chemical properties are seriously affected by the nature of the counter‐anion. As an example, the thermal stability increases following the trend SCN⁻ < < < bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonamide. Interestingly, this polymerization route may lead to the synthesis of a new family of random copolymers that have a similar poly(diallyldimethylammonium) backbone and a mixture of counter‐anions determined by the comonomer selection.

     

Highly Efficient Synthesis of Low Polydispersity Core Cross‐Linked Star Polymers by Ru‐Catalyzed Living Radical Polymerization

The efficient formation of low polydispersity core cross‐linked star (CCS) polymers via controlled/living radical polymerization (LRP) and the arm‐first approach was found to be dependant on the mediating catalyst system. The Ru catalyst, Ru(Ind)Cl(PPh₃)₂ Cat. 1 , and tertiary amine co‐catalyst were used to synthesize highly living poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) macroinitiators, which were then linked together with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) to form PMMA_armPEGDMA_core CCS polymers. The quantitative and near‐quantitative synthesis of CCS polymers were observed for low to moderate molecular weight macroinitiators ( = 8 and 20 kDa), respectively. Lower conversions were observed for high‐molecular weight macroinitiators ( ≥ 60 kDa). Overall, an improvement of between 10 and 20% was observed when comparing the Cat. 1 system to a conventional Cu‐catalyzed system. This significant improvement in macroinitiator‐to‐star conversion is explained in the context of catalyst system selection and CCS polymer formation.

     

Hetero‐Multifunctional Poly(ethylene glycol) Copolymers with Multiple Hydroxyl Groups and a Single Terminal Functionality

Hetero‐multifunctional poly(ethylene glycol‐co‐glycerol) random copolymers with multiple hydroxyl functionalities and a single terminal functionality have been prepared by copolymerization of ethylene oxide (EO) and ethoxy ethyl glycidyl ether (EEGE) with the use of a suitable initiator, introducing a protected amino group or a double bond, respectively. Acidic deprotection was used for removal of the acetal protecting groups in the chain, and the terminal amino group was regenerated by catalytic hydrogenation. A series of copolymers with narrow polydispersity was obtained, varying comonomer fractions from 3 to 67% and molecular weights in the range of 5 000–32 000 g · mol⁻¹ (1.05 < < 1.25). Molecular and thermal characterization was carried out using ¹H‐ and ¹³C NMR, SEC and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).

     

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 .     

Direct Cyclodextrin‐Mediated Ring Opening Polymerization of ϵ‐Caprolactone in the Presence of Yttrium Trisphenolate Catalyst

Unmodified β‐cyclodextrin has been directly used to initiate ring‐opening polymerization of ϵ‐caprolactone in the presence of yttrium trisphenolate. Well‐defined cyclodextrin (CD)‐centered star‐shaped poly(ϵ‐caprolactone)s have been successfully synthesized containing definite average numbers of arms (N_arm = 4–6) and narrow polydispersity indexes (below 1.10). The number‐average molecular weight ( ) and average molecular weight per arm ( ) are controlled by the feeding molar ratio of monomer to initiator. The prepared star‐PCL with of 2.7 × 10³ is in fully amorphous and that with of 13.3 × 10³ is crystallized. In addition, the obtained poly(e‐caprolactone) (PCL) stars with various molecular weights have different solubilities in methanol and tetrahydrofuran, which can be applied for further modifications.     

Combining Steric and Electrostatic Stabilization Using Hydrophilic MacroRAFT Agents in an Ab Initio Emulsion Polymerization of Styrene

Hydrophilic (co)polymers carrying a thiocarbonyl thio end group such as poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), poly(ethylene oxide), and poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) have been evaluated as precursors of stabilizers in batch ab initio emulsion polymerization of styrene under acidic conditions to form electrosterically stabilized polystyrene latex particles. As a mixture of P(DMAEMA/H⁺Cl⁻)‐RAFT and PEO‐RAFT failed to give satisfactory results, PEO‐RAFT was used as a control agent for the RAFT polymerization of DMAEMA, and the resulting block copolymer was successfully used in ab initio styrene emulsion polymerization.

     

Hyperbranched PEG by Random Copolymerization of Ethylene Oxide and Glycidol

The synthesis of hyperbranched poly(ethylene glycol) (hbPEG) in one step was realized by random copolymerization of ethylene oxide and glycidol, leading to a biocompatible, amorphous material with multiple hydroxyl functionalities. A series of copolymers with moderate polydispersity ( < 1.8) was obtained with varying glycidol content (3–40 mol‐%) and molecular weights up to 49 800 g mol⁻¹. The randomly branched structure of the copolymers was confirmed by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and thermal analysis (differential scanning calorimetry). MTS assay demonstrated low cell toxicity of the hyperbranched PEG, comparable to the highly established linear PEG.

     

Non‐Catalyst Synthesis of Functionalized Biodegradable Polycarbonate

The thermal ring‐opening polymerization of 5‐benzyloxy‐trimethylene carbonate (BTMC) in bulk in the absence of any catalyst resulted in high molecular weight poly(BTMC) ( = 80 300) and subsequent catalytic hydrogenolysis resulted in functional poly(5‐hydroxyl‐trimethylene carbonate) (PHTMC). Similar spontaneous polymerization of BTMC in the presence of PEG ( = 2 000) as a macroinitiator can provide amphiphilic block polymers. The results revealed that the thermal non‐catalyst (co)polymerization of BTMC is a highly attractive preparative method because of the lack of usage of toxic initiators or catalysts. Furthermore, an evaluation of the degradation and cytotoxicity of PHTMC demonstrated enhanced degradability compared to poly(trimethylene carbonate) and similar toxicity compared to PLGA, showing PHTMC to be a promising biomaterial.

     

Uniform PEO Star Polymers Synthesized in Water via Free Radical Polymerization or Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization

Amphiphilic star shaped polymers with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) arms and cross‐linked hydrophobic core were synthesized in water via either conventional free radical polymerization (FRP) or atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) techniques using a simple “arm‐first” method. In FRP, PEO based macromonomers (MM) were used as arm precursors, which were then cross‐linked by divinylbenzene (DVB) using 2,2′‐azoisobutyronitrile (AIBN). Uniform star polymers ( < 1.2) were achieved through adjustment of the ratio of PEO MM, DVB, and AIBN. While in case of ATRP, both PEO MM, and PEO based macroinitiator (MI) were used as arm precursors with ethylene glycol diacrylate as cross‐linker. Even more uniform star polymers with less contamination by low MW polymers were obtained, as compared to the products synthesized by FRP.