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     

Synthesis and aggregation properties of amphiphilic mono and bisadducts of fullerene in aqueous solution

New amphiphilic[60]fullerene monoadduct TPF and bisadducts BTPF were synthesized and well-characterized. Their aggregation properties in aqueous solution was investigated by UV-vis and TEM methods. In aqueous solution, monoadduct TPF forms irregularly shaped and some rod-like aggregates, whereas bisadducts BTPF gives sphadcal aggregates with diameters of 50-150 rim. It indicated that the aggregation properties of amphiphilic fullerene derivatives depend on the number of hydrophilic     

Synthesis and self-assembly of a triphenylene-containing amphiphilic conjugated macrocycle

A new amphiphilic π-conjugated system containing a shape-persistent conjugated macrocycle with two triphenylene chromophores as the anchoring units has been successfully synthesized. The amphiphilic macrocycle has been found to self-assemble into robust and uniform microspheres, presumably due to the strong π−π stacking interaction between triphenylene chromophores.     

Aqueous solutions of amphiphilic polysaccharides: Concentration and temperature effect on viscosity

Amphiphilic polymers have been prepared by chemical modification of a neutral bacterial polysaccharide, dextran, consisting of α-1,6 linked glucose units. Various amounts of aliphatic hydrocarbon groups with six carbon atoms are attached along the dextran chains by ether links. The viscosities of their aqueous solutions in the dilute domain and in the beginning of the semi-dilute domain are considered with particular interest for the variation with temperature and polymer concentration.The equations of Fedors and Martin are shown to conveniently depict the effect of polymer concentration over the whole investigated range. A semi-empirical equation is established between the critical concentration deduced from Fedors equation and both the Huggins coefficient and the intrinsic viscosity (parameters deduced from the results in the dilute domain).The variation of solution viscosity with temperature is also examined. Andrade equation, combined with Martin or Fedors equation, is shown to account for the temperature effect. Particularly, the variation of the activation energy with polymer concentration is conveniently depicted. The validity of the derived semi-empirical equations is extended to other polymer solutions using literature data.     

Novel cationic and amphiphilic pullulan derivatives I: Synthesis and characterization

Cationic amphiphilic modified pullulan’s were obtained in two steps: firstly the synthesis of diethylaminoethylpullulan (DEAE-Pullulan) with DS₀ = 0.80 in water (all degrees of substitution (DS) are calculated in anhydroglucose units (AGU)) followed by the incorporation of different alkyl chains (C₁₀, C₁₂ and C₁₆) using Hoffmann alkylation reaction. Three alkylated derivatives (Y-Cx-DEAE-Pullulan) were produced with a degree of substitution of alkyl chains (Y = 100 DS_Cx) of 40 in the case of C10 and C12 and 20 in the case of C16. The three samples contained two functional types: an amine function (DS_N), dependent on pH and a quaternary ammonium function (DS_N+) linked to a hydrophobic alkyl chain (DS_Cx). Chemical characterizations were carried out by conductimetric measurements, elemental analysis and ¹H NMR. The amphiphilic and associative properties have been confirmed by flow field flow fractionation (F4) coupled on-line with multi-angle laser light scattering (MALLS). The intermolecular associations were observed for DEAE-Pullulan and Y-Cx-DEAE-Pullulan in 0.1 M LiNO₃.     

Synthesis and reactivity of stable trisyl(aminomethylphenyl)silylenoid

A highly thermally stable silylenoid, trisyl(aminomethylphenyl)silylenoid (2) was synthesized from the reaction of dimethylaminomethylphenyllithium with a bromosilylenoid, 1. Silylenoid 2 reacted with electrophiles to give the corresponding products, but did not react with alkyllithiums as a nucleophile.     

Viscosity of aqueous solutions of polysaccharides and hydrophobically modified polysaccharides: Application of Fedors equation

Amphiphilic polysaccharides have been obtained by hydrophobic modification of a neutral bacterial polysaccharide, dextran. Various amounts and types of aliphatic hydrocarbon groups have been attached to dextran.The solution behaviour of unmodified dextran samples and amphiphilic dextran derivatives is characterized by viscometric measurements. The overall viscosity behaviour of unmodified polysaccharides is described up to C × [η] = 3, using the equation of Fedors [Fedors RF. Polymer 1979;20:225] which involves only a concentration parameter. The latter is shown to depend on the hydrodynamic volume of the macromolecules in solution.The equation of Fedors is shown to conveniently estimate the viscosity behaviour of amphiphilic dextran derivatives up to C × [η] = 1. The interdependence between Fedors parameter and other viscometric characteristics (intrinsic viscosity, Huggins coefficient) is evidenced. These results are extended to the data of other authors.     

Synthesis of amphiphilic polysiloxanes and their properties for formation of nano-aggregates

In this study, we prepared amphiphilic polysiloxanes by introduction of hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts into a water-soluble poly(3-aminopropyl)siloxane. Fatty acid (lauroyl, myristoyl, palmitoyl, and stearoyl) chlorides and gluconolactone were employed as the reactants for the hydrophobic and hydrophilic parts, respectively. The reaction of the poly(3-aminopropyl)siloxane with fatty acid chlorides was performed in water/DMF, followed by the reaction with gluconolactone in DMSO, giving the corresponding amphiphilic polysiloxanes. The results of the NMR spectra, SEM observations, and DLS measurements indicated the formation of nano-aggregates from the amphiphilic polysiloxanes in water. These analytical data also suggested that the structures and functionalities of the hydrophobic parts affected the formation properties of the nano-aggregates.     

Ring-closing olefin metathesis in the aqueous phase of amphiphilic conetworks consisting of fluorophilic and hydrophilic compartments

A Grubbs-Hoveyda-Type metathesis catalyst bearing a tris(perfluoroalkyl)silyl tag was immobilized in the fluorophilic phase of amphiphilic conetworks (APCNs). This catalytic system was applied to ring-closing metathesis (RCM) reactions in aqueous media. Different substrates were evaluated and with 10 mol% of catalyst at 60 °C good conversions were observed. Reuse of the catalytic system was possible, but resulted generally in lower conversions.     

Synthesis, characterization and surface properties of amphiphilic polystyrene-b-polypropylene glycol block copolymers

The new macroazoinitiators containing poly (propylene glycol), (PPG), with molecular weight 400 and 2000, having hydrophilic character, were synthesized and polymerized with styrene to prepare PS-b-PPG block copolymers. Cast films and e-spun films were prepared and contact angles of these films with water drop were measured to examine hydrophilic/hydrophobic behavior of the copolymers. Each e-spun film with average fiber diameters from 0.25 to 2.20 μm was prepared in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) under controlled electrospinning process parameters such as polymer concentration, applied voltage and tip-to-collector distance. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the electrospun films were taken to determine the fiber diameters. Surface compositions of the block copolymers were also determined by using an electron spectrometer with Mg Kα X-rays. NMR, and FT-IR spectroscopic, and GPC measurements were employed to characterize and determine the PPG contents (6-43%). From the results, electrospinning process increased the hydrophilic properties of the block copolymers obtained, compared their cast film forms. Our results suggest that these polymers are favorable in biological applications in cases where high ratio of the surface to volume and hydrophilicity are required simultaneously. Both chemical structure and topology of the films are important in wetting and hydrophobicity.     

Synthesis and characterization of a new dyestuff polymer soluble in alkaline aqueous media

Novel dyestuff polymers were successfully obtained through oxidative polymerization technique. The synthesized Schiff base and its polymer were soluble in alkaline＇aqueous medium and they have various colors in different solutions. Also, it can be said that the synthesized compounds are suitable as coloring agent （dyestuff） for textile applications. Fluorescence properties of the compounds were determined in DMF with different concentrations （mg/L）. Poly-tris（4- aminophenyl）methanol （P-TAPM） has quite high emission and excitation intensity values. Optical and electrochemical band gaps of the polymers were lower than those of the monomers indicating the more conjugated structure of the polymers. The oxidized states of the novel dyestuff compounds were examined by cyclic voltammetry （CV） technique. The solid state conductivity measurements showed that the synthesized polymers were semiconductors when exposed to the iodine vapour their conductivities could be increased. P-TAPM had the highest undoped conductivity. Thermal characterizations of the synthesized compounds were carried out by TG-DTA and DSC methods.     

Synthesis and surface characterization of an amphiphilic fluorinated copolymer via emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization of RAFT

The hydrophobic monomer dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate has been copolymerized with hydrophilic monomer methacrylic acid in aqueous solution without any additional emulsifier used via a two-step polymerization process of RAFT. The FTIR and GPC results indicated that amphiphilic copolymers with a narrow molecular weight distribution and well-defined blocks have been synthesized successfully. And the copolymers are likely to form steady micelles in the emulsion. Indicated by TEM, it is clear that micelles with a diameter of 70-120 nm have been formed. Despite a content of 22 wt% of hydrophilic carboxyl, films formed by casting the emulsion onto the baseplate can be hydrophobic after heating treatment.     

Synthesis of a reduction-sensitive Bletilla striata polysaccharide amphiphilic copolymer

A reduction-sensitive stearic acid modified-Bletilla striata polysaccharide amphiphilic copolymer is synthesized. The copolymer enabled to spontaneously form micelles which display faster docetaxel release rates under reduction condition and enhanced anticancer activity in vitro after incorporating docetaxel into micelles.     

The amphiphilic multiarm copolymers based on hyperbranched polyester and lysine: Synthesis and self-assembly

The amphiphilic multiarm copolymers were synthesized through the modification of commercially available hyperbranched polyesters(Boltorn H40) with N-ε-carbobenzoxy-L-Lysine N-carboxyanhydride(ZLys-NCA).After being condensed with N-Boc-phenylalanine(Boc-~NPhe) and deprotected the Boc-groups in trifluoroacetic acid(TFA),the original terminal hydroxyl groups were transformed into the amino groups and then initiated the ring-opening polymerization of ZLys-NCA.The hydrophilic poly(L-lysine) was grafted to the surface of Boltorn H40 successfully after the protecting benzyl groups were removed by the HBr solution in glacial acetic acid(33 wt%).The resulting multiarm copolymers were characterized by the ~1H-NMR,GPC and FTIR.The arm length calculated by NMR and GPC analysis was about 3 and 13 lysine-units for H40-Phe-PLysl and H40-Phe-PLys2 respectively.Due to the amphiphilic molecular structure,they displayed ability to self-assemble into spherical micelles in aqueous solution with the average diameter in the range from 70 nm to 250 nm.The CMC of H40-Phe-PLysl and H40-Phe-PLys2 was 0.013 mg/mL and 0.028 mg/mL,respectively, indicating that H40-Phe-PLysl with shorter arm length is easier to self-assemble than H40-Phe-PLys2 with longer arm length.     

Unimolecular micelles: Synthesis and characterization of amphiphilic polymer systems

Unimolecular micelles were successfully synthesized from mucic acid, fatty acids, and poly(ethylene glycols) to create biocompatible polymers. These polymers consist of a core‐shell structure that resembles conventional micellar structures but with significant thermodynamic stability in aqueous media. The core of the polymers provide a hydrophobic environment for drug encapsulation via hydrophobic interactions, whereas the shell provides excellent water solubility. The polymers were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared and mass spectroscopies, as well as gel permeation chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric and elemental analyses. Encapsulation ability was measured using high‐pressure liquid chromatography to monitor lidocaine, a hydrophobic molecule. Encapsulation capabilities increased as lipophilicity of the core increased. To verify that encapsulation was caused by individual unimolecular micelles, surface tension and dynamic light scattering measurements were performed. The results indicated that these unimolecular micelles have great potential as drug carriers. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 37: 703–711, 1999     

New polycationic polynorbornene latexes bearing an amphiphilic sugar corona of counterions: synthesis and complexation with DNA

A new family of polycationic polynorbornene with ω-gluconamidoalkanoates and ω-lactobionamidoalkanoates as amphiphilic counterions has been prepared. These polymers spontaneously form stable latexes in water with an amphiphilic sugar corona around the particles. With these counterions, the sugar moieties are separated from the surface of latex particles by the aminoalkanoic acid residue and consequently are remote from the surface of such latexes. Such location of sugar may promote their stronger interaction with cell receptors. These original amphiphilic compartmentalized surface polycationic latexes are able to bind and efficiently complex DNA in very small complexes. Furthermore, because of the effect of the sugar corona on the formation of the complexes, there is only a slight influence of the hydrophobicity of the counterions on DNA packing.     

Fluorescence to study aggregation of amphiphilic copolymers in aqueous media

Random copolymers of 3-hexadecyl-1-vinylimidazolium bromide and N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone were synthesized by free radical copolymerization at various feed compositions. These copolymers, whose structure was determined by ¹³C NMR spectrometry, self-aggregate in aqueous media. The formation of the resulting hydrophobic microdomains was analyzed by spectrofluorimetry, using pyrene and a molecular rotor as fluorescent tracers. The results are discussed in relation to the molecular structure of the copolymers, particularly for the case of the micro cohesion sensed by the molecular rotor.     

Synthesis of amphiphilic sulfonamide halogenated porphyrins: MALDI-TOFMS characterization and evaluation of 1-octanol/water partition coefficients

Porphyrins are key precursors for development of photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy. A new series of ortho-halogenated tetraarylporphyrins with sulfonamide substituents have been synthesized via chlorosulfonation reaction and characterized by MALDI-TOFMS. To predict their partition properties, log K_OW of a selected range of the synthesized halogenated amphiphilic porphyrins is described. A significant effect of the number and type of halogen group as well as on the number of sulfonamide side chain was observed. The determined 1-octanol/water partition coefficients showed that it is possible to obtain compounds with a wide range of lipophilicities, from log K_OW=−2.71 till log K_OW>4, which are suitable to optimize the biological efficacy of this class of sensitizers.     

Electrochemically initiated chain polymerization of pyrrole in aqueous media

The electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance has been employed to investigate the electropolymerization of pyrrole in a variety of aqueous electrolytes. In contrast to the generally accepted cation–radical coupling process for the electropolymerization of pyrrole, an electrochemically initiated chain polymerization, featuring a high polymerization rate and involving little charge transport, was found under specific conditions in the presence of ClO^?₄, BF^?₄, and PF^?₆ electrolytes. The more typical cation-radical coupling mechanism, characterized by a constant polymerization charge to mass deposited ratio, is observed in the presence of Cl^?, NO^?₃, dodecyl sulfate, copper phthalocyanine tetrasulfonate, β-cyclodextrin tetradecasulfate, and poly(styrene sulfonate). Electrochemical characterizations of polypyrrole films prepared in aqueous ClO^?₄ electrolytes reveal that the polymer formed via chain polymerization exhibits the ability to transport both cations and anions during electrochemical switching between redox states, while the polymer synthesized through cation-radical coupling is only capable of transporting a single ionic species.     

Allylation of cyclohexanones in aqueous media and influence of facial amphiphilic fructopyranosides

The indium-catalyzed allylation reaction was performed in good yields and short reaction time with various cyclohexanones in water. Aqueous facial amphiphilic carbohydrates solutions were also screened for their potency to modify the stereochemical outcome of the reaction.