Fluorescent polymer cubosomes and hexosomes with aggregation-induced emission

Fluorescent polymer cubosomes and hexosomes with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) were prepared from amphiphilic block copolymers PEG-b-PTPEMA where the hydrophobic block PTPEMA was a polymethacrylate with tetraphenylethene (TPE) as the AIE side group. Four highly asymmetric block copolymers with hydrophilic block weight ratio f_PEG ≤ 20% were synthesized. Cubosomes and hexosomes with strong fluorescence emission were obtained by nanoprecipitation of polymers with f_PEG < 9% in dioxane/water and THF/water systems. Their ordered internal structures were studied by electron microscopy (cryo-EM, SEM and TEM) and the X-ray scattering technique (SAXS). To elucidate the formation mechanisms of these inverted colloids, other parameters influencing the morphologies, like the water content during self-assembly and the organic solvent composition, were also investigated. This study not only inspires people to design novel building blocks for the preparation of functional cubosomes and hexosomes, but also presents the first AIE fluorescent polymer cubosome and hexosome with potential applications in bio-related fields.

Fluorescent Im$\bar{3}$m cubosome and P6mm hexosome with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) were reported, which were formed by amphiphilic block copolymers PEG-b-PTPEMA. The length of hydrophobic block PTPEMA was adjusted to control morphology formation.     

Large‐scale extrusion processing and characterization of hybrid nylon‐6/SiO2 nanocomposites

Solution impregnations, pulltrusion and film stacking are widely used methods to prepare thermoplastic composite materials. Extruders are used to melt the polymer and to incorporate fibers into the polymer in order to modify physical properties. In this article, the compounding of colloidal silica nanoparticles filled polyamide‐6 (PA‐6) is achieved using a twin‐screw extruder, which has a significant market share due to its low cost and easy maintenance. The experiments were performed at 250 rpm and the bulk throughput was 6 kg h^?1 with a pump pressure of 30 bars. The composites were characterized with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). As determined by WAXD, the PA‐6 showed higher amounts of γ‐phase when compared to other synthesis methods such as in situ polymerization. TEM pictures showed that the silica particles aggregated nevertheless, upon addition of 14% (w/w) silica the E‐modulus increased from 2.7 to 3.9 GPa indicating that an effective mechanical coupling with the polymer was achieved. The behavior, illustrated with dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) curves, indicated that in general when a filled system is compared to unfilled material, the values of the moduli (E′ and E″) increased and tan δ decreased. Determination of molecular mass distribution of the samples by means of size exclusion chromatography (SEC) coupled to a refractive index (RI), viscosity (DV) and light scattering (LS) detector revealed that the addition of silica did not decrease the average molecular weight of the polymer matrix, which is of importance for composite applications. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and characterization of active ester-functionalized polypyrrole-silica nanoparticles: application to the covalent attachment of proteins

Novel ester-functionalized polypyrrole-silica nanocomposite particles were prepared by oxidative copolymerization of pyrrole and N-succinimidyl ester pyrrole (50/50% initial concentrations), using FeCl3 in the presence of ultrafine silica nanoparticles (20 nm diameter). The N-succinimidyl ester pyrrole monomer was prepared in aqueous solution using 1-(2-carboxyethylpyrrole) and N-hydroxysuccinimide in the presence of 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide. The resulting nanocomposites (N-succinimidyl ester polypyrrole-silica) are raspberry-shaped agglomerates of silica sol particles "glued" together by the insoluble poly(pyrrole-co-N-succinimidyl pyrrole). The N-succinimidyl ester polypyrrole-silica particles were characterized in terms of their size, density, copolymer content, and polydispersity. Scanning electron microscopy and disk centrifuge sedimentometry confirmed that the nanocomposite particles had narrow size distributions. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis indicated a silica-rich surface and a high surface concentration of N-succinimidyl ester groups. These nanoparticles exhibited good long-term dispersion stability. The chemical stability of the ester functions in aqueous media after several weeks of storage was monitored by FTIR spectroscopy. The functionalized nanocomposites were tested as bioadsorbents of human serum albumin (HSA). The very high amount of immobilized HSA determined by UV-visible spectroscopy is believed to be due to covalent binding. Incubation of the HSA-grafted nanocomposite with anti-HSA resulted in immediate flocculation, an indication that they are alternative candidates for visual diagnostic assays.     

Ring-opening of unsymmetrical 1,2-dioxines using cobalt(II) salen complexes

The regioselectivity of the metal-catalyzed ring opening of unsymmetrical 1,2-dioxines to cis-gamma-hydroxyenones was investigated using two different Co(II) salen complexes. Regioselectivity was determined by direct examination of the enone ratios and by derivitization with a stabilized phosphorus ylide. The steric influence of the substituents on the 1,2-dioxine was the primary influence on regioselectivity. Temperature played little role; however, solvent and selection of Co(II) complex could be used to mildly influence the outcome of the rearrangement for selected substrates. The origins of the selectivity for the reaction are discussed.     

Structure of microemulsions with gemini surfactant studied by solvatochromic probe and diffusion NMR

The structure of microemulsions prepared by the anionic gemini surfactant didodecyl diphenyl ether disulfonate (C12-DADS) was investigated by a solvatochromic probe and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) diffusion measurements. The NMR measurements indicate the presence of bicontinuous and oil-in-water microemulsions depending on microemulsion composition. The absorbance spectra of the solvatochromic probe, Nile red, indicate the solubilization of the probe in different sites, in agreement with the NMR findings. It was also found that the microemulsions were capable of dissolving the hydrophobic probe, Nile red, up to four times better than expected if it were simply dissolved in the toluene phase.     

Acid-base properties of xanthosine 5'-monophosphate (XMP) and of some related nucleobase derivatives in aqueous solution: micro acidity constant evaluations of the (N1)H versus the (N3)H deprotonation ambiguity

The first acidity constant of fully protonated xanthosine 5'-monophosphate, that is, of H3(XMP)+, was estimated by means of a micro acidity constant scheme and the following three deprotonations of the H2(XMP)+/- (pKa=0.97), H(XMP)- (5.30), and XMP2- (6.45) species were determined by potentiometric pH titrations; further deprotonation of (XMP-H)3- is possible only with pKa>12. The most important results are that the xanthine residue is deprotonated before the P(O)2(OH)- group loses its final proton; that is, twofold negatively charged XMP carries one negative charge in the pyrimidine ring and one at the phosphate group. Micro acidity constant evaluations reveal that this latter mentioned species occurs with a formation degree of 88 %, whereas its tautomer with a neutral xanthine moiety and a PO3(2-) group is formed only to 12 %; this distinguishes XMP from its related nucleoside 5'-monophosphates, like guanosine 5'-monophosphate. At the physiological pH of about 7.5 mainly (XMP-H)3- exists. The question, which of the purine sites, (N1)H or (N3)H, is deprotonated in this species cannot be answered unequivocally, though it appears that the (N3)H site is more acidic. By application of several methylated xanthine species intrinsic micro acidity constants are calculated and it is shown that, for example, for 7-methylxanthine the N1-deprotonated tautomer occurs with a formation degree of about 5 %; a small but significant amount that, as is discussed, may possibly be enhanced by metal ion coordination to N7, which is known to occur preferably to this site.     

Fast surface immobilization of native proteins through catalyst-free amino-yne click bioconjugation

Surface immobilization provides a useful platform for biosensing, drug screening, tissue engineering and other chemical and biological applications. However, some of the used reactions are inefficient and/or complicated, limiting their applications in immobilization. Herein, we use a spontaneous and catalyst-free amino-yne click bioconjugation to generate activated ethynyl group functionalized surfaces for fast immobilization of native proteins and cells. Biomolecules, such as bovine serum albumin (BSA), human IgG and a peptide of C(RGDfK), could be covalently immobilized on the surfaces in as short as 30 min. Notably, the bioactivity of the anchored biomolecules remains intact, which is verified by efficiently capturing target antibodies and cells from the bulk solutions. This strategy represents an alternative for highly efficient surface biofunctionalization.

Fast surface immobilization of native bioconjugates through a spontaneous amino-yne click reaction is realized.     

Structural variation in organically templated uranium sulfate fluorides

The ability of templated uranium sulfate fluorides to adopt diverse inorganic architectures is demonstrated in six novel materials. The inorganic structures present in [N2C6H16][UO2F2(SO4)](USFO-2), [N2C6H16][UO2F(SO4)]2(USFO-3), [N2C3H12][UO2F(SO4)]2.H2O (USFO-4), [N2C5H14][UO2F(H2O)(SO4]2(USFO-5), [N2C6H18]2[UO2F(SO4)]4.H2O (USFO-6) and [N2C3H12][UO2F(SO4)]2.H2O (USFO-7) range from infinite chains to five different layer topologies. The chain, and two of the five layers, have unprecedented structure types. These compounds illustrate the structural diversity within this new family of materials, arising from the varied coordination of the U6+ centres. Each material was synthesised under hydrothermal conditions, through reaction of uranyl acetate, sulfuric acid, HF(aq), water, and the respective organic template.     

In search of covalently bound tetra- and penta-oxygen species: a photoelectron spectroscopic and Ab initio investigation of MO4- and MO5- (M = Li,Na, K,Cs)

Although neutral and ionic O4(0/-/+) species have been observed experimentally and considered for energetic materials, O4(2-) and O5(2-) dianions have not yet been explored. O4(2-) is valent isoelectronic to the well-known ClO3- and SO3(2-) anions, and O5(2-) is valent isoelectronic to ClO4- and SO4(2-). All are stable, common anions in solutions and inorganic salts. In this article, we explore the possibility of making covalently bound O4(2-) and O5(2-) species stabilized in the forms of M+O4(2-) and M+O5(2-) (M = Li, Na, K, Cs) in the gas phase. Laser vaporization experiments using M-containing targets and an O2-seeded carrier gas yielded very intense mass peaks corresponding to MO4- and MO5-. To elucidate the structure and bonding of the newly observed MO4- and MO5- species, we measured their photoelectron spectra and then compared them with ab initio calculations and the spectra of ClO3-, Na+SO3(2-), ClO4-, and Na+SO4(2-). Careful analyses of the experimental and ab initio results showed, however, that the observed species are of the forms, O2-M+O2- and O2-M+O3-. The more interesting M+O4(2-) and M+O5(2-) species were found to be higher-energy isomers, but they are true minima on the potential energy surfaces, which suggests that it might be possible to synthesize bulk materials containing covalently bound tetra- and pentatomic oxygen building blocks.     

The phenomenon of conglomerate crystallization. Part 40: The crystallization behavior oftrans- Co(III) amines (+)546-trans-[Co(3,2,3-tet)(NO2)2]Cl·3H2O (I), (−)589 -trans-[Co(3,2,3-tet)Cl2]NO3 (II), and of (+)546-trans-[Co(3,2,3-tet)(NO2)2]NO3 (III)

A racemic solution of (I) crystallizes as a conglomerate from which a crystal we selected was found to be (+)₅₄₆-trans-[Co(3,2,3-tet)(NO₂)₂]Cl·3H₂O (I), CoClO₇N₆C₈H₂₈. It crystallizes in the enantiomorphic space groupP2_l2_l2_l, with lattice constantsa=18.501(15) å,b=14.433(2) å, andc=6.441(3) å;V=1720.07 å³ andd(calc. M.W.=414.73,Z=4)=1.601 g cm^?3. A total of 2305 data were collected over the range of 4?≤2θ ≤55?; of these, 1724 (independent and withI > 3σ(I)) were used in the structural analysis. Data were corrected for absorption (Μ=11.920 cm^?1), and the relative transmission coefficients ranged from 0.8258 to 0.9565. Refinement was carried out for both lattice enantiomorphs, and at this stage theR(F) andR _w (F) residuals were, respectively, 0.0381 and 0.0479 for (+ + +) and 0.0448 and 0.0532 for (? ? ?). Thus, the former was selected as correct for our specimen, and the final cycle of refinement with the (+ + +) model converged toR(F) andR _w (F) of 0.0315 and 0.0365. A racemic solution of (II) crystallizes as a conglomerate from which a crystal we selected was found to be (?)₅₈₉-trans-[Co(3,2,3-tet)Cl₂]NO₃ (II), CoCl₂O₃N₅C₈H₂₂. It crystallizes in the enantiomorphic space groujp,P2_l with lattice constantsa=6.395(2) å,b=8.886(2) å,c=13.185(2) å, andΒ=99.24(2)?;V=739.59 å³ andd(calc. M.W.=366.14,Z=2)=1.646 g cm ^?3. A total of 2912 data were collected over the range of 4?<2θ<64?; of these, 2147 (independent and withI≥3σ(I)) were used in the structural analysis. Data were corrected for absorption (Μ =15.424 cm^?1), and the relative transmission coefficients ranged from 0.9632 to 0.9985. Refinement was carried out for both lattice enantiomorphs, and the finalR(F) andR _w (F) residuals were, respectively, 0.0326 and 0.0328 for (+ + +) and 0.0347 and 0.0348 for (? ? ?). Thus, the (+ + +) was selected as correct for our specimen. A racemic solution of (III) crystallizes as a conglomerate from which a crystal we selected was found to be (+)₅₈₉-trans-[Co(3,2,3-tet)(NO₂)₂]NO₃ (III), CoO₇N₇C₈H₂₂. It crystallizes in the enantiomorphic space group,P2_l with lattice constantsa=6.295(1) å, b=15.108(3) å,c=8.029(1) å, andΒ=100.28(2)?;V=751.35 å³ andd(calc. M.W.=387.24,Z=2)=1.712 g cm^?3. A total of 2393 data were collected over the range of 4?≤2θ≤60?; of these, 1869 (independent and withI≥3σ(I)) were used in the structural analysis. Data were corrected for absorption (Μ=11.859 cm^?1), and the relative transmission coefficients ranged from 0.8814 to 0.9976. Refinement was carried out for both lattice enantiomorphs and the finalR(F) andR _w (F) residuals were, respectively, 0.0463 and 0.0482 for (+ + +) and 0.0441 and 0.0442 for (? ? ?). Thus, the latter was selected as correct for our specimen, and the final cycle of refinement with the (? ? ?) model converged toR(F) andR _w (F) of 0.0436 and 0.0421. For all three compounds, the six-membered rings are chairs; the secondary nitrogens are chiral centers, and the five-membered rings are ordered and conformationally dissymmetric, as expected. Coincidentally, in (I), (II), and (III) the central rings are right-handed helices withδ(+50.0?),δ(+53.3?), andδ(+48.3?), respectively. Thus, the secondary nitrogens of all three cations are (R), rendering the cations chiral. The incidence of conglomerate crystallization intrans coordination compounds is rare, and those known are asymmetrically substituted (see Ref. 4 for the four known cases). Thus, the incidence of such crystallization mode in a new series of [trans- Co(amine ligands)X₂]⁺ cations bearing symmetrical pairs oftrans ligands was an unexpected and welcomed event. In all three cases, the counteranions are bonded to the hydrogens of the terminal -NH₂ moieties, thus forming an overall entity which resembles a macrocycle. In fact, parallels between the crystallization behavior of our compounds and that of macrocycles bearing related fragments is discussed. Finally, in the three compounds, homochiral cations are linked into infinite strings by hydrogen bonds between the axial ligands and amino hydrogens on adjacent cations of the string. In turn, strings are stitched together by the counteranions which form bonds with amino hydrogens on cations of adjacent strings.