Stereological simulations of asymmetric polymerization in channels of bile acid inclusion compounds: A detailed analysis of the monomer arrangements in the channels

We studied simulations by computer graphics to estimate the steric mechanism of the asymmetric polymerization of prochiral diene monomers in channels of inclusion compounds of steroidal bile acids, such as deoxycholic acid (DCA) and cholic acid. We applied a hierarchization method to interpret the crystal structures of bile acids, clarifying that the chiral host molecules associated to form characteristic 2₁-helical assemblies with uneven surfaces. A detailed analysis of the uneven channels in a close-packing state indicated that there were many possible arrangements of the monomers in the channels. The plausible arrangements in the channel could explain a previous study, which showed that the polymerization in the DCA channel yielded chiral polymers with a predominant configuration from prochiral diene monomers, such as 2-methyl-trans-1,3-pentadiene. On the basis of such simulation studies of the arrangements of guest monomers in the channel, we examined a plausible steric mechanism for asymmetric inclusion polymerization. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 4648–4655, 2004     

Non-covalent assemblies of negatively charged boronated porphyrins with different cationic moieties

A unique approach to non-covalent electron and energy transfer is described that is based on the formation of salt bridges between oppositely charged porphyrin units. A new class of electrostatically linked dimeric and pentameric porphyrins was synthesized by interaction of novel anionic boron containing porphyrins such as 5-(benzamidodecahydro-closo-dodecaborate)-10,15,20-triphenylporphyrin (N1) and meso-tetrakis-benzamidodecahydro-closo-dodecaborate)porphyrin (N2) and a variety of cationic meso-tetraarylporphyrin units. A bipyridine linked dimer (N1 · bpy · N1) was also prepared by employing N,N′-dimethyl-4,4′-bipyridinium (bpy) as a spacer between two mono-anionic species. A quinone-porphyrin dyad was also prepared for electron or energy transfer demonstration. All the synthesized assemblies were characterized by NMR, IR, UV-Vis, and mass spectroscopy. Significant spectral changes occurred in the absorption spectra of these non-covalent porphyrin assemblies compared to those of the reference monomers, indicating the presence of electronic interaction between the adjacent porphyrin units. Resonance light scattering was also used to study the formation of these assemblies in solution.     

POLYCATION EFFECTS ON ELECTRONIC SPECTRA OF CONJUGATED POLYMERS IN PROGRAMMED ELECTROSTATIC ASSEMBLIES

A polysaccaride, chitosan, has been used to study polycation effects on electronic spectra of conjugated polymers in programmed electrostatic assemblies. Conjugated polyelectrolytes, poly[2-(3-thienyl)-ethanolhydroxycarbonylmethylurethane] (HPURET) and polydiacetylene from 5,7-dodecadiyn-1,12-bis-(hydroxycarbonylmethylurethane) (HP4BCMU), were assembled from aqueous solution alternately with the polycation, poly (diallydimethylammonium) chloride [PDADMAC], and with the polysaccharide cation, chitosan. Switching polycations did not significantly change the visible absorption spectra for HP4BCMU multilayers. The optical properties of the regiorandom polythiophene, HPURET, depend distinctly on the polycation and the pH of the solution, showing significant differences on visible absorption maxima of the assemblies ranging from 435 nm to 516 nm. After the assemblies were exposed to vapor of aqueous ammonia, they showed UV-vis maxima further red shifted and an enhanced emission intensity, compared to those of the original assemblies. A chitosan/HPURET complex was prepared as a precipitate from solution. Its visible absorption maximum is at 536 nm with a shoulder at 580 nm, reminiscent of regioregular poly(3-alkylthiophenes). This unusual sensitivity of conjugated polymers to polycations may have potential application in sensor devices.     

Hierarchical assemblies of Si3N4 nanostructures

In the present work, for the first time, we report the growth of hierarchical assemblies of Si₃N₄ nanostructures via catalyst-assisted pyrolysis of a polymeric precursor on the Si substrates. The synthesized products were characterized by using field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. It is found that the size of the catalytic droplet plays a critical role on the formation of hierarchical assemblies of Si₃N₄ nanostructures rather than common single nanowire. A mechanism based on the Vapor–Liquid–Solid (VLS) process was proposed for the assembly of hierarchical Si₃N₄ nanostructures.     

NIR light and enzyme dual stimuli‐responsive amphiphilic diblock copolymer assemblies

Using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and macromolecular azo coupling reaction, both o‐nitrobenzyl (ONB) group and azobenzene group were efficiently incorporated into the center of the amphiphilic diblock copolymer chain. The prepared diblock copolymer was well characterized by UV–vis, ¹H NMR, and GPC methods. Self‐assembly of the amphiphilic copolymer in selected solvents can result in uniform self‐assembly aggregates. In the presence of external stimuli [upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs)/NIR light or enzyme], the amphiphilic diblock copolymer chain could be broken by the cleavage of ONB or azobenzene group, which would lead to the disruption of the self‐assembly aggregates. This photo‐ and enzyme‐triggered disruption process was proved by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and GPC method. Fluorescence emission spectra measurements indicated that the release of Nile red, a hydrophobic dye, encapsulated by the self‐assembly aggregates, could be successfully realized under the NIR light and enzyme stimuli. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017 , 55, 2450–2457     

Microstructure and Magnetic Properties of Carbon‐Coated Nanoparticles

Abstract

In the present work, microstructure and superparamagnetic properties of two types of carbon‐coated magnetic Ni and Fe nanoparticles [Ni(C) and Fe(C)] are reviewed. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), electron diffraction (SAED), and x‐ray diffraction (XRD) analyses have been used to reveal the distinct structural morphologies of Ni and Fe nanoparticles. Moreover, novel carbon‐coated Ni nanoparticle assemblies offer us great opportunities for studying the mechanism of superparamagnetism in particle assemblies. Magnetization measurements [M(T) and M(H) curves] for assemblies of Ni nanoparticles indicate that modified superparamagnetic properties at T > T _B, have been found in the assemblies of Ni(C) particles. The blocking temperature, T _B, is determined to be near 115K under a certain applied field. Above T _B, the magnetization M(H, T) can be described by the classical Langevin function L using the relation, M/M _s (T = 0) = coth (μH/kT) ? kT/μH. It is suggested that these assemblies of carbon‐coated Ni nanoparticles have typical single‐domain, field‐dependent superparamagnetic relaxation properties. Finally, Mössbauer spectra and hyperfine magnetic fields at room temperature for the assemblies of Fe(C) nanoparticles confirm their distinct nanophases that were detected by structural analysis. Modified superparamagnetic relaxation is observed in the assemblies of Fe(C) nanoparticles, which is attributed to the nanocrystalline nature of the carbon‐coated nanoparticles.     

CO2 and photo-controlled reversible conversion of supramolecular assemblies based on water soluble pillar[5]arene and coumarin-containing guest

In this communication,a new supramolecualr amphiphile was successfully constructed based on water soluble pillar[5]arene and a unique guest which contain a CO₂ responsive tertiary amine unit and a UV responsive coumarin group.When guest molecule 1 dispersed in water,it self-assembled into sheet-like structures.Upon bubbling CO₂,1 transformed into 1 H due to the tertiary amine unit was protonated,accompany the nano-sheets transformed into vesicles.Further irradiation of 1 H with 365 nm light for 3 h,the coumarin group reacted with each other to form bola-type amphiphie 2 H.In this case,vesicles collapsed and re-assembled into nano-tubes.However,when addition of WPS into the solution of 1 H,the vesicles transformed into micelles,this is due to the formation of supramolecular amphiphile WP5&1 H.Upon irradiation of WP5&1 H with 365 nm light for 3 h,nano-ribbons observed instead of micelles in the solution.Notably,nanotubes from 2 H could also transform into nano-ribbons after adding WPS.The selfassembly process and the resultant assemblies were characterized by TEM,SEM,DLS,SAXS and NMR technologies.Due to both CO₂ and light are "green" for living organisms,we anticipated our system can offer the possibilities in "on demand" drug absorption and release.     

Characterizing Methyl‐Bearing Side Chain Contacts and Dynamics Mediating Amyloid β Protofibril Interactions Using 13Cmethyl‐DEST and Lifetime Line Broadening

Many details pertaining to the formation and interactions of protein aggregates associated with neurodegenerative diseases are invisible to conventional biophysical techniques. We recently introduced ¹⁵N dark‐state exchange saturation transfer (DEST) and ¹⁵N lifetime line‐broadening to study solution backbone dynamics and position‐specific binding probabilities for amyloid β (Aβ) monomers in exchange with large (2–80 MDa) protofibrillar Aβ aggregates. Here we use ¹³C_methyl DEST and lifetime line‐broadening to probe the interactions and dynamics of methyl‐bearing side chains in the Aβ‐protofibril‐bound state. We show that all methyl groups of Aβ40 populate direct‐contact bound states with a very fast effective transverse relaxation rate, indicative of side‐chain‐mediated direct binding to the protofibril surface. The data are consistent with position‐specific enhancements of ¹³C_methyl‐${R{{{\rm tethered}\hfill \atop 2\hfill}}}$ values in tethered states, providing further insights into the structural ensemble of the protofibril‐bound state.