Polymer Chemistry Blog

Scientists at Southern Methodist University, USA, have shown that retaining the active end group functionality during grafting-from RAFT polymerizations from model proteins can give thermoresponsive diblock copolymer–protein conjugates. The team behind the research claim that the reduced steric limitations of this method could help create a wide variety of block copolymer bioconjugates with high molecular weight synthetic components.

Interested to know more? Why not read the full paper: Hongmei Li, Ming Li, Xiao Yu, Abhijeet P. Bapat and Brent S. Sumerlin, Polym. Chem., 2011, 2, 1531-1535

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A method for preparing block copolypeptides with side-chain groups capable of orthogonal functionalisation via “click” chemistry has been developed by polymer chemists at Louisiana State University, USA. All the block copoly(α-peptide)s adopt α-helical conformations both in solid state and in solution. The team say that this methodology provides a convenient and modular approach towards helical block copoly(α-peptides) with diverse structures by side-chain conjugation, allowing control over polymer bioactivity, solubility and self-assembly properties.

Read the full paper: Haoyu Tang and Donghui Zhang, Polym. Chem., 2011, 2, 1542-1551

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Intermolecular radical 1,2-addition of the BlocBuilder MA alkoxyamine onto activated olefins: a versatile tool for the synthesis of complex macromolecular architecture: In this Hot Review Didier Gigmes et Al., discuss the potential of the intermolecular radical 1,2-addition from the commercially available BlocBuilder MA alkoxyamine onto activated olefins to synthesize either new functionalized alkoxyamines or various macromolecular architectures.

Didier Gigmes, Pierre-Emmanuel Dufils, David Glé, Denis Bertin, Catherine Lefay and Yohann Guillaneuf, Polym. Chem., 2011, DOI:10.1039/C1PY00057H, Advance Article

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Hyperbranched poly(amine-ester)s that combine thermo-responsiveness and a highly branched structure, can be used to construct smart drug delivery systems claim scientists from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China. The team led by Xinyuan Zhu and Bangshang Zhu synthesized the hyperbranched polymers with a one-pot through proton-transfer polymerization of triethanolamine, trimethylolpropane, and glycidyl methacrylate using potassium hydride as a catalyst. The team used the hyperbranched polymers to encapsulate the anticancer drug doxorubicin and then tested the effectiveness of the release of the drug in cells.

Yan Pang, Jinyao Liu, Yue Su, Jieli Wu, Lijuan Zhu, Xinyuan Zhu, Deyue Yan and Bangshang Zhu, Polym. Chem., 2011,  DOI:10.1039/C1PY00053E,  Advance Article

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Researchers from Clarkson University have synthesised an α-keto ester methacryloylethyl phenylglyoxylate (MEPG), and its homopolymer, and tested their photoinitiation capabilities in a crosslinking monomer resin system.

This resin system contained bis-phenol A-glycidyl methacrylate (BisGMA) and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA). The CO evolution from the photoinduced decarbonylation led to a significant reduction in the volume shrinkage of the resin upon photocuring with UV light. The addition of an inorganic filler (SiO₂) to the resin did not affect the CO generation and further reduced the volume shrinkage.

Interested to know more? Why not read the full article for free: K. Omrane, J.-J. Feng, R. E. Partch and D. A. Shipp, Polym. Chem., 2011, 2, 1307–1311.

Poly(ethylene glycol) is one of the most frequently used polymers for biomedical applications.

In this review, recent developments in controlled polymerisation techniques – and particularly those they allow alternatives to PEG – are highlighted. Key to the biological application of these techniques is a method by which to improve the properties of polymer therapeutics and several are presented in this review. However, a more comprehensive understanding of the complex interactions of synthetic materials with the numerous biological entities and barriers in the human body is necessary in order fine-tune their therapeutic impact.

Interested to know more? Why not read the full article for free: M. Barz, R. Luxenhofer, R. Zentel and M. J. Vicent, Polym. Chem., 2011, DOI: 10.1039/c0py00406e (Advance Article)

Covalently linked protein–nanogel hybrids (PNHs) have been synthesized using AGET ATRP in an inverse miniemulsion.

A genetically engineered protein, which contained a non-natural amino acid bearing an ATRP initiator, has been used to synthesise protein–nanogel hybrids by electron transfer ATRP in an inverse miniemulsion. This is an appropriate synthetic strategy to covalently, site specifically incorporate green fluorescent proteins into well-defined nanogels. The hybrids are expected to be suitable for potential controlled release applications.

Interested to know more? Why not read the full article for free: S. E. Averick, A. J. D. Magenau, A. Simakova, B. F. Woodman, A. Seong, R. A. Mehl and K. Matyjaszewski, Polym. Chem., 2011, DOI: 10.1039/c1py00050k (Advance Article)

Researchers from Zhejiang University have constructed photo-responsive, biocompatible micelles from amphiphilic diazonaphthoquinone-modified hyperbranched polyphosphates.

HPHEEP–DNQ was synthesised by modification of hydrophilic hyperbranched polyphosphate (HPHEEP) with hydrophobic, light-responsive 2-diazo-1,2-naphthoquinone (DNQ). This polymer could then self-assemble into micelles. Model drug coumarin 102 was encapsulated into these micelles and its controlled release by UV irradiation was confirmed by fluorescence spectroscopy. It was also proved that the micelles had excellent biocompatibility.

Interested to know more? Why not read the full article for free: C. Chen, G. Liu, X. Liu, S. Pang, C. Zhu, L. Lv and J. Ji, Polym. Chem., 2011, DOI: 10.1039/C1PY00094B (Advance Article)