Biodegradable hyperbranched polyether-lipids with in-chain pH-sensitive linkages

Hyperbranched polyether-based lipids with cleavable acetal units were obtained via copolymerization of the epoxide inimer 1-(glycidyloxy)ethyl ethylene glycol ether (GEGE) and glycidol, using anionic ring-opening polymerization. Cholesterol-linear polyglycerol (Ch-linPG) was used as a macroinitiator, resulting in branched polyethers with an adjustable amount of acid-cleavable units. Random copolymerization led to Ch-P(GEGEx-co-Gy) copolymers, whereas sequential copolymerization provided access to Ch-P(GEGEx-b-Gy) amphiphiles. The amount of GEGE was varied between 8–49 mol% of the total amount of monomer units. In addition, hyperbranched polyethers with a single acetal unit were prepared usi…

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 ($\overline {M} _{{\rm w}} /\overline {M} _{{\rm n}} $ < 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 (1) H and (13) C NMR spectroscopy and thermal analysis (differential scanning calorimetry). MTS assay demonstrated low cell toxicity of the hyperbranched PEG, comparable to the highly…

Towards the Generation of Self-Healing Materials by Means of a Reversible Photo-induced Approach

Photo-induced reversibility as a tool for self-healing: a reversible photo-induced dendritic macromonomer was synthesized and proven to form networks with different features depending on the crosslinking conditions. While networks formed from aqueous systems exhibited a reversible change in their crosslinking degree, networks generated in bulk underwent fully reversibility. The latter was then exploited for generating self-healing materials by means of a photo-induced treatment.

ChemInform Abstract: Multifunctional Poly(ethylene glycol)s

In the rapidly evolving multidisciplinary field of polymer therapeutics, tailored polymer structures represent the key constituent to explore and harvest the potential of bioactive macromolecular hybrid structures. In light of the recent developments for anticancer drug conjugates, multifunctional polymers are becoming ever more relevant as drug carriers. However, the potentially best suited polymer, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), is unfavorable owing to its limited functionality. Therefore, multifunctional linear copolymers (mf-PEGs) based on ethylene oxide (EO) and appropriate epoxide comonomers are attracting increased attention. Precisely engineered via living anionic polymerization and d…

Book Review: Dendrimers and other Dendritic Polymers By Jean M. J. Fréchet and Donald A. Tomalia

One-Step Anionic Copolymerization Enables Formation of Linear Ultrahigh-Molecular-Weight Block Copolymer Films Featuring Vivid Structural Colors in the Bulk State.

Ultrahigh-molecular-weight (UHMW) tapered block copolymers (BCPs) consisting of polyisoprene-block-poly(4-methylstyrene) featuring overall molar masses in the range of 1101–2033 kg mol–1 (Mw) are synthesized via a convenient one-step anionic copolymerization protocol. The obtained UHMW BCPs are investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, size exclusion chromatography, and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Microphase separation for the UHMW BCPs in the bulk state is investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) measurements and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), revealing well-ordered lamellar and spherical domains with large domain sizes in the range of 100–200 nm. Excellent order and p…

Cleavable Polyethylene Glycol: 3,4-Epoxy-1-butene as a Comonomer to Establish Degradability at Physiologically Relevant pH.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been used for decades to improve the pharmacokinetic properties of protein drugs, and several PEG-protein conjugates are approved by the FDA. However, the nondegradability of PEG restricts its use to a limiting molecular weight to permit renal excretion. In this work, we introduce a simple strategy to overcome the nondegradability of PEG by incorporating multiple pH-sensitive vinyl ether moieties into the polyether backbone. Copolymerization of 3,4-epoxy-1-butene (EPB) with ethylene oxide via anionic ring-opening polymerization (AROP) provides access to allyl moieties that can be isomerized to pH-cleavable propenyl units (isoEPB). Well-defined P(EPB-co-EG) copo…

Interaction between a water-in-oil microemulsion and a linear-dendritic poly(propylene oxide)–polyglycerol block copolymer

We present small angle scattering and dielectric spectroscopy results on the influence of an amphiphilic diblock copolymer on the structure and dynamics of a microemulsion. We use a water-in-oil (w/o) droplet microemulsion based on the anionic surfactant AOT (sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate), that forms spherical water droplets coated by a monolayer of AOT dispersed in the continuous oil matrix. The studied polymer consists of a hydrophobic poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) block and a hydrophilic hyperbranched polyglycerol with 74 glycerol units (NG74). Combining small angle neutron scattering (SANS) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) we find that the droplet structure is preserved …

Rigid Hyperbranched Polycarbonate Polyols from CO2 and Cyclohexene-Based Epoxides

Hyperbranched, multifunctional polycarbonate polyols based on CO2, cyclohexene oxide (CHO), and the “inimer” (initiator–monomer) (4-hydroxymethyl)cyclohexene oxide (HCHO) were prepared in one-pot syntheses. The related linear poly(hydroxymethyl cyclohexene carbonate) structures based on protected HCHO and postpolymerization deprotection were also synthesized as model compounds. The content of hydroxyl functionalities was adjustable for both linear and hyperbranched terpolymer systems. All CO2/epoxide polymerizations were catalyzed by the (R,R)-(salcy)-Co(III)Cl complex. The polycarbonates obtained were comprehensively investigated using various 1D and 2D NMR techniques, SEC, FT-IR, UV–vis s…

Tapered Multiblock Star Copolymers: Synthesis, Selective Hydrogenation, and Properties

Two series of well-defined multiblock four-arm tapered star copolymers with “arms” of the type poly(styrene)-block-poly(isoprene-grad-styrene), (SI/S)₄, were synthesized on a multigram scale with short reaction times. Targeted molecular weight (M) values ranged from 80 to 240 kg mol–¹ with polystyrene (PS) compositions of 40 and 60 wt %. Narrowly distributed (Đ = 1.04–1.12) copolymers were obtained regardless of M and without additional purification beyond precipitation. At sufficiently high M, members of the 40 wt % PS series possessed either a cylindrical or bicontinuous morphology, whereas the 60 wt % PS series yielded lamellae. The star copolymers outperformed their corresponding linear…

Polyether-Based Lipids Synthesized with an Epoxide Construction Kit: Multivalent Architectures for Functional Liposomes

Silver Oxide Mediated Monotosylation of Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG): Heterobifunctional PEG via Polymer Desymmetrization

Heterobifunctional poly(ethylene glycol)s (PEGs) are key structures for bioconjugation in the context of the “PEGylation” strategy to enhance blood circulation times of, for example, peptide drugs or “stealth” liposomes. The formation of heterobifunctional PEGs from symmetric PEG diols is challenging because of limited yields of the targeted monofunctional product and difficulties associated with separation steps. On the basis of a detailed comparison of reaction conditions, we have investigated a “polymer desymmetrization” strategy to maximize the yields of monofunctional PEG tosylate. The tosylation reaction in the presence of the heterogeneous catalyst silver oxide and potassium iodide i…

Effect of the Substituent Position on the Anionic Copolymerization of Styrene Derivatives: Experimental Results and Density Functional Theory Calculations

In a combined synthetic, kinetic and theoretical study, the living anionic copolymerization of styrene and its ring-methylated derivatives ortho-, meta-, and para-methylstyrene (MS) was examined by real-time 1H NMR spectroscopy in the nonpolar solvents toluene-d8 and cyclohexane-d12 as well as by density functional theory calculations. Based on the NMR kinetics data, reactivity ratios for each comonomer pair were determined by the Kelen–Tudős method and numerical integration of the copolymerization equation (Contour software). The reaction pathway was modeled and followed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations to validate and predict the experimentally derived reactivity ratios. Un…

Recent advances in the use of nanoparticles for allergen-specific immunotherapy

The number of patients suffering from allergic asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis has increased dramatically within the last decades. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only available cause-oriented therapy so far. AIT reduces symptoms, but has also a disease-modifying effect. Disadvantages are a long-lasting procedure, and in a few cases potential systemic adverse reactions. Encapsulation of allergens or DNA vaccines into nanostructures may provide advantages compared to the conventional AIT with noncapsulated allergen extracts: The protein/DNA molecule can be protected from degradation, higher local concentrations and targeted delivery to the site of action appear possible, and most…

Poly(THF-co-cyano ethylene oxide): Cyano Ethylene Oxide (CEO) Copolymerization with THF Leading to Multifunctional and Water-Soluble PolyTHF Polyelectrolytes

Cyano-functional polyether copolymers based on THF were prepared via cationic ring-opening copolymerization of THF with cyano ethylene oxide (CEO). The CEO content of poly(tetrahydrofuran) (polyTHF) based copolymers varied from 3.3 to 29.3%, and molecular weights ranged from 5100 to 31900 g·mol–1 with Mw/Mn in the range of 1.31 to 1.74 (SEC in THF, PS standards). The polymerization was conducted with methyl trifluoromethanesulfonate (MeOTf) as an initiator. Kinetic studies concerning incorporation of both monomers were performed via NMR spectroscopy. The cyano groups at the poly(THF-co-CEO) copolymers enable direct access to amino (polyTHF–NH2) and carboxyl groups (polyTHF–COOH) in facile o…

Tapered Multiblock Copolymers Based on Isoprene and 4-Methylstyrene: Influence of the Tapered Interface on the Self-Assembly and Thermomechanical Properties

The synthesis of tapered multiblock copolymers by statistical living anionic copolymerization of a mixture of isoprene (I) and 4-methylstyrene (4MS) in cyclohexane is based on vastly different reac...

Fate of Linear and Branched Polyether-Lipids In Vivo in Comparison to Their Liposomal Formulations by 18F-Radiolabeling and Positron Emission Tomography

In this study, linear poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and novel linear-hyperbranched, amphiphilic polyglycerol (hbPG) polymers with cholesterol (Ch) as a lipid anchor moiety were radiolabeled with fluorine-18 via copper-catalyzed click chemistry. In vivo investigations via positron emission tomography (PET) and ex vivo biodistribution in mice were conducted. A systematic comparison to the liposomal formulations with and without the polymers with respect to their initial pharmacokinetic properties during the first hour was carried out, revealing remarkable differences. Additionally, cholesterol was directly labeled with fluorine-18 and examined likewise. Both polymers, Ch-PEG27-CH2-triazole-TEG-…

Nonionic Aliphatic Polycarbonate Diblock Copolymers Based on CO2, 1,2-Butylene Oxide, and mPEG: Synthesis, Micellization, and Solubilization

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a renewable carbon source that is easily available in high purity and is utilized as a co-monomer in the direct ring-opening polymerization of epoxides to obtain aliphatic polycarbonates. In this work, degradable aliphatic polycarbonate diblock copolymers (mPEG- b-PBC) are synthesized via catalytic copolymerization of CO2 and 1,2-butylene oxide, starting from monomethoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG) as a chain transfer reagent. The polymerization proceeds at low temperatures and high CO2 pressure, utilizing the established binary catalytic system ( R, R)-Co(salen)Cl/[PPN]Cl. Amphiphilic nonionic diblock copolymers with varying PBC block lengths and hydrophilic-lipoph…

Anionic Copolymerization Enables the Scalable Synthesis of Alternating (AB)n Multiblock Copolymers with High Molecular Weight in n/2 Steps

Based on the highly disparate reactivities of isoprene (I, rI = 25.4) and 4-methylstyrene (4MS, r4MS = 0.007) in the anionic copolymerization in nonpolar media, a general strategy for the rapid and scalable synthesis of tapered multiblock copolymers with an extremely steep gradient has been developed. A repetitive addition strategy of a mixture of isoprene and 4MS leads to a tapered diblock in each case, giving access to linear alternating multiblock copolymers of the (AB)n type with up to 10 blocks. All multiblock copolymers showed narrow molecular weight distributions (dispersity Đ = 1.04–1.12). High molecular weights in the range of 80 to 400 kg mol–1 were achieved. Due to the incompatib…

Poly(isoglycerol methacrylate)-b-poly(d or l-lactide) Copolymers: A Novel Hydrophilic Methacrylate as Building Block for Supramolecular Aggregates

On the basis of a new acetal-protected glycerol monomethacrylate monomer (cis-1,3-benzylidene glycerol methacrylate/BGMA) a series of potentially biocompatible and partially biodegradable homo- and block copolymers were synthesized. ATRP polymerization of BGMA yielded well-defined polyacrylates with pendant benzylidene acetal groups and high glass transition temperatures (115−130 °C). This hydrophobic poly(cis-1,3-benzylidene glycerol methacrylate) could be readily transformed into the hydrophilic and water-soluble poly(1,3-dihydroxypropyl methacrylate), referred to as poly(isoglycerol methacrylate) (PIGMA). It exclusively contains primary hydroxyl groups and therefore differs significantly…

N,N-Diallylglycidylamine: A Key Monomer for Amino-Functional Poly(ethylene glycol) Architectures

The first application of N,N-diallylglycidylamine (DAGA) as a monomer for anionic ring-opening polymerization is presented. The monomer is obtained in a one-step procedure using epichlorohydrin and N,N-diallylamine. Both random and block copolymers consisting of poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(N,N-diallylglycidylamine) with adjusted DAGA ratios from 2.5 to 24% have been prepared, yielding well-defined materials with low polydispersities (Mw/Mn) in the range 1.04–1.19. Molecular weights ranged between 2600 and 10 300 g mol–1. Isomerization of allylamine to enamine structures during polymerization depending on time, temperature, and counterion has been realized. The kinetics of the formation o…

Block copolymers in giant unilamellar vesicles with proteins or with phospholipids

Biocompatible, highly water-soluble, nonionic, amphiphilic block copolymers having different hydrophobic blocks and architectures, but similar molecular size and chemical nature of the hydrophilic blocks, were investigated to check for their ability to form hybrid giant unilamellar vesicles with proteins, and for their interactions with giant unilamellar phospholipid vesicles (GUV). PGM14-b-PPO34-b-PGM14 (PGM-PPO-PGM) consists of a poly(propylene oxide) middle block and outer poly(glycerol monomethacrylate) blocks. Ch-PEG32-b-lPG18 (Ch-PEG-lPG) and Ch-PEG30-b-hbPG17 (Ch-PEG-hbPG) have a linear poly(ethylene glycol) block, linked to a cholesterol end group and to a linear (lPG) or hyperbranc…

“Dumb” pH-Independent and Biocompatible Hydrogels Formed by Copolymers of Long-Chain Alkyl Glycidyl Ethers and Ethylene Oxide

The formation and rheological properties of hydrogels based on amphiphilic ABA triblock polyether copolymers are described, relying solely on the hydrophobic interaction of long-chain alkyl glycidyl ether (AlkGE)- based A-blocks that are combined with a hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) midblock. Via anionic ring-opening copolymerization (AROP), ethylene oxide (EO) and long-chain alkyl glycidyl ethers (AlkGEs) were copolymerized, using deprotonated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) macroinitiators (Mn of 10, 20 kg mol-1). The polymerization afforded amphiphilic ABA triblock copolymers with molar masses in the range of 21-32 kg mol-1 and dispersities (Đ) of Đ = 1.07-1.17. Kinetic studies rev…

Rapid one-pot synthesis of tapered star copolymers via ultra-fast coupling of polystyryllithium chain ends

Highly efficient stoichiometric coupling of sterically hindered polystyryllithium (PS-Li) chain ends was achieved using tetra[3-(chloro-dimethylsilyl)propyl]silane (TCDMSPS) as the linking agent. Based on the disparate reactivities of isoprene (I, rI = 11.0) and styrene (S, rS = 0.049) in the anionic copolymerization in nonpolar media, poly(isoprene0.5-grad-styrene0.5) (P(I0.5-grad-S0.5)) tapered 4-arm star copolymers were synthesized in only two steps. The tapered 4-arm star copolymers (Mtargetedw = 40 to 160 kg mol−1) were synthesized with high star functionalities f (Mw,star/Mw,arm = 3.68–3.98), low dispersity (Đ = 1.06–1.15) and minimal residual precursor content (2–8 wt%), avoiding fra…

Hyperbranched Polyols via Copolymerization of 1,2-Butylene Oxide and Glycidol: Comparison of Batch Synthesis and Slow Monomer Addition

Hyperbranched poly(butylene oxide) polyols have been synthesized by multibranching anionic ring-opening copolymerization of 1,2-butylene oxide and glycidol. Systematic variation of the composition from 24 to 74% glycidol content resulted in a series of moderately distributed copolymers (Đ = 1.41–1.65, SEC), albeit with limited molecular weights in the solvent-free batch process in the range of 900–1300 g mol–1 (apparent Mn determined by SEC with PEG standards). In situ monitoring of the copolymerization kinetics by 1H NMR showed a pronounced compositional drift with respect to the monomer feed, indicating a strongly tapered microstructure caused by the higher reactivity of glycidol. In the …

PEG-based Multifunctional Polyethers with Highly Reactive Vinyl-Ether Side Chains for Click-Type Functionalization

Introduction of highly reactive vinyl ether moieties along a poly(ethylene-glycol) (PEG) backbone has been realized by copolymerization of the novel epoxide monomer ethoxy vinyl glycidyl ether (EVGE) with ethylene oxide (EO). A series of copolymers with varying structure (block and random) as well as EVGE comonomer content (5-100%) with molecular weights in the range of 3,900-13,200 g/mol and narrow molecular weight distributions (M-w/M-n = 1.06-1.20) has been synthesized and characterized with respect to their microstructure and thermal properties. The facile transformation of the vinyl ether side chains in click type reactions was verified by two different post polymerization modification…

Catechol Acetonide Glycidyl Ether (CAGE): A Functional Epoxide Monomer for Linear and Hyperbranched Multi-Catechol Functional Polyether Architectures

A protected catechol-containing epoxide monomer, catechol acetonide glycidyl ether (CAGE), is introduced. CAGE is conveniently obtained in three steps and enables the incorporation of surface-active catechol moieties into a broad variety of hydrophilic and biocompatible polyether architectures by copolymerization. Via acidic cleavage of the acetal protecting groups, the polymer-attached catechol functionalities are liberated and available for surface attachment or metal complexation. CAGE has been copolymerized with ethylene oxide and glycidol to obtain both linear poly(ethylene glycol) and hyperbranched polyglycerol copolymers, respectively, with multiple surface-adhesive catechol moieties…

Water-soluble and redox-responsive hyperbranched polyether copolymers based on ferrocenyl glycidyl ether

Water-soluble copolymers of ferrocenyl glycidyl ether (fcGE) and glycidol were prepared via anionic ring-opening multibranching polymerization (ROMBP). The resulting hyperbranched materials with molecular weights (Mn) of 3500 to 12 300 g mol−1 and relatively narrow molecular weight distributions (Mw/Mn = 1.40–1.69) exhibit both temperature- as well as redox-responsive behavior, which was studied via turbidity measurements. The cloud point temperatures (Tc) were adjusted between 45 and 60 °C through variation of the fcGE comonomer content. Additionally, these Tcs can be increased by the addition of an oxidizing agent. The extent of oxidation of the materials was quantified by Mosbauer spectr…

Glycidyltosylat: Die Polymerisation eines “nicht polymerisierbaren” Monomers ermöglicht eine universelle, polymeranaloge Funktionalisierung von Polyethern

A fully synthetic glycopeptide antitumor vaccine based on multiple antigen presentation on a hyperbranched polymer.

For antitumor vaccines both the selected tumor-associated antigen, as well as the mode of its presentation, affect the immune response. According to the principle of multiple antigen presentation, a tumor-associated MUC1 glycopeptide combined with the immunostimulating T-cell epitope P2 from tetanus toxoid was coupled to a multi-functionalized hyperbranched polyglycerol by "click chemistry". This globular polymeric carrier has a flexible dendrimer-like structure, which allows optimal antigen presentation to the immune system. The resulting fully synthetic vaccine induced strong immune responses in mice and IgG antibodies recognizing human breast-cancer cells.

Ferrocenyl Glycidyl Ether: A Versatile Ferrocene Monomer for Copolymerization with Ethylene Oxide to Water-Soluble, Thermoresponsive Copolymers

The first ferrocene-containing epoxide monomer, ferrocenyl glycidyl ether (fcGE), is introduced. The monomer has been copolymerized with ethylene oxide (EO). This leads to electroactive, water-soluble, and thermoresponsive poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) derived copolyethers. Anionic homo- and copolymerization of fcGE with EO was possible. Molecular weights could be varied from 2000 to 10 000 g mol–1, resulting in polymers with narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn = 1.07–1.20). The ferrocene (fc) content was varied from 3 to 30 mol %, obtaining water-soluble materials up to 10 mol % incorporation of the apolar ferrocenyl comonomer. Despite the steric bulk of fcGE, random copolymers were …

Multihydroxy-Functional Polysilanes via an Acetal Protecting Group Strategy

A new acetal-protected monomer for Wurtz-type coupling to polysilanes, dichloro(3-(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane-4-yloxy)propyl)methylsilane, referred to as dichloro(isopropylidene glyceryl propyl ether)methylsilane (DCIMS), has been introduced to synthesize a series of protected linear polysilane copolymers, poly[di-n-hexylsilane-co-(isopropylidene glyceryl propyl ether)methylsilane] (P(DHS-co-IMS)) via alkali-mediated reductive Wurtz-type coupling. The acetal protecting group proved stable under the harsh polymerization conditions. Differential scanning calorimetry combined with 1H, 13C, and 29Si NMR measurements confirmed composition and random structure of the obtained copolymers. After se…

Copolymerization of Isoprene with p-Alkylstyrene Monomers: Disparate Reactivity Ratios and the Shape of the Gradient

The statistical copolymerization of isoprene with p-ethyl- (p-ES), p-isopropyl- (p-iPS), and p-tert-butylstyrene (p-tBS) initiated by sec-butyllithium in cyclohexane was investigated with respect to kinetics, reactivity ratios, and formation of tapered block copolymers with pronounced monomer gradient. An efficient synthetic route to the monomers was developed on a multigram scale, relying on the precipitation of the side-product triphenylphosphine oxide at low temperature. The copolymerization kinetics and resulting molecular weight distributions were analyzed. The dispersity, Đ, of the copolymers depends on the p-alkyl substituent, the the degree of polymerization Pn and the comonomer mol…

Tapered copolymers of styrene and 4‐vinylbenzocyclobutene via carbanionic polymerization for crosslinkable polymer films

Poly(ethylene glycol-co-allyl glycidyl ether)s: a PEG-based modular synthetic platform for multiple bioconjugation.

A series of random copolymers comprising ethylene oxide (EO) and 0-100% allyl glycidyl ether (AGE) has been prepared by anionic ring-opening polymerization with molecular weights between 5000 and 13,600 g/mol and polydispersity indices in the range of 1.04-1.19. As key for the homogeneity of the PEG conjugates, real-time ¹H NMR polymerization kinetics, ¹³C NMR analysis of triad sequence distribution, and analysis of the thermal behavior by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed a distinctive random copolymer structure. Via thiol-ene coupling (TEC), showing mainly "click" characteristics and nearly quantitative yields, PEG derivatives with multiple amino, carboxy, or hydroxy functi…

Epicyanohydrin: Polymerization by Monomer Activation Gives Access to Nitrile-, Amino-, and Carboxyl-Functional Poly(ethylene glycol)

Both homo- and copolymerization of the hitherto nonpolymerizable epoxide monomer epicyanohydrin (EPICH) with ethylene oxide (EO) have been studied, employing the monomer activation technique. Tetraoctylammonium bromide or tetrabutylammonium iodide was used as initiator combined with i-Bu3Al to activate the EPICH monomer. The EPICH content was varied from 4 to 16 mol %, yielding well-defined PEG-co-PEPICH copolymers with molecular weights Mn (SEC) ranging from 3700 to 8800 g mol–1. The nitrile groups of the resulting polyethers were further reduced or hydrolyzed to introduce amino, amide, or carboxyl groups at the polyether backbone, circumventing protecting group chemistry. Successful trans…

From CO2 -Based Multifunctional Polycarbonates With a Controlled Number of Functional Groups to Graft Polymers

Acid‐Labile Amphiphilic PEO‐ b ‐PPO‐ b ‐PEO Copolymers: Degradable Poloxamer Analogs

Poly ((ethylene oxide)-b-(propylene oxide)-b-(ethylene oxide)) triblock copolymers commonly known as poloxamers or Pluronics constitute an important class of nonionic, biocompatible surfactants. Here, a method is reported to incorporate two acid-labile acetal moieties in the backbone of poloxamers to generate acid-cleavable nonionic surfactants. Poly(propylene oxide) is functionalized by means of an acetate-protected vinyl ether to introduce acetal units. Three cleavable PEO-PPO-PEO triblock copolymers (Mn,total = 6600, 8000, 9150 g·mol(-1) ; Mn,PEO = 2200, 3600, 4750 g·mol(-1) ) have been synthesized using anionic ring-opening polymerization. The amphiphilic copolymers exhibit narrow molec…

The poly(propylene oxide-co-ethylene oxide) gradient is controlled by the polymerization method: determination of reactivity ratios by direct comparison of different copolymerization models

An investigation of the highly relevant copolymerization of ethylene oxide (EO) and propylene oxide (PO) by in situ1H NMR spectroscopy shows striking differences in the copolymerization kinetics, depending on the polymerization method. Examination of the EO/PO copolymerization kinetics using iBu3Al for the monomer-activated anionic ring opening polymerization (AROP) confirmed a strong monomer gradient of the microstructure (rEO = 6.4, rPO = 0.16) in contrast to the known weak gradient in the conventional AROP (rEO = 2.8, rPO = 0.25). The first study via in situ1H-NMR kinetics of the copolymerization of PO and EO under heterogeneous double metal cyanide (DMC) catalysis, a method that produce…

Branched Acid-Degradable, Biocompatible Polyether Copolymers via Anionic Ring-Opening Polymerization Using an Epoxide Inimer

The introduction of acid-degradable acetal moieties into a hyperbranched polyether backbone has been achieved by the design of a novel epoxide-based degradable inimer. This new monomer, namely, 1-(glycidyloxy)ethyl ethylene glycol ether (GEGE), has been copolymerized in the anionic ring-opening polymerization (AROP) with ethylene oxide (EO) or glycidol (G), respectively, yielding branched polyethers, that is, P(EO-co-GEGE) and P(G-co-GEGE), that possess an adjustable amount of acid-cleavable acetal units. In addition, a novel class of multiarm star copolymers P(G-co-GEGE-g-EO) with acid-labile polyether core and PEG side chains was synthesized by using the P(G-co-GEGE) copolymers as multifu…

Ring-Opening Multibranching Polymerization

Functional Group Distribution and Gradient Structure Resulting from the Living Anionic Copolymerization of Styrene and para-But-3-enyl Styrene

The functional group distribution along the polymer backbone resulting from the living anionic copolymerization of styrene (S) and para-but-3-enyl styrene (pBuS) was investigated in cyclohexane at room temperature. A variety of copolymers with different comonomer contents x(S) = 0–0.84 have been synthesized with molecular weight dispersities Mw/Mn ≤1.12. All polymers have been characterized in detail by 1H NMR spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). A detailed understanding of the monomer sequence distribution during the copolymerization was achieved by real-time 1H NMR spectroscopy. This technique permits us to determine the changing …

Electron-transfer reduction of selected alcohols with alkalide K−, K+(15-crown-5)2 via organometallic intermediates

Abstract The course of the reaction of alkalide K − , K + (15-crown-5) 2 1 with selected alcohols depends on the kind of alcohol and the mode of substrate delivery. In the case of methanol, potassium methoxide formed initially undergoes destruction at the excess of 1 . It results in potassium oxide and methylpotassium. The latter opens the crown ether ring giving potassium tetraethylene glycoxide vinyl ether and methane. A similar course of the process is observed for propanol. Potassium glycidoxide is the main product formed in the reaction of 1 with glycidol. Its oxirane ring is opened at the excess of 1 . Organopotassium alkoxides, i.e., potassium potassiomethoxide and dipotassium potass…

Phase behavior of the system hyperbranched polyglycerol+methanol+carbon dioxide

Abstract Phase equilibrium data have been measured for the ternary system hyperbranched polyglycerol + methanol + carbon dioxide at temperatures of 313–450 K and pressures up to 13.5 MPa. Phase changes were determined according to a synthetic method using the Cailletet setup. At elevated temperatures the system shows a liquid–liquid–vapor region with lower solution temperatures. Besides the vapor–liquid and liquid–liquid equilibria, the vapor–liquid to vapor–liquid–liquid and vapor–liquid–liquid to liquid–liquid phase boundaries are reported at different polymer molar masses and can serve as test sets for thermodynamic models. A distinct influence of the polymer molar mass on the vapor–liqu…

Branched versus linear polyisoprene: Fractionation and phase behavior

Abstract Branched polyisoprene (PI) was prepared from PI-macromonomers. Linear byproducts of the synthesized polymer were removed by means of inverse spin fractionation, using the solvent cyclohexane (CH) and the precipitant acetone (AC). A well-defined fraction (Mw = 17.5 kg/mol, Mw/Mn = 1.8) of the branched polyisoprene obtained in this manner was used to determine different phase diagrams with branched and/or linear PI in the mixed solvent CH/AC at 25 °C. For comparable molar masses of the polymers the two-phase area is smallest for the branched PI and slightly larger for the linear PI; in the case of the unfractionated original sample of the branched polymer one observes a pronounced pe…

Thioether-Bearing Hyperbranched Polyether Polyols with Methionine-Like Side-Chains: A Versatile Platform for Orthogonal Functionalization

The synthesis of thioether-bearing hyperbranched polyether polyols based on an AB/AB2 type copolymerization (cyclic latent monomers) is introduced. The polymers are prepared by anionic ring-opening multibranching copolymerization of glycidol and 2-(methylthio)ethyl glycidyl ether (MTEGE), which is conveniently accessible in a single etherification step. Slow monomer addition provides control over molecular weights. Moderate dispersities (Đ = 1.48–1.85) are obtained, given the hyperbranched structure. In situ 1H NMR copolymerization kinetics reveal reactivity ratios of rG = 3.7 and rMTEGE = 0.27. Using slow monomer addition, copolymer composition can be systematically varied, allowing for th…

Prof. Rolf Mülhaupt from the University of Freiburg is the recipient of the Hermann Staudinger Award 2009

Squaric acid mediated chemoselective PEGylation of proteins: reactivity of single-step-activated α-amino poly(ethylene glycol)s.

The covalent attachment of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) to therapeutically active proteins (PEGylation) has become an important method to deal with the pharmacological difficulties of these polypeptides, such as short body-residence times and immunogenicity. However, the derivatives of PEG used for PEGylation lack further functional groups that would allow the addition of targeting or labeling moieties. Squaric acid diethyl ester was used for the chemoselective single-step activation of poly(ethylene glycol)s into the respective ester amides. The resultant selective protein-reactive poly(ethylene glycol)s were investigated with respect to their selectivity towards amino acid residues in bovi…

Synthesis and Solution Processing of Nylon‐5 Ferroelectric Thin Films: The Renaissance of Odd‐Nylons?

Electrochemical and bioelectrocatalytical properties of novel block-copolymers containing interacting ferrocenyl units

The electrochemical characterization of three different polystyrene-b-polybutadiene block-copolymers, functionalized with diferrocenylsilane units, is reported. The PB-blocks have been functionalized with different fractions of electronicall y communicated, PSm-PB„ p (HSiMeFc2)p units, where m = 615, n = 53, p = 39 (1), m = 375, n = 92, p = 76 (2) and m = 455, n = 204, p = 170 (3). Electrochemical character­ ization has been carried out both in solution and after electrochemical deposition onto platinum electrodes. The bioelectrocatalytical properties of electrodes modified with the polymers in the nicotinamide dinucleotide (NADH) and glucose oxidase (GOx) oxidations have been investigated …

Hybrid Organic-Inorganic Nanostructures Fabricated from Layer-by-Layer Self-Assembled Multilayers of Hyperbranched Polyglycerols and Phosphorus Dendrimers

Multilayer thin films of cationic phosphorous dendrimers and anionic hyperbranched polyglycerols were fabricated by electrostatic layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly (SA). The film formation was monitored by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy and UV-visible spectroscopy, and it was found that the stepwise, alternating deposition results in a linear growth up to four bilayers. Hybrid organic-TiO2 nanostructures were generated by exposing the supramolecular multilayers to TiCl4 precursors. The amounts of TiO2 incorporated inside the scaffolds could be tuned by controlling the porosity of the multilayers with the addition of a small amount of salts. The resulting hybrid films exhibit …

From Biocompatible to Biodegradable: Poly(Ethylene Glycol)s with Predetermined Breaking Points

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is the gold standard polymer for biomedical applications. PEG is known for its biocompatibility and antifouling properties and is widely used for bioconjugation. However, like other synthetic polymers in the field, PEG is not biodegradable, limiting its use for parenteral formulations and protein conjugation to a molecular weight range with a specific upper limit (commonly 40–60 kDa) to avoid polyether accumulation in human tissue. For these biomedical applications, but also for other purposes such as cleavable hydrogels and templates for porous membranes, several routes for the insertion of in-chain biocleavable moieties, such as acetals or disulfides, into PEG …

Combining oxyanionic polymerization and click-chemistry: a general strategy for the synthesis of polyether polyol macromonomers

We describe a synthetic pathway to tailor-made amphiphilic macromonomers by a combination of anionic ring-opening polymerization and copper-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). Linear polyglycerol and poly(glyceryl glycerol) were synthesized in a controlled manner by anionic ring-opening polymerization of ethoxyethyl glycidyl ether or isopropylidene glyceryl glycidyl ether, respectively, with narrow and monomodal molecular weight distributions (Mw/Mn < 1.20) and molecular weights ranging from 850 g mol−1 to 2500 g mol−1. After end-capping with propargyl bromide and removal of the protecting groups, the hydrophilic precursors were quantitatively clicked to a series of hydrophobic az…

Rapid Access to Polyfunctional Lipids with Complex Architecture via Oxyanionic Ring-Opening Polymerization

Polymer-coated liposomes, particularly poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-substituted liposomes, have emerged as long-circulating carrier systems for drug delivery and diagnostic purposes. A rapid synthesis of three different types of multifunctional lipids with structurally diverse hydrophilic, polyether-based architectures via one- or two-pot approaches is described. Architectural variation is achieved by the combination of different oxyanionic polymerization strategies and various glycidyl ether building units. Branched polyglycerol lipids have been prepared via cholesterol- or 1,2-bis-n-alkyl glyceryl ether-initiated, oxyanionic ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of protected glycidyl ethers an…

Nonlinear Macromolecules by Ring-Opening Polymerization

Ring-opening polymerization (ROP) is a well-established method for the controlled synthesis of linear polymers, which can be found in various everyday applications. However, during the past decades, there has been an increasing interest in the generation of nonlinear highly branched polymers, profiting from the fascination created by the structurally perfect dendrimers. The applicability of various heterocyclic monomers renders the ring-opening multibranching polymerization (ROMBP), a versatile tool for the generation of multifunctional hyperbranched polymers. First, the historical key steps leading to the development of ROMBP are described, which is the basis for the controlled synthesis o…

Tetrahydrofuran: More than a “Randomizer” in the Living Anionic Copolymerization of Styrene and Isoprene: Kinetics, Microstructures, Morphologies, and Mechanical Properties

The statistical anionic copolymerization of isoprene (I) and styrene (S) is commonly used to synthesize tapered block copolymers, enabling control of the phase behavior by adjusting the order–disor...

Controlled Synthesis of Multi-Arm Star Polyether-Polycarbonate Polyols Based on Propylene Oxide and CO2

Multi-arm star copolymers based on a hyperbranched poly(propylene oxide) polyether-polyol (hbPPO) as a core and poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) arms are synthesized in two steps from propylene oxide (PO), a small amount of glycidol and CO2 . The PPC arms are prepared via carbon dioxide (CO2 )/PO copolymerization, using hbPPO as a multifunctional macroinitiator and the (R,R)-(salcy)CoOBzF5 catalyst. Star copolymers with 14 and 28 PPC arms, respectively, and controlled molecular weights in the range of 2700-8800 g mol(-1) are prepared (Mw /Mn = 1.23-1.61). Thermal analysis reveals lowered glass transition temperatures in the range of -8 to 10 °C for the PPC star polymers compared with linear …

Aliphatic polycarbonates based on carbon dioxide, furfuryl glycidyl ether, and glycidyl methyl ether: reversible functionalization and cross-linking.

Well-defined poly((furfuryl glycidyl ether)-co-(glycidyl methyl ether) carbonate) (P((FGE-co-GME)C)) copolymers with varying furfuryl glycidyl ether (FGE) content in the range of 26% to 100% are prepared directly from CO2 and the respective epoxides in a solvent-free synthesis. All materials are characterized by size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), (1)H NMR spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The furfuryl-functional samples exhibit monomodal molecular weight distributions with Mw/Mn in the range of 1.16 to 1.43 and molecular weights (Mn) between 2300 and 4300 g mol(-1). Thermal properties reflect the amorphous structure of the polymers. Both post-functionalization and…

Water-Soluble “Poly(propylene oxide)” by Random Copolymerization of Propylene Oxide with a Protected Glycidol Monomer

Hydrophilic, functional poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) copolymers were prepared by anionic random copolymerization of propylene oxide with the protected glycidyl derivative ethoxy ethyl glycidyl ether (EEGE). The monobenzyl-protected ethylene glycol initiator 2-(benzyloxy)ethanol was used to initiate the polymerization because it allows for the introduction of hydroxyl groups at both ends of the polymer chain. Acidic deprotection permitted selective removal of the acetal protecting groups in the chain or alternatively orthogonal deprotection of the terminal hydroxyl group by catalytic hydrogenation. A series of narrowly distributed hydroxyl-functional PPO copolymers (Mw/Mn < 1.07–1.25 g mol–1)…

Universal Concept for the Implementation of a Single Cleavable Unit at Tunable Position in Functional Poly(ethylene glycol)s

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with acid-sensitive moieties gained attention particularly for various biomedical applications, such as the covalent attachment of PEG (PEGylation) to protein therapeutics, the synthesis of stealth liposomes, and polymeric carriers for low-molecular-weight drugs. Cleavable PEGs are favored over their inert analogues because of superior pharmacodynamic and/or pharmacokinetic properties of their formulations. However, synthetic routes to acetal-containing PEGs published up to date either require enormous efforts or result in ill-defined materials with a lack of control over the molecular weight. Herein, we describe a novel methodology to implement a single acetalde…

Hydroxyfunctional oxetane-inimers with varied polarity for the synthesis of hyperbranched polyether polyols via cationic ROP

Unusual triskelion patterns and dye-labelled GUVs: consequences of the interaction of cholesterol-containing linear-hyperbranched block copolymers with phospholipids

Cholesterol (Ch) linked to a linear-hyperbranched block copolymer composed of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(glycerol) (hbPG) was investigated for its membrane anchoring properties. Two polyether-based linear-hyperbranched block copolymers with and without a covalently attached rhodamine fluorescence label (Rho) were employed (Ch-PEG30-b-hbPG23 and Ch-PEG30-b-hbPG17-Rho). Compression isotherms of co-spread 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) or 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) with the respective polymers were measured on the Langmuir trough and the morphology development of the liquid-condensed (LC) domains was studied by epi-fluorescence microsc…

Organobase-Catalyzed Synthesis of Multiarm Star Polylactide With Hyperbranched Poly(ethylene glycol) as the Core

Multiarm star copolymers consisting of the polyether-polyol hyperbranched poly(ethylene glycol) (hbPEG) as core and poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) arms are synthesized via the organobase- catalyzed ring-opening polymerization of lactide using hbPEG as a multifunctional macroinitiator. Star copolymers with high molecular weights up to 792 000 g mol−1 are prepared. Detailed 2D NMR analysis provides evidence for the attachment of the PLLA arms to the core and reveals that the adjustment of the monomer/initiator ratio enables control of the arm length. Size exclusion chromatography measurements show narrow molecular weight distributions. Thermal analysis reveals a lower glass transition temperature, me…

Hyperbranched Poly(propylene oxide): A Multifunctional Backbone-Thermoresponsive Polyether Polyol Copolymer

Backbone-thermoresponsive hyperbranched poly(propylene oxide)-based polyether polyols have been synthesized by anionic ring-opening copolymerization of glycidol and propylene oxide. The number of functional hydroxyl end groups and the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) can be readily adjusted by varying the comonomer ratio. Molecular weights in the range of 1200-2000 g/mol were achieved. Hyperbranched polyether polyols with LCST values between 24 and 83 °C can be obtained in a convenient one-step reaction.

Capitalizing on Protecting Groups to Influence Vinyl Catechol Monomer Reactivity and Monomer Gradient in Carbanionic Copolymerization

everal vinyl catechol-based monomers with systematically varied acetal protecting groups suitable for carbanionic polymerization are introduced. All monomers are based on the 4-vinyl benzodioxole or 5-vinyl benzodioxole structure and differ in the nature of the protecting group for the catechol functionalities. Different symmetric ketones are used for the protection of the diol functionality. Polymers with average molecular weight from 2500 to 25 000 g mol−1 (Mw/Mn < 1.15) are obtained from homopolymerization of the protected monomers. All monomers are examined regarding the influence of the protecting group on the copolymerization behavior with styrene, using in situ 1H NMR kinetic studies…

Vapor–liquid equilibria in dendrimer and hyperbranched polymer solutions: experimental data and modeling using UNIFAC-FV

Abstract This work evaluates the potential of the group contribution method universal functional activity coefficients-free-volume (UNIFAC-FV) to predict vapor–liquid equilibria (VLE) in dendrimer-solvent and hyperbranched polymer-solvent systems. The VLE of hydroxyl-functional dendritic polymers (polyethers, polyesters, polyamidoamine), dissolved in polar solvents (ethanol and/or water) are studied both experimentally and theoretically. A new approach is suggested to account for the contribution of selected types of polymer structural units (i.e. linear, dendritic and terminal units) to the solvent residual activity. The results of calculations are in a good agreement with experiment. Furt…

Can Hyperbranched Polymers Entangle? Effect of Hydrogen Bonding on Entanglement Transition and Thermorheological Properties of Hyperbranched Polyglycerol Melts

Melt rheology and thermal phase transition of a series of hyperbranched polyglycerol samples (hbPG) (DB ≈ 60%) in a broad molecular weight range (Mn = 600–440 000 g/mol) were investigated and correlated to both molecular weight and nature of the end group (hydroxyl vs permethylated and trimethylsilylated). The well-characterized and defined flexible polyethers are particularly suitable to shed light on the linear viscoelastic behavior with respect to (i) hyperbranched topology and (ii) hydrogen bond interactions, particularly in comparison to the perfectly linear polyglycerol counterparts studied recently [Osterwinter, C.; Macromolecules 2015, 48, 119−130]. We present a detailed examination…

Graft Copolymers with Complex Polyether Structures: Poly(ethylene oxide)-graft-Poly(isobutyl vinyl ether) by Combination of Living Anionic and Photoinduced Cationic Graft Polymerization

Targeting of immune cells with trimannosylated liposomes

Evaluation of multifunctional liposomes in human blood serum by light scattering.

To overcome the limited functionality of "stealth" lipids based on linear poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chains, hyperbranched polyether-based lipids that bear multiple hydroxyl groups for further chemical modification may be a suitable replacement. This study focuses on the development and characterization of "stealth" liposomes modified with a novel hyperbranched polyglycerol lipid (cholesterol-PEG30-hbPG23). An emphasis was placed on the stability of these liposomes in comparison to those containing a linear PEG derivative (cholesterol-PEG44) directly in human blood serum, characterized via dynamic light scattering (DLS). Polymer lipid contents were varied between 0 and 30 mol %, resulting …

Pencil Lead as a Matrix for MALDI-ToF Mass Spectrometry of Sensitive Functional Polymers

With the increase in complexity of functional polymers in recent years, MALDI-ToF has become an important tool for gaining precise information on polymer functionality, end groups, and, in special cases, molecular weights. Here we describe how pencil lead, deposited by simply drawing with a regular pencil onto conventional MALDI-ToF targets, can be used as a very attractive matrix for MALDI-ToF mass spectrometry of synthetic polymers. Highly sensitive polymers such as silyl hydride functional poly(styrene), poly(butadiene), and poly(isoprene) have been investigated using conventional MALDI-ToF matrices as well as pencil lead. In all cases, the use of pencil lead prevented oxidation of the h…

Cationic Copolymerization of 3,3-Bis(hydroxymethyl)oxetane and Glycidol: Biocompatible Hyperbranched Polyether Polyols with High Content of Primary Hydroxyl Groups

The cationic ring-opening copolymerization of 3,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)oxetane (BHMO) with glycidol using different comonomer ratios (BHMO content from 25 to 90%) and BF3OEt2 as an initiator has been studied. Apparent molecular weights of the resulting hyperbranched polyether copolymers ranged from 1400 to 3300 g mol(-1) (PDI: 1.21-1.48; method: SEC, linear PEG standards). Incorporation of both comonomers is evidenced by MALDI-TOF mass spectroscopy. All hyperbranched polyether polyols with high content of primary hydroxyl groups portray good solubility in water, which correlates with an increasing content of glycerol units. Detailed NMR characterization was employed to elucidate the copolymer …

Click modification of multifunctional liposomes bearing hyperbranched polyether chains.

Aiming at controlled modification of liposomal surface structures, we describe a postpreparational approach for surface derivatization of a new type of multifunctional, sterically stabilized liposomes. Application of dual centrifugation (DC) resulted in high encapsulation efficiencies above 50% at very small batch sizes with a total volume of 150 μL, which were conductive to fast and efficient optimization of variegated surface modification reactions. Cholesterol-polymer amphiphiles, including complex hyperbranched polyether structures bearing 1-4 terminal alkynes, were used in DC formulations to provide steric stabilization. The alkyne moieties were explored as anchors for the conjugation …

Multiarm Polycarbonate Star Polymers with a Hyperbranched Polyether Core from CO2 and Common Epoxides

Multiarm star copolymers, consisting of hyperbranched poly(ethylene oxide) (hbPEO) or poly(butylene oxide) (hbPBO) polyether copolymers with glycerol branching points as a core, and linear aliphatic polycarbonate arms generated from carbon dioxide (CO2) and epoxide monomers, were synthesized via a “core-first” approach in two steps. First, hyperbranched polyether polyols were prepared by anionic copolymerization of ethylene oxide or 1,2-butylene oxide with 8–35% glycidol with molecular weights between 800 and 389,000 g·mol–1. Second, multiple arms were grown via immortal copolymerization of CO2 with propylene oxide or 1,2-butylene oxide using the polyether polyols as macroinitiators and (R,…

Poly(ethylene glycol) with Multiple Aldehyde Functionalities Opens up a Rich and Versatile Post-Polymerization Chemistry

Two novel epoxide monomers 3,3-dimethoxy-propanyl glycidyl ether (DMPGE) and 3,3-dimethoxy-2,2-dimethylpropanyl glycidyl ether (DDPGE) were developed for the introduction of multiple aldehyde functionalities into the poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) backbone. The acetal protecting group for the aldehyde functionality is stable against the harsh, basic conditions of the anionic ring-opening polymerization. Both monomers could be homopolymerized as well as copolymerized randomly with ethylene oxide (EO) in a controlled fashion. Copolymers with molecular weights (Mn) in the range of 4500–20100 g/mol and low dispersity (Mw/Mn) between 1.06 and 1.14 were obtained. The polymers were characterized by s…

Enlarging the Toolbox: Epoxide Termination of Polyferrocenylsilane (PFS) as a Key Step for the Synthesis of Amphiphilic PFS-Polyether Block Copolymers.

Epoxide termination and functionalization of living poly(ferrocenyldimethylsilane) (PFDMS) is introduced by precapping the living PFDMS with a 4/2 molar mixture of 1,1-diphenylethylene and 1,1-dimethylsilacyclobutane acting as a “carbanion pump” system. Subsequent addition of allyl glycidyl ether (AGE) leads to quantitatively functionalized PFDMS–AGE polymers with molecular weights between 1500 and 15 400 g mol–1 and polydispersity indices ≤1.10, carrying one hydroxyl group and an additional allylic double bond. PFDMS–AGE was then applied as a macroinitiator for the living anionic ring-opening polymerization of ethylene oxide (EO) to generate amphiphilic and water-soluble poly(ferrocenyldim…

Buchbesprechung: Dendrimers and Other Dendritic Polymers Herausgegeben von Jean M. J. Fréchet und Donald A. Tomalia

Multifunctional Poly(ethylene glycol)s

In the rapidly evolving multidisciplinary field of polymer therapeutics, tailored polymer structures represent the key constituent to explore and harvest the potential of bioactive macromolecular hybrid structures. In light of the recent developments for anticancer drug conjugates, multifunctional polymers are becoming ever more relevant as drug carriers. However, the potentially best suited polymer, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), is unfavorable owing to its limited functionality. Therefore, multifunctional linear copolymers (mf-PEGs) based on ethylene oxide (EO) and appropriate epoxide comonomers are attracting increased attention. Precisely engineered via living anionic polymerization and d…

Die lebende anionische Polymerisation

Zusammenfassung Vor sechzig Jahren entdeckte Michael Szwarc die lebende anionische Polymerisation. Trotz ihrer hohen synthetischen Anforderungen ist sie bis heute die praziseste Methode zur Herstellung von wohldefinierten Polymeren und inspirierte zahlreiche neue Polymerisationsmethoden. Masgeschneiderte Blockcopolymere finden sich in den verschiedensten Anwendungen von High-End-Verpackungsmaterialien uber die Elektronik bis hin zu Nanomedizin.

Directing the self-assembly of semiconducting copolymers: the consequences of grafting linear or hyperbranched polyether side chains.

The synthesis and self-assembly of novel semiconducting rod-coil type graft block copolymers based on poly(para-phenylene vinylene) (PPV) copolymers is presented, focusing on the ordering effect of linear versus hyperbranched side chains. Using an additional reactive ester block, highly polar, linear poly(ethylene glycol), and hyperbranched polyglycerol side chains are attached in a grafting-to approach. Remarkably, the resulting novel semiconducting graft copolymers with polyether side chains show different solubility and side-chain directed self-assembly behavior in various solvents, e.g., cylindrical or spherical superstructures in the size range of 10 to 120 nm, as shown by TEM. By adju…

Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(glyceryl glycerol) Block Copolymers

Water-Soluble Fluorescent Ag Nanoclusters Obtained from Multiarm Star Poly(acrylic acid) as “Molecular Hydrogel” Templates

P(HPMA)-block-P(LA) copolymers in paclitaxel formulations: Polylactide stereochemistry controls micellization, cellular uptake kinetics, intracellular localization and drug efficiency

In order to explore the influence of polymer microstructure and stereochemistry in biological settings, the synthesis, micellization, cellular fate and the use in paclitaxel formulations of poly(N-(2-hydroxypropyl)-methacrylamide)-block-poly(L-lactide) (P(HPMA)-block-P(LLA)) and poly(N-(2-hydroxypropyl)-methacrylamide)-block-poly(DL-lactide) block copolymers (P(HPMA)-block-P(DLLA)) were studied. To this end, P(HPMA)-block-P(lactide) block copolymers and their fluorescently labeled analogues were synthesized. The polymers exhibited molecular weights M-n around 20,000 g/mol with dispersities (D=M-w/M-n) below 1.3. In addition, the solution conformation of this new type of partially degradable…

Cover Picture: Macromol. Rapid Commun. 11/2005

Branched Versus Linear Polyisoprene: Flory-Huggins Interaction Parameters for their Solutions in Cyclohexane

Flory-Huggins interaction parameters were determined as a function of composition for solutions of linear and of branched polyisoprene in cyclohexane (CH) at 25, 45, and 65 °C by means of vapor pressure measurements (moderate to concentrated solutions) and by vapor pressure osmometry (dilute solutions). The results demonstrate that CH is a considerably worse solvent for branched polyisoprene than for the linear analog at all temperatures and at all compositions. This observation corroborates the expectation based on a recent phenomenological approach, which accounts explicitly for the incapability of the segments of an individual polymer molecule to spread out over the entire volume of the …

Pioneering investigators 2021

This themed issue of Polymer Chemistry highlights the work of pioneering investigators in the polymer chemistry field. Associate Editors Emily Pentzer and Holger Frey introduce the issue.

Introducing a 1,1-diphenylethylene analogue for vinylpyridine: anionic copolymerisation of 3-(1-phenylvinyl)pyridine (m-PyPE)

3-(1-Phenylvinyl)pyridine (m-PyPE), prepared by Wittig reaction from the readily available 3-benzoylpyridine, represents a structural analog of 1,1-diphenylethylene (DPE), one phenyl group being replaced by pyridine. The suitability of m-PyPE for the copolymerisation with vinylpyridine is reflected by the 13C NMR shifts of the β-carbon of 2-vinylpyridine (2-VP; 118.32 ppm) and m-PyPE (115.83 ppm, measured in CDCl3), which possess predictive character for carbanionic copolymerisation. In analogy to DPE and its manifold reported derivatives, carbanionic homopolymerisation of m-PyPE was not possible, due to its steric bulk. Copolymers of 2-VP and m-PyPE with varied composition have been synthe…

One-step synthesis of multi-alkyne functional hyperbranched polyglycerols by copolymerization of glycidyl propargyl ether and glycidol

By copolymerization of glycidol with the alkyne-containing oxirane monomer glycidyl propargyl ether (GPE), hyperbranched polyglycerol (hbPG) with a defined number of alkyne functionalities (up to 38%) can be obtained in a one-step procedure. The number of alkynes can be adjusted by the glycidol/GPE ratio to provide multi-alkyne functional hbPGs, maintaining the highly branched polyether structure. Interestingly, the acidic proton of the alkyne moiety does not interfere with the proton exchange mechanism during the polymerization of glycidol. By specific modification of the synthesis procedure, crosslinking reactions can be suppressed. The polymers exhibit molecular weights ranging from 1800…

Double-Hydrophilic Linear-Hyperbranched Block Copolymers Based on Poly(ethylene oxide) and Poly(glycerol)

A convenient 4-step (2-pot) approach for the synthesis of biocompatible, double hydrophilic linear-hyperbranched block copolymers based on poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and poly(glycerol) (PG) is described. The polymers consisting exclusively of an aliphatic polyether structure were prepared from linear PEO-b-(l-PG) precursor block copolymers, obtained via anionic polymerization of ethylene oxide and subsequently ethoxyethyl glycidyl ether (EEGE). In order to generate initiating functionalities for glycidol, the protected hydroxyl groups of the P(EEGE) block were recovered by hydrolysis with hydrochloric acid. Partial deprotonation of the linear poly(glycerol) block with cesium hydroxide permi…

Stability of Alkyl Chain-Mediated Lipid Anchoring in Liposomal Membranes

Lipid exchange among biological membranes, lipoprotein particles, micelles, and liposomes is an important yet underrated phenomenon with repercussions throughout the life sciences. The premature loss of lipid molecules from liposomal formulations severely impacts therapeutic applications of the latter and thus limits the type of lipids and lipid conjugates available for fine-tuning liposomal properties. While cholesterol derivatives, with their irregular lipophilic surface shape, are known to readily undergo lipid exchange and interconvert, e.g., with serum, the situation is unclear for lipids with regular, linear-shaped alkyl chains. This study compares the propensity of fluorescence-label…

Synergistic assembly of hyperbranched polyethylenimine and fatty acids leading to unusual supramolecular nanocapsules

Self-assembly of hyperbranched polyethylenimine (PEI) and fatty acids leads to supramolecular inverted micellar structures that are able to irreversibly transfer water-soluble guest molecules into organic solvents. Perez Prieto, Julia, Julia.Perez@uv.es ; Stiriba, Salah Eddine, Salah.Stiriba@uv.es

Hyperbranched Polyglycerol-Based Lipids via Oxyanionic Polymerization: Toward Multifunctional Stealth Liposomes

We describe the synthesis of linear-hyperbranched lipids for liposome preparation based on linear poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and hyperbranched polyglycerol (PG). Molecular weights were adjusted to values around 3000 g/mol with varying degrees of polymerization of the linear and the branched segments in analogy to PEG-based stealth lipids; polydispersities were generally low and below 1.3. The hydrophobic anchors were introduced into the lipid structures as initiators for the anionic polymerization of ethylene oxide and are either based on cholesterol or on different aliphatic glyceryl ethers. Complete incorporation of the apolar initiators was evidenced by MALDI-ToF analysis at all stages …

Redox-Responsive Block Copolymers: Poly(vinylferrocene)-b-poly(lactide) Diblock and Miktoarm Star Polymers and Their Behavior in Solution

The synthesis of diblock and miktoarm star polymers containing poly(vinylferrocene) (PVFc) and poly(l-lactide) (PLA) blocks is introduced. End functionalization of PVFc was carried out via end capping of living carbanionic PVFc chains with benzyl glycidyl ether (BGE). By hydrogenolysis of the benzyl protecting group a dihydroxyl end-functionalized PVFc was obtained. Both monohydroxyl- and dihydroxyl-functionalized PVFcs have been utilized as macroinitiators for the subsequent polymerization of l-lactide via catalytic ring-opening polymerization. A series of block copolymers and AB2 miktoarm star polymers was synthesized with varied PLA chain lengths. All polymers were characterized in detai…

Biodegradable pH-Sensitive Poly(ethylene glycol) Nanocarriers for Allergen Encapsulation and Controlled Release

In the last decades, the number of allergic patients has increased dramatically. Allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) is the only available cause-oriented therapy so far. SIT reduces the allergic symptoms, but also exhibits some disadvantages; that is, it is a long-lasting procedure and severe side effects like anaphylactic shock can occur. In this work, we introduce a method to encapsulate allergens into nanoparticles to avoid severe side effects during SIT. Degradable nanocarriers combine the advantage of providing a physical barrier between the encapsulated cargo and the biological environment as well as responding to certain local stimuli (like pH) to release their cargo. This work int…

The Unique Versatility of the Double Metal Cyanide (DMC) Catalyst: Introducing Siloxane Segments to Polypropylene Oxide by Ring-Opening Copolymerization.

The combination of hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) blocks with hydrophilic polyether segments plays a key role for silicone surfactants. Capitalizing on the double metal cyanide (DMC) catalyst, the direct (i.e., statistical) copolymerization of cyclic siloxanes and epoxides is shown to be feasible. The solvent-free one-pot copolymerization of hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane and propylene oxide results in the formation of gradient propylene oxide (PPO)-PDMS copolymers. Copolymers with up to 46% siloxane content with low dispersities (Ð < 1.2) are obtained in the molecular weight range of 2100-2900 g mol-1 . The polymerization kinetics are investigated by pressure monitoring and in situ 1 …

Statistical properties of linear-hyperbranched graft copolymers prepared via "hypergrafting" of AB(m) monomers from linear B-functional core chains: A molecular dynamics simulation.

The reaction of ABm monomers (m = 2, 3) with a multifunctional Bf-type polymer chain ("hypergrafting") is studied by coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. The ABm monomers are hypergrafted using the slow monomer addition strategy. Fully dendronized, i.e., perfectly branched polymers are also simulated for comparison. The degree of branching of the molecules obtained with the "hypergrafting" process critically depends on the rate with which monomers attach to inner monomers compared to terminal monomers. This ratio is more favorable if the ABm monomers have lower reactivity, since the free monomers then have time to diffuse inside the chain. Configurational chain properties are also…

Linear-dendritic nonionic poly(propylene oxide)–polyglycerol surfactants

Abstract A new type of linear-hyperbranched surfactant has been prepared by anionic ring-opening multibranching polymerization of glycidol onto an end-functional poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) macroinitiator. A hyperbranched, highly hydrophilic polyglycerol block is obtained as the polar segment of the structure. Molecular weights of the nonionic amphiphiles obtained were in the range of 390 to 8,600 g/mol. For comparison, initiators bearing a C16 alkyl chain have also been employed. Furthermore, hyperbranched polyglycerol homopolymers were investigated with respect to amphiphilic properties. All linear-dendritic amphiphiles have been characterized by SEC, DSC, 13 C and 1 H NMR spectroscopy. A…

Oligo(glycerol) Methacrylate Macromonomers

Linear, protected ω-methoxy oligo(glycerol) methacrylate (OGly(P)MA) macromonomers are synthesized via anionic ring-opening polymerization of ethoxyethyl glycidyl ether (EEGE) followed by termination with methacrylic acid anhydride (DP(n) = 3-11, PDI < 1.30). The covalently bound methacrylate moiety allows the homopolymerization of OGly(P)MA as well as copolymerization with low molecular weight comonomers. In homopolymerizations, macromonomers are polymerized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) yielding well-defined graft polymers (M(n) = 20,000-30,000 g mol(-1)). Acidic hydrolysis of the protecting groups releases water-soluble polyhydroxy-functional structures. First results on…

Water-soluble hyperbranched polyglycerol photosensitizer for enhanced photodynamic therapy

Porphyrin and its derivatives as promising photosensitizers have been widely utilized in photodynamic therapy (PDT). However, the water-solubility and biocompatibility of porphyrins are the typical bottlenecks in clinical PDT processes. Herein, we successfully fabricated a new type of water-soluble, hyperbranched polyglycerol photosensitizer through one-step esterification between water-soluble hyperbranched polyglycerol (hbPG) and fluorophenylporphyrin (FP). Compared with the linear control polymer, i.e., FP covalently connected with linear polyethylene glycol (LPEG), the hyperbranched structures bearing multiple porphyrin units generated more singlet oxygen and exhibited higher cytotoxici…

Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Dimethacrylates with Cleavable Ketal Sites: Precursors for Cleavable PEG-Hydrogels.

The authors introduce poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) based macromonomers containing acid-labile ketal moieties as well as terminal methacrylate units that are amenable to radical polymerization. The synthesis of PEGs of different molecular weights (ranging from 2000 to 13 000 g mol-1 with polydispersities <1.15) with a central ketal unit (PEG-ketal-diol) and their conversion to PEG-ketal-dimethacrylates (PEG-ketal-DMA) is introduced. Degradation rates of both PEG-ketal-diols and PEG-ketal-DMA are investigated by in situ 1 H NMR kinetic studies in deuterated phosphate buffer. Hydrogels containing 0, 5, or 10 wt% of PEG-ketal-DMA and 100, 95, or 90 wt% of PEG-DMA, respectively, are synthesized a…

Linear-Hyperbranched Graft-Copolymers via Grafting-to Strategy Based on Hyperbranched Dendron Analogues and Reactive Ester Polymers

The synthesis of hyperbranched polyglycerol dendron analogues with precisely one focal amino functionality (H2N-hbPG) and their use for the synthesis of linear-hyperbranched graft-copolymers in a grafting-to approach is reported. By use of N,N-dibenzyl tris(hydroxylmethyl) aminomethane as a novel initiator for the ring-opening multibranching polymerization of glycidol, dendron analogues with one focal amino functionality of molecular weights ranging from 500 to 15000 g mol–1 and narrow to moderate polydispersities (Mw/Mn = 1.2–1.9) were synthesized, as confirmed by NMR and SEC. After removal of the benzyl protective groups, the accessibility and selective transformation of the focal amino g…

Surface Modification of Nanoparticles and Nanovesicles via Click-Chemistry

Surface modification of nanocarriers offers the possibility of targeted drug delivery, which is of major interest in modern pharmaceutical science. Click-chemistry affords an easy and fast way to modify the surface with targeting structures under mild reaction conditions. Here we describe our current method for the post-preparational surface modification of multifunctional sterically stabilized (stealth) liposomes via copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) and inverse electron demand Diels-Alder norbornene-tetrazine cycloaddition (IEDDA). We emphasize the use of these in a one-pot orthogonal reaction for deep investigation on stability and targeting of nanocarriers. As the prod…

Stimuli-Responsive Y-Shaped Polymer Brushes Based on Junction-Point-Reactive Block Copolymers

Reversibly responsive, thin or ultrathin polymer fi lms, often referred to as “smart surfaces”, can alter their properties upon application of external stimuli. [ 1 , 2 ] One particular application fi eld represents the engineering of nanostructured fi lms mimicking cell membranes. [ 3 , 4 ] Such materials offer application potential for sensors, textiles, construction materials, and smart coatings due to a rapid change in surface energy and morphology. [ 5–7 ] The surface response can be triggered by various external stimuli such as light, temperature, electrical potential, mechanical force, magnetic fi eld, pH change, or selective solvent treatment. [ 1 , 8–12 ] A variety of different thi…

Long-Chain Alkyl Epoxides and Glycidyl Ethers: An Underrated Class of Monomers.

Long-chain epoxides and specifically alkyl glycidyl ethers represent a class of highly hydrophobic monomers for anionic ring-opening polymerization (AROP), resulting in apolar aliphatic polyethers. In contrast, poly(ethylene glycol) is known for its high solubility in water. The combination of hydrophobic and hydrophilic monomers in block and statistical copolymerization reactions enables the synthesis of amphiphilic polyethers for a wide range of purposes, utilizing micellar interactions in aqueous solutions, e.g., viscosity enhancement of aqueous solutions, formation of supramolecular hydrogels, or for polymeric surfactants. Controlled polymerization of these highly hydrophobic long-chain…

Myrcenol-Based Monomer for Carbanionic Polymerization: Functional Copolymers with Myrcene and Bio-Based Graft Copolymers

A bio-based hydroxyl group-containing diene monomer, silyl-protected β-myrcenol (MyrOSi), is introduced to the field of carbanionic polymerization. Polymerization in cyclohexane, using sec-butyllit...

Multi-Arm Star Polyglycerol-block-poly(tert-butyl acrylate) and the Respective Multi-Arm Poly(acrylic acid) Stars

Well-defined multi-arm star block copolymers, polyglycerol-block-poly(tert-butyl acrylate) (PG-b-PtBA), with average arm-numbers of 17, 27, 36, 66 and 90 arms, respectively, have been prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of tBA in acetone, using a core-first strategy. After hydrolysis with excess concentrated HCl in refluxing dioxane, full hydrolysis of the tert-butyl ester groups was achieved, resulting in multi-arm star polyelectrolytes, polyglycerol-block-poly(acrylic acid) (PG-b-PAA). The hyperbranched macroinitiators employed were prepared on the basis of hyperbranched polyglycerols via esterification with 2-bromoisobutyryl bromide. Both CuBr/PMDETA and CuBr/Me 6 TRE…

Optically active amphiphilic hyperbranched polyglycerols as templates for palladium nanoparticles

Abstract We report a systematic study on the encapsulation of palladium nanoparticles in optically active amphiphilic hyperbranched polyglycerols with different optical signs and different degrees of polymerization, namely (−)-P(G 40 C16 0.5 ) 1 and (+)-P(G 73 C16 0.5 ) 2 . Several issues have been addressed here: (a) relatively wide size distributions (1–5 nm) of palladium nanoparticles have been achieved, (b) a remarkable template effect ( 1 , DP n  = 40, 1.2 ± 0.1 nm; 2 , DP n  = 73, 2.3 ± 0.1 nm average particle size) has been observed using TEM technique, as shown by the particle size dependent on the degree of polymerization of the polymers, (c) NaBH 4 is found to be a convenient redu…

How Structure-Related Collapse Mechanisms Determine Nanoscale Inhomogeneities in Thermoresponsive Polymers

Continuous wave electron paramagnetic resonance (CW EPR) spectroscopy on the amphiphilic spin probe TEMPO in solutions of selectively chosen functional, thermoresponsive poly(propylene oxide) (PPO)- and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-based copolymers of both linear and branched structure is used to elucidate their host–guest interactions and inverse phase transitions. Three different fundamental types of host–guest interactions between probes and polymers could be correlated to the phase transition mechanisms (supported by MD simulations), evidencing that these proceed via nanoscale inhomogeneities of the polymers. Because of their ability to host small amphiphilic guest molecules, thermorespon…

“Hard” Sphere Behavior of “Soft”, Globular-like, Hyperbranched Polyglycerols – Extensive Molecular Hydrodynamic and Light Scattering Studies

Whether or not hyperbranched polymers behave like quasi “hard spheres” in solution is the subject of numerous fundamental discussions, also motivated by research on the perfectly branched dendrimer...

Synthesis of Water-Soluble Copolymers Carrying Long-Chain (C12 to C30 ) Aliphatic Moieties

Water-soluble copolymers from mono-1-alkyl itaconates and N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone are synthesized and characterized. Themono-1-alkyl itaconates are prepared from itaconic anhydride and the related alcohol: 1-dodecanol, 1-octadecanol, 1-docosanol, and 1-triacontanol. The mono-1-triacontyl itaconate is synthesized fromplant growth regulator policosanols extracted from Agave fourcrouydes, where 1-triacontanol is the major product. The reactivity ratios, calculated according to the Mao-Huglin method for copolymerizations conducted to medium-high conversions, indicate a tendency toward alternation for all copolymerization reactions. Water solubility of copolymers is provided as a function of copol…

Multifunctional Fe(III)-Binding Polyethers from Hydroxamic Acid-Based Epoxide Monomers.

Multiple hydroxamic acids are introduced at poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) via copolymerization of ethylene oxide with a novel epoxide monomer containing a 1,4,2-dioxazole-protected hydroxamic acid (HAAGE). AB- and ABA-type di- and triblock copolymers as well as statistical copolymers of HAAGE and ethylene oxide are prepared in a molecular weight range between 2600 and 12 000 g mol-1 with low dispersities (Ð < 1.2). Cleavage of the acetal protecting group after the polymerization is achieved by mild acidic treatment, releasing multiple free hydroxamic acids tethered to the polyether backbone. The chelation properties of different polymer architectures (statistical versus diblock and ABA triblo…

Die vielen Gesichter des Poly(ethylenglykol)s

Poly(ethylenglykol) ist in unserem Leben allgegenwartig. Wir begegnen diesem biokompatiblen und hervorragend wasserloslichen Polymer, meist ohne dass uns dies bewusst ist, in fast allen Bereichen des alltaglichen Bedarfs: Von Haut- und Haarpflegeartikeln, uber Kosmetik- und Styling-Produkten bis hin zu Lebensmitteln und Medikamenten. Selbst in der maritimen Militartechnologie und bei der Konservierung geborgener Kulturguter wird es eingesetzt. Dieser Artikel beschaftigt sich mit der Darstellung, den teils uberraschenden Eigenschaften und der Anwendung dieses strukturell simplen, aber faszinierend vielseitigen Polymers.

Water-Soluble Poly(vinylferrocene)-b-Poly(ethylene oxide) Diblock and Miktoarm Star Polymers

We describe the synthesis of water-soluble diblock and miktoarm star polymers consisting of poly(vinylferrocene) (PVFc) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) blocks. First, end-functionalized poly(vinylferrocene) was generated by end-capping the living carbanionic PVFc chains with benzyl glycidyl ether (BGE) or ethoxy ethyl glycidyl ether (EEGE). Acidic hydrolysis of the EEGE-terminated PVFc partially oxidized the PVFc backbone. However, the dihydroxyl end-functional PVFc was obtained in quantitative yields by hydrogenolysis of the BGE-terminated PVFc. A series of block copolymers and AB2 miktoarm star copolymers was obtained in a second polymerization step, utilizing the respective end-functional…

Intrinsic superoxide dismutase activity of MnO nanoparticles enhances the magnetic resonance imaging contrast

Superoxide radicals are associated with the development of many severe diseases, such as cancer. Under nonpathogenic conditions, the natural enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) regulates the intracellular superoxide concentrations, but nearly all tumor tissues show reduced SOD levels. Selective imaging in early progression stages remains a key requirement for efficient cancer diagnosis and treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a noninvasive tool with high spatial resolution may offer advantages here, but MRI contrast agents exhibiting a redox-triggered change in the image contrast towards superoxide radicals have not been reported so far. Here we show that manganese oxide (MnO) nanop…

Hyperbranched Polyglycerols (Synthesis and Applications)

Carbanions on Tap – Living Anionic Polymerization in a Microstructured Reactor

The paper describes the living anionic polymerization of styrenes to homo- and diblock copolymers in continuous flow, using a microstructured mixing set-up ("microreactor"). Reaction times and experimental effort are significantly reduced compared to classical batch methods that often require stringent reaction conditions and strict drying of the apparatus by "break-seal" and "high vacuum" techniques. In continuous flow, residual impurities can be removed by purging the reactor with monomer and initiator solution before polymer samples are collected at the device outlet on a scale of up to 200 g.h -1 . Facile molecular weight adjustment is achieved by variation of the flow rates of initiato…

Celebrating 100 years of “polymer science”: Hermann Staudinger's 1920 manifesto

The first translation into English of Hermann Staudinger's seminal 1920 paper ‘On polymerisation’, to mark its 100 year anniversary.

Relationship between the structure of amphiphilic copolymers and their ability to disturb lipid bilayers.

Nonionic amphiphiles and particularly block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide (Pluronics) cause pronounced chemosensitization of tumor cells that exhibit multiple resistance to antineoplastic drugs. This effect is due to inhibition of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) responsible for drug efflux. It was suggested that the inhibition of P-gp might be due to changes in its lipid surrounding. Indeed, high dependence of P-gp activity on the membrane microviscosity was demonstrated [Regev et al. (1999) Eur. J. Biochem. 259, 18-24], suggesting that the ability of Pluronics to affect the P-gp activity is mediated by their effect on the membrane structure. We have found recently that adsorption …

Glycidyl Tosylate: Polymerization of a “Non‐Polymerizable” Monomer permits Universal Post‐Functionalization of Polyethers

Abstract Glycidyl tosylate appears to be a non‐polymerizable epoxide when nucleophilic initiators are used because of the excellent leaving group properties of the tosylate. However, using the monomer‐activated mechanism, this unusual monomer can be copolymerized with ethylene oxide (EO) and propylene oxide (PO), respectively, yielding copolymers with 7–25 % incorporated tosylate‐moieties. The microstructure of the copolymers was investigated via in situ 1H NMR spectroscopy, and the reactivity ratios of the copolymerizations have been determined. Quantitative nucleophilic substitution of the tosylate‐moiety is demonstrated for several examples. This new structure provides access to a librar…

The effect of THF and the chelating modifier DTHFP on the copolymerisation of β-myrcene and styrene: kinetics, microstructures, morphologies, and mechanical properties

The statistical anionic copolymerisation of the biobased monomer β-myrcene with styrene in cyclohexane was investigated via in situ near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, focusing on the influence of the modifiers (i.e., Lewis bases) tetrahydrofuran (THF) and 2,2-di(2-tetrahydrofuryl)propane (DTHFP) on the reactivity ratios. With increasing [modifier]/[Li] ratio, the reactivity ratios in the system myrcene/styrene are adjustable from rS ≪ rMyrvia rS ≈ rMyr to rS ≫ rMyr. The bidentate modifier DTHFP affects the reactivity ratios much more than THF: minute amounts only (0.35 equivalent relative to Li) are required to randomize the copolymer, and one equivalent to invert the reactivity ratios. Usin…

Amine N-Oxide Kinetic Hydrate Inhibitor Polymers for High-Salinity Applications

A series of glycidyl amine N-oxide polyethers with cyclic and acyclic amine N-oxide side groups and their block copolymers with poly(propylene) oxide (Mn in the range of 1.8–6.4 kg/mol) have been s...

Ionic Liquids on Demand in Continuous Flow

We report on the development of an alternative protocol for the facile, solvent-free synthesis of various novel imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) that affords highly pure products without the necessity of subsequent purification steps. The continuous approach is based on the combination of HPLC pumps with a micromixer and a capillary residence tube. Our system provides a high degree of control over the alkylation reactions due to a high surface-to-volume ratio and superior heat and mass transport. Within the scope of our studies, we focused on ionic liquids containing differently substituted phenyl rings and characterized these compounds with respect to further use for direct applicatio…

A road less traveled to functional polymers: epoxide termination in living carbanionic polymer synthesis.

Functional polymers possess tremendous potential both in academia and in industry. In particular, oxiranes offer manifold possibilities for the introduction of single hydroxyl or multiple orthogonal functionalities in carbanionic polymerization. Here, we present a brief overview of the fascinating possibilities arising from the employment of common as well as individually designed epoxide derivatives for the synthesis of end-functional polymers. Continuous flow techniques can be utilized for the rapid generation and screening of precisely defined hydroxyl-modified polymers. The utilization of functionalized polymers as precursors for the formation of complex macromolecular architectures (e.…

Vinylphenylglycidyl ether-based colloidal architectures: high-functionality crosslinking reagents, hybrid raspberry-type particles and smart hydrophobic surfaces

An efficient synthetic strategy for the preparation of monodisperse colloidal core/shell architectures with reactive epoxy functionalities is reported, based on the bifunctional vinylphenylglycidyl ether monomer. Accessibility of the reactive immobilized epoxy moieties was quantified by UV/vis spectroscopy in an isorefractive medium. Inorganic–organic hybrid raspberry-type architectures revealed a tremendous inpact on the surface wettability of water.

Synthesis, Characterization and Preliminary Biological Evaluation of P(HPMA)-b-P(LLA) Copolymers: A New Type of Functional Biocompatible Block Copolymer

We describe a synthetic pathway to functional P(HPMA)-b-P(LLA) block copolymers. The synthesis relies on a combination of ring-opening polymerization of L-lactide, conversion into a chain transfer agent (CTA) for the RAFT polymerization of pentafluorophenyl methacrylate. A series of block copolymers was prepared that exhibited molecular weights $\overline M _{\rm n}$ ranging from 7 600 to 34 300 g · mol(-1) , with moderate PDI between 1.3 and 1.45. These reactive precursor polymers have been transformed into biocompatible P(HPMA)-b-P(LLA) copolymers and their fluorescently labeled derivatives by facile replacement of the pentafluorophenyl groups. The fluorescence label attached to this new …

Microstructured Reactors for Polymer Synthesis: A Renaissance of Continuous Flow Processes for Tailor-Made Macromolecules?

Organic synthesis in microfluidic devices has attracted increasing interest in recent years. However, little efforts had been undertaken to exploit this novel technology for polymer chemistry until several recent studies demonstrated the interesting potential of microreactors for the synthesis and modification of polymers. In fact, anionic polymerizations in continuous capillary flow-tube systems were established already in 1962 in pioneering work by Szwarc. Subsequent work focused on detailed kinetic analyses in such reactors. The present article explores different current strategies developed by several research groups to realize bulk and solution polymerizations using continuous flow mic…

Linear–dendritic block copolymers: The state of the art and exciting perspectives

Concurrent with the rapid development of both dendrimers and hyperbranched polymers, a novel class of block copolymer architectures has emerged from the combination of these dendritic architectures with linear chains, the “linear–dendritic block copolymers” (LDBCs). This review gives a comprehensive summary of the state of the art in this rapidly developing field from pioneering early work to promising recent approaches.The different strategies leading to these hybrid architectures with either perfect dendrimer/dendron building blocks or imperfect, yet more conveniently accessible hyperbranched segments, are reviewed and compared. The consequences of the unusual polymer topology for supramo…

Hyperbranched Polyglycerols: From the Controlled Synthesis of Biocompatible Polyether Polyols to Multipurpose Applications

Dendritic macromolecules with random branch-on-branch topology, termed hyperbranched polymers in the late 1980s, have a decided advantage over symmetrical dendrimers by virtue of typically being accessible in a one-step synthesis. Saving this synthetic effort once had an unfortunate consequence, though: hyperbranching polymerization used to result in a broad distribution of molecular weights (that is, very high polydispersities, often M(w)/M(n)5). By contrast, a typical dendrimer synthesis yields a single molecule (in other words, M(w)/M(n) = 1.0), albeit by a labor-intensive, multistep process. But 10 years ago, Sunder and colleagues reported the controlled synthesis of well-defined hyperb…

A Nonconventional Approach toward Multihydroxy Functional Polystyrenes Relying on a Simple Grignard Reagent

Capitalizing on the inertness of styrene toward Grignard reagents, 4-vinylphenylmagnesium bromide was utilized for the rapid and convenient preparation of the protected monomer 2,2-dimethyl-4-(4-vi...

Chiroptical Induction and Molecular Recognition in Optically Active Hyperbranched Polyethers with Inherently Chiral Benzophenone Core

The “Needle in the Haystack” Makes the Difference: Linear and Hyperbranched Polyglycerols with a Single Catechol Moiety for Metal Oxide Nanoparticle Coating

Multifunctional linear (CA-linPG) and hyperbranched polyglycerols (CA-hbPG) bearing a single catechol unit were synthesized by use of an acetonide-protected catechol initiator for the anionic polymerization of ethoxyethyl glycidyl ether (EEGE) and glycidol, respectively. A key feature for the synthesis of the hyperbranched structures was a selective, partial acetal deprotection step. The single catechol unit among a large number of aliphatic 1,2- and 1,3-diol moieties (i.e., the “needle in the haystack”) in both linear and hyperbranched polyglycerols permits dispersion of transition metal oxide nanoparticles in brine, as demonstrated for manganese oxide (MnO) nanoparticles. Molecular weight…

Amphiphilic Linear-Hyperbranched Block Copolymers with Linear Poly(ethylene oxide) and Hyperbranched Poly(carbosilane) Block

The synthesis of amphiphilic linear-hyperbranched block copolymers with a linear poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) segment and a hyperbranched poly(carbosilane)s (PCS) block in a rapid three-step strategy is described, combining oxyanionic polymerization with carbosilane chemistry. A linear precursor block copolymer was synthesized via anionic polymerization of allyl glycidyl ether onto a commercial hydroxyl-terminated PEO, using its cesium alkoxide as macro-initiator. The resulting linear AB or ABA-type di- or triblock copolymers serve as polymer cores for the subsequent hydrosilylation polyaddition of an AB2-type carbosilane monomer. Di(allyl)methylsilane or methyldi(undec-10-enylsilane) were em…

Hydroxamic Acid: An Underrated Moiety? Marrying Bioinorganic Chemistry and Polymer Science

Even 150 years after their discovery, hydroxamic acids are mainly known as the starting material for the Lossen rearrangement in textbooks. However, hydroxamic acids feature a plethora of existing and potential applications ranging from medical purposes to materials science, based on their excellent complexation properties. This underrated functional moiety can undergo a broad variety of organic transformations and possesses unique coordination properties for a large variety of metal ions, for example, Fe(III), Zn(II), Mn(II), and Cr(III). This renders it ideal for biomedical applications in the field of metal-associated diseases or the inhibition of metalloenzymes, as well as for the separ…

Handbook of Industrial Water Soluble Polymers. Edited by Peter Williams.

Amino-functional polyethers: versatile, stimuli-responsive polymers

Due to the increasing demand for “smart” materials and systems e.g. for actuators, microvalves, but also for drug delivery, electrooptical devices and many other applications, multi-stimuli responsive materials such as amino-functional polymers are attracting increasing attention in recent years. The hydrophilic character and excellent biocompatibility of the polyether backbone, in combination with multi-stimuli responsive amine moieties, offer intriguing opportunities for a wide range of applications, such as bioconjugation, stimuli-responsive drug delivery and surface modification. Furthermore, the controlled introduction of amino-functionalities at the polyether backbone via copolymeriza…

Phosphonylation Controls the Protein Corona of Multifunctional Polyglycerol-Modified Nanocarriers.

Nanocarriers are a platform for modern drug delivery. In contact with blood, proteins adsorb to nanocarriers, altering their behavior in vivo. To reduce unspecific protein adsorption and unspecific cellular uptake, nanocarriers are modified with hydrophilic polymers like poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). However, with PEG the attachment of further functional structures such as targeting units is limited. A method to introduce multifunctionality via polyglycerol (PG) while maintaining the hydrophilicity of PEG is introduced. Different amounts of negatively charged phosphonate groups (up to 29 mol%) are attached to the multifunctional PGs (Mn 2-4 kg mol-1 , Ð < 1.36) by post-modification. PGs are …

Aminofunctional polyethers: smart materials for applications in solution and on surfaces

In recent years, biocompatible polyethers with multi-aminofunctionality have been used for a variety of applications in different fields. Both established and recently developed synthesis strategies for such polymers and applications as stimuli-responsive materials, non-viral vectors, shell crosslinked micelles and for surface functionalization are reviewed. The intriguing potential of such materials is due to both polyether and polyamine components and can thus be readily tuned by the copolymer microstructure and composition. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry

Rapid Synthesis and MALDI-ToF Characterization of Poly(ethylene oxide) Multiarm Star Polymers

Multiarm PEO star polymers with a purely aliphatic polyether structure have been synthesized using hyperbranched polyglycerol (PG) with different molecular weights as a multifunctional initiator. Different degrees of deprotonation of the initiator were studied with respect to molecular weight control. The results show that the degree of deprotonation is a crucial parameter for the synthesis of well-defined polymers with controlled molecular weights. Partial deprotonation of the PG hydroxyl groups (5-8%) was proven to represent an optimum for the synthesis of star polymers with molecular masses close to the theoretical values. Molecular weights of the stars ranged between 9 000 and 30000g · …

Supramolecular Linear-g-Hyperbranched Graft Polymers: Topology and Binding Strength of Hyperbranched Side Chains

Complex, reversible hyperbranched graft polymer topologies have been obtained by spontaneous self-assembly. Well-defined adamantyl- and β-cyclodextrin-functionalized polymers were employed to generate linear-g-(linear–hyperbranched) supramolecular graft terpolymers. For this purpose the synthesis of monoadamantyl-functionalized linear polyglycerols (Ada-linPG) and hyperbranched polyglycerols (Ada-hbPG) as well as poly(ethylene glycol)-block-linear polyglycerol (Ada-PEG-b-linPG) and poly(ethylene glycol)-block-hyperbranched poly(glycerol) (Ada-PEG-b-hbPG) block copolymers was established. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) with β-cyclodextrin revealed a shielding effect of hyperbranched …

Correlations between Ion Conductivity and Polymer Dynamics in Hyperbranched Poly(ethylene oxide) Electrolytes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Poly(ethylene oxide)s with varying degrees of hyperbranching are effective at preventing the crystallization of PEO and lead to approximately a 100-fold increase in the Li-ion conductivity below 50 °C as compared with linear PEO. The Li-ion conductivities, which increase further upon permethylation of the hydroxyl termini, are found to correlate quantitatively with the fast segmental dynamics of PEO as measured by inelastic neutron scattering.

Tailoring Novel PTFE Surface Properties: Promoting Cell Adhesion and Antifouling Properties via a Wet Chemical Approach

Many biomaterials used for tissue engineering applications lack cell-adhesiveness and, in addition, are prone to nonspecific adsorption of proteins. This is especially important for blood-contacting devices such as vascular grafts and valves where appropriate surface properties should inhibit the initial attachment of platelets and promote endothelial cell colonization. As a consequence, the long-term outcome of the implants would be improved and the need for anticoagulation therapy could be reduced or even abolished. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a frequently used polymer for various medical applications, was wet-chemically activated and subsequently modified by grafting the endothelial …

Role of Topology and Amphiphilicity for Guest Encapsulation in Functionalized Hyperbranched Poly(ethylenimine)s

The promising potential of dendrimers in a variety of areas, such as catalysis, materials science and biomedicine is related to their globular shape, large number of modifiable surface functionalities and the presence of internal reservoirs.1 Their use in liquidliquid-phase transfer protocols, based on the encapsulation of guest molecules as drug delivery vehicles for pharmaceutical application, represents an important issue.2 Unfortunately, dendrimer synthesis is timeconsuming, which currently limits practical use to laboratory scale. For that reason, hyperbranched polymers prepared from ABm-type monomers in one-step processes have gained increasing interest.3 The development of the slow m…

Solution-processed transparent ferroelectric nylon thin films

We have developed a method to solution process strongly hydrogen-bonded odd nylons into ferroelectric thin films.

Synthesis of Oxetane-Functional Aliphatic Polyesters via Enzymatic Polycondensation

Synthesis, characterization, and thermal properties of a series of oxetane-functional aliphatic polyesters are investigated. The incorporation of the acid-sensitive 3,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)oxetane (BHMO) into polymers is achieved by using the enzyme CALB (Candida antarctica Lipase B) as a catalyst. This mild synthetic strategy provides well-defined, oxetane-functional polyesters. The enzymatic polycondensation allows for the synthesis of a series of aliphatic polyesters containing various ratios of the difunctional monomers sebacic acid, 1,8-octanediol, and BHMO with molecular weights between 5000–9800 g mol−1 and polydispersity indices (Mw/Mn) in the range of 1.25 and 1.92. Furthermore, cros…

Well-Defined Multi-Amino-Functional and Stimuli-Responsive Poly(propylene oxide) by Crown Ether Assisted Anionic Ring-Opening Polymerization

Multi-amino-functional poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) copolymers were synthesized by the anionic ring-opening copolymerization (AROP) of N,N-diethyl glycidyl amine (DEGA) and propylene oxide (PO). A solvent free synthesis route using potassium counterions and crown ether for the AROP enabled controlled (co)polymerization with full conversion. The strategy provided access to PPO-b-PDEGA block copolymers, statistical PPO-co-PDEGA copolymers, and, for the first time, PDEGA homopolymer. Molecular weights in the range of 1400 to 4200 g/mol (Mn) and dispersities (Mw/Mn) below 1.1 were obtained. Both the kinetics and resulting microstructure of the statistical copolymerization were investigated by in…

Squaric Acid Mediated Synthesis and Biological Activity of a Library of Linear and Hyperbranched Poly(Glycerol)-Protein Conjugates

Polymer-protein conjugates generated from side chain functional synthetic polymers are attractive because they can be easily further modified with, for example, labeling groups or targeting ligands. The residue specific modification of proteins with side chain functional synthetic polymers using the traditional coupling strategies may be compromised due to the nonorthogonality of the side-chain and chain-end functional groups of the synthetic polymer, which may lead to side reactions. This study explores the feasibility of the squaric acid diethyl ester mediated coupling as an amine selective, hydroxyl tolerant, and hydrolysis insensitive route for the preparation of side-chain functional, …

Living Anionic Polymerization Celebrates 60 Years: Unique Features and Polymer Architectures

Systematic Variation of the Degree of Branching (DB) of Polyglycerol via Oxyanionic Copolymerization of Glycidol with a Protected Glycidyl Ether and Its Impact on Rheological Properties

Electrocatalytic Properties of Carbosilane‐Based Hyperbranched Polymers Functionalized with Interacting Ferrocenyl Units

Two types of hyperbranched ferrocene-containing polycarbosilanes were obtained by hydrosilylation of polydiallylmethylsilane (hb-PDAMS) and polymethyldiundecenylsilane (hb-PMDUS) with diferrocenylmethylsilane. The redox properties of both polymers have been investigated both in solution and confined onto platinum electrodes. The electrocatalytic activity of polymer-modified electrodes toward the reduction of oxygen as well as the electrochemical reduction and oxidation of hydrogen peroxide has been examined.

Iron Oxide Superparticles with Enhanced MRI Performance by Solution Phase Epitaxial Growth

Organized three-dimensional (3D) nanomaterial architectures are promising candidates for applications in optoelectronics, catalysis, or theranostics owing to their anisotropy and advanced structural features that allow tailoring their physical and chemical properties. The synthesis of such complex but well-organized nanomaterials is difficult because the interplay of interfacial strain and facet-specific reactivity must be considered. Especially the magnetic anisotropy with controlled size and morphology plays a decisive role for applications like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and advanced data storage. We present a solution phase seed mediated synthesis of colloidal, well dispersible ir…

α ,ω n -Heterotelechelic Hyperbranched Polyethers Solubilize Carbon Nanotubes

The synthesis of novel linear-hyperbranched (linhb) polyether block copolymers based on poly(ethylene oxide) and branched poly(glycerol), bearing a single pyrene or myristyl moiety at the α-position of the linear chain is described. The polymers exhibit low polydispersity (M w /M n < 1.3) and controlled molecular weights (M n = 5 000 g·mol -1 ). The mainly hydrophilic block copolymers with multiple hydroxyl end groups readily dissolve multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in water by mixing and subsequent sonification, resulting in noncovalent attachment of the linhb hybrid structure to the carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to visualize the solubil…

Universal glue for cells

A dendritic polymer consisting of inversely oriented lipid head groups on a polyvalent polyglycerol scaffold makes an effective reversible biomembrane adhesive that may find use as a tissue sealant and a drug-delivery vehicle.

N‑Oxide Polyethers as Kinetic Hydrate Inhibitors: Side Chain Ring Size Makes the Difference

The formation of gas hydrates in flow lines is one of the most severe problems for flow assurance in the gas and oil industry. Developing effective kinetic hydrate inhibitors (KHIs) to avoid the problem of gas hydrate formation has attracted widespread attention. In this study, a series of poly(glycidyl amine N-oxide)s (PGAOs) with 5–7-membered rings as side chains, poly(pyrrolidine glycidyl amine N-oxide)s (PPyrGAOs), poly(piperidine glycidyl amine N-oxide)s (PPiGAOs), and poly(azepane glycidyl amine N-oxide)s (PAzGAOs), with varying molecular weights, have been synthesized. The KHI performance of these glycidyl amine N-oxide polyethers has been evaluated in high-pressure rocking cells wit…

Stable, hydroxyl functional polycarbonates with glycerol side chains synthesized from CO(2) and isopropylidene(glyceryl glycidyl ether).

A series of functional polycarbonates, poly((isopropylidene glyceryl glycidyl ether)-co-(glycidyl methyl ether) carbonate) (P((IGG-co-GME) C)) random copolymers with different fractions of 1,2-isopropylidene glyceryl glycidyl ether (IGG) units, is synthesized. After acidic hydrolysis of the acetal protecting groups, a new type of functional polycarbonate prepared directly from CO(2) and glycerol is obtained, namely poly((glyceryl glycerol)-co-(glycidyl methyl ether) carbonate) (P((GG-co-GME) C)). All hydroxyl functional samples exhibit monomodal molecular weight distributions with PDIs between 2.5 and 3.3 and M(n) between 12 000 and 25 000 g mol(-1) . Thermal properties reflect the amorphou…

Functional Polycarbonates from Carbon Dioxide and Tailored Epoxide Monomers: Degradable Materials and Their Application Potential

Gold Nanoparticles Coated with a Thermosensitive Hyperbranched Polyelectrolyte: Towards Smart Temperature and pH Nanosensors

Non-linear effect of 18-crown-6 in propylene oxide polymerization with potassium glycidoxide used as the inimer

A new initiating system containing potassium glycidoxide as the inimer and 18-crown-6 as the activator was used for propylene oxide polymerization. It was found that the rate of the reaction increased together with the crown ether concentration in a rather unexpected way. Two maxima of that parameter were found in the case of crown ether : inimer molar ratio equal to 3:1 and 6:1. On the other hand, the molecular weight of polymers showed two minima in those conditions. The heterogeneity of the reaction mixture and interactions between species present in the system could be responsible for the phenomena observed. The polydispersity of the polymers obtained was equal to about 1.2 and it was i…

Stimuli-Responsive Tertiary Amine Functional PEGs Based on N,N-Dialkylglycidylamines

Amine-functional poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) copolymers have been prepared that exhibit thermo- and pH- responsive behavior in aqueous solution. Three novel tertiary di(n-alkyl)glycidylamine monomers have been introduced for anionic ring-opening copolymerization (AROcP) with ethylene oxide (EO): N,N-di(n-butyl)glycidylamine (DButGA), N,N-di(n-hexyl)glycidylamine (DHexGA), and N,N-di(n-octyl)glycidylamine (DOctGA). Via controlled AROcP we synthesized well-defined (Mw/Mn = 1.05–1.14), water-soluble block- and gradient-type PEG copolymers, containing up to 25 mol % of the respective dialkylglycidylamine comonomer. Molecular weights ranged from 4900 to 12 000 g mol–1. Detailed in-situ 1H NMR ki…

Multiarm star polyglycerol-block-poly(HEMA) as a versatile precursor for the preparation of micellar nanocapsules with different properties

Well-defined multiarm star polymer with hyperbranched polyglycerol as core and poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) as arms were used as precursor for the preparation of inverted and aqueous micellar nanocapsules. The partial modification of the hydroxyl groups of PHEMA arms with aliphatic chains led to the formation of inverted micellar nanocapsules. The hydrophilic dye encapsulation capacity of the inverted micelles can be enhanced significantly by transforming the inner hydroxyl groups of PHEMA arms into quaternized amine groups. The modification of the outer and inner hydroxyl groups of PHEMA arms with polyethylene glycol acid chloride and pivaloyl chloride, respectively, resulted …

Controllable Nonspecific Protein Adsorption by Charged Hyperbranched Polyglycerol Thin Films

Antifouling thin films derived from charged hyperbranched polyglycerol (hbPG) layers were fabricated and evaluated. The anionic hbPG (a-hbPG) monolayers and cationic hbPG/anionic hbPG (c/a-hbPG) bilayers were adsorbed on the underlying self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of cysteamine and 3-mercaptopropionic acid (3-MPA) by electrostatic interaction, respectively, and their procession was monitored by surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy (SPR). The adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and fibrinogen on the premade a-hbPG and c/a-hbPG thin films was measured and the capability of these thin films to resist nonspecific protein adsorption was evaluated by SPR as well. It is observed that th…

Water-soluble polyesters from long chain alkylesters of citric acid and poly(ethylene glycol)

Abstract Long chain aliphatic alcohols have been used as model compounds to develop a preparative method for a water-soluble material, which could be a carrier for triacontanol, a highly hydrophobic plant growth regulator. New polyesters from long chain aliphatic (C = 12, 18 and 22) mono-1-alkyl citrates and poly(ethylene glycol) were synthesized and characterized by NMR spectroscopy. The polyester containing the triacontyl moiety was obtained from mono-1-triacontyl citrate, which was synthesized from the corresponding alcohol extracted from the Agave fourcroydes . The molecular weight M ¯ n of the polyesters depends on experimental conditions during synthesis such as reaction time, atmosph…

Hyperbranched poly(glycolide) copolymers with glycerol branching points via ring-opening copolymerization

Abstract Sn(Oct) 2 -catalyzed synthesis of hyperbranched poly(glycolide) copolymers with glycerol branching points in the backbone is possible via ring-opening multi-branching copolymerization (ROMBP) of glycolide and 5HDON (5-hydroxymethyl-1,4-dioxan-2-one). Using this strategy, well-defined and soluble branched polyesters with apparent molecular weights (M n ) in the range of 1300–2000 g mol −1 and varying comonomer content (5HDON/glycolide = 30:70–70:30) were obtained. 2D NMR spectroscopy, thermal analysis and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry confirmed the successful incorporation of both monomers and the resulting branched structure. Multiple end group functionality offers the possibility fo…

Orthogonal Click Conjugation to the Liposomal Surface Reveals the Stability of the Lipid Anchorage as Crucial for Targeting

Synthetic access to multiple surface decorations are a bottleneck in the development of liposomes for receptor mediated targeting. This opens a complex multiparameter space, exploration of which is severely limited in terms of sample numbers and turnaround times. Here, we unlock this technological barrier by a combination of a milligram-scale liposome formulation using dual centrifugation and orthogonal click chemistry on the liposomal surface. Application of these techniques to conceptually new amphiphilic compounds, which feature norbornene and alkyne groups at the apex of sterically stabilizing, hyperbranched polyglycerol moieties, revealed a particular influence of the membrane anchor o…

Synthesis and Supramolecular Association of Immobilized NCN-Pincer Platinum(II) Complexes on Hyperbranched Polyglycerol Supports

Pertosylation of hyperbranched polyglycerol (M(n)=2000; M(w)/M(n)=1.3) followed by partial displacement of the tosyl groups with carboxylic acid functionalized NCN-pincer platinum(II) complexes [PtI-2,6-(NMe(2)CH(2))(2)C(6)H(2)-4-COOH], resulted in covalent attachment of the NCN-pincer complexes to the polyglycerol. These functionalized hyperbranched macromolecules have been characterized by (1)H, (13)C, and (195)Pt NMR, UV-visible, and IR spectroscopy. The presence of Pt and I atoms renders them directly visible by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) without staining procedures, which offers images of associated hyperbranched macromolecules. TEM micrographs show disk-shaped structures w…

Catechol-Initiated Polyethers: Multifunctional Hydrophilic Ligands for PEGylation and Functionalization of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles

Bifunctional CA-PEG (catechol-poly(ethylene glycol)) and multifunctional CA-PEG-PGA/PEVGE (poly(glycidyl amine)/poly(ethylene glycol vinyl glycidyl ether)) ligands for the functionalization and solubilization of nanoparticles are introduced. Tunable polymers with polydispersities1.25 and molecular weights in the range 500-7700 g mol(-1) containing a catechol moiety for conjugation to metal oxide nanoparticles were prepared. The functional PEG ligands were synthesized starting from the acetonide-protected catechol initiator 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-benzodioxole-5-propanol (CA-OH) for oxyanionic polymerization. CA-OH was used both for homopolymerization of ethylene oxide (EO) as well as copolymerizat…

Local and Subchain Relaxation of Polyisoprene in Multiblock Copolymers with a Tapered Interface

We report on the local and (sub-) chain dynamics in a new class of tapered multiblock copolymers synthesized by the repeated statistical living anionic copolymerization of a mixture of isoprene and...

Aminal Protection of Epoxide Monomer Permits the Introduction of Multiple Secondary Amine Moieties at Poly(ethylene glycol).

In contrast to acetal groups, aminal moieties are almost unknown in polymer chemistry. The aminal-protected isopropyl-hexahydro-pyrimidine glycidyl amine (PyGA) for the anionic ring-opening polymerization (AROP) is introduced. The monomer is prepared in a two-step synthesis and can be polymerized in a well-controlled manner under AROP conditions. Several poly(ethylene glycol) block and triblock copolymers are synthesized in a molecular weight range from 2 700 to 11 400 g mol-1 with up to 11 mol% PyGA. The molecular weight distributions are monomodal with low dispersity (Đ = Mw /Mn ) below 1.2. After the polymerization, the acid-labile hexahydro-pyrimidine rings can be conveniently cleaved i…

Hierachical Ni@Fe2O3superparticles through epitaxial growth of γ-Fe2O3nanorods on: In situ formed Ni nanoplates

One endeavour of nanochemistry is the bottom-up synthesis of functional mesoscale structures from basic building blocks. We report a one-pot wet chemical synthesis of Ni@γ-Fe2O3 superparticles containing Ni cores densely covered with highly oriented γ-Fe2O3 (maghemite) nanorods (NRs) by controlled reduction/decomposition of nickel acetate (Ni(ac)2) and Fe(CO)5. Automated diffraction tomography (ADT) of the Ni-Fe2O3 interface in combination with Mossbauer spectroscopy showed that selective and oriented growth of the γ-Fe2O3 nanorods on the Ni core is facilitated through the formation of a Fe0.05Ni0.95 alloy and the appearance of superstructure features that may reduce strain at the Ni-Fe2O3 …

Rheological Consequences of Hydrogen Bonding: Linear Viscoelastic Response of Linear Polyglycerol and Its Permethylated Analogues as a General Model for Hydroxyl-Functional Polymers

Viscoelastic properties of linear, hydroxyl-functional polymers are only little understood with respect to the effect of functional group interactions. Melt rheology and thermal phase transitions of linear polyethers (polyglycerol, linPG-OH) and their methylated analogues (linPG-OMe) in a broad molecular weight range (Mn = 1–100 kg/mol) with low polydispersities (PDI) have been investigated as a general model for hydroxyl-functional polymers with respect to their functionality and hydrogen bond interactions. We provide detailed insight into the rheodynamics of nonentangled and well-entangled polyethers bearing one functional group per monomer unit. Booij–Palmen plots (BBP) revealed failure …

Langmuir and Langmuir-Blodgett films of multifunctional, amphiphilic polyethers with cholesterol moieties.

Langmuir films of multifunctional, hydrophilic polyethers containing a hydrophobic cholesterol group (Ch) were studied by surface pressure-mean molecular area (π-mmA) measurements and Brewster angle microscopy (BAM). The polyethers were either homopolymers or diblock copolymers of linear poly(glycerol) (lPG), linear poly(glyceryl glycidyl ether) (lPGG), linear poly(ethylene glycol) (lPEG), or hyperbranched poly(glycerol) (hbPG). Surface pressure measurements revealed that the homopolymers lPG and hbPG did not stay at the water surface after spreading and solvent evaporation, in contrast to lPEG. Because of the incorporation of the Ch group in the polymer structure, stable Langmuir films wer…

Living Polymer Chains with Predictable Molecular Weight and Dispersity via Carbanionic Polymerization in Continuous Flow: Mixing Rate as a Key Parameter

Aiming at systematic variation of the parameter dispersity, Đ (or “polydispersity”), living polymers with predictable dispersity (Đ = 1.15–2.20) and controlled molecular weights (Mn = 3200–18 500 g mol–1) were prepared via carbanionic polymerization. The approach relies on a continuous flow reactor equipped with a tangential four-way jet micromixing device. By varying the total flow rate, the mixing efficiency of the initiator (sec-BuLi) and the corresponding vinyl monomers is controlled, resulting in polymers with predefined dispersity, while the number-average molecular weight, Mn, is kept constant. In this manner living polystyrene (PS), poly(p-methylstyrene) (PpMeS), and poly(2-vinylpyr…

Oxidation-responsive polyether block copolymers lead to non-ionic polymer surfactants with multiple amine N-oxides

Block copolymers consisting of a nonpolar poly(propylene oxide) block and a poly(glycidyl amine) block were prepared by anionic ring-opening polymerization (AROP). The tertiary amine groups of the block copolymers were quantitively transformed into the corresponding zwitterionic amine N-oxides, as confirmed by 1H NMR and 15N NMR spectroscopy. This leads to strongly amphiphilic polyether block copolymers with multiple N-oxides. Full oxidation of the amine groups was also possible in situ in an emulsion, demonstrating the oxidation-responsive character of this new class of non-ionic polymeric surfactants.

A convenient approach to amphiphilic hyperbranched polymers with thioether shell for the preparation and stabilization of coinage metal (Cu, Ag, Au) nanoparticles

Aliphatic Hyperbranched Copolyesters by Combination of ROP and AB2-Polycondensation

Hyperbranched aliphatic copolyesters have been prepared by the copolymerization of e-caprolactone and 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)butyric acid (AB 2 -monomer), catalyzed by (i) HfCl 4 (THF) 2 and (ii) diphenylammonium trifluoromethanesulfonate (DPAT), respectively. In both cases, copolymerization by combined ROP/AB 2 -Polycondensation was achieved. The degree of branching (DB) and consequently the density of functional groups of the resulting copolyesters were controlled by the comonomer ratio in the feed. Molecular weights in the range M n =22 000-166 000 g mot -1 (GPC, PS standards) were obtained, with apparent polydispersity indices of 1.20 to 1.95. The DB was in the range 0.03-0.35. Remarkabl…

Macromol. Rapid Commun. 3/2010

Introducing an amine functionality at the block junction of amphiphilic block copolymers by anionic polymerization strategies

A series of block copolymers bearing a single amino in-chain functionality was synthesized via anionic polymerization of styrene and ethylene oxide. By means of both a conventional and a continuous setup, living polystyrene was quantitatively end functionalized with an oxirane (DBAG) prior to the polymerization of the poly(ethylene oxide) segment. The in-chain amine was conjugated with a fluorescent dye.

Soluble oligoaramide precursors--a novel class of building blocks for rod-coil architectures.

A new synthetic route is described that allows the reversible conversion of the inherently insoluble oligo-p-benzamides into soluble materials through the formation of imidoyl chlorides. Syntheses of the corresponding dimer, trimer, and tetramer are reported; these compounds can easily be purified by crystallization and are accessible on the multigram scale. Structural proof was obtained by single-crystal X-ray structures of the trimer and tetramer precursors. They can be selectively functionalized into amides or esters at the terminal carboxylic acid group followed by hydrolysis of the imidoyl chlorides to the parent amides. This new class of compounds gives access to strongly aggregating …

Impact of Amino-Functionalization on the Response of Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) to External Stimuli

It is shown that amino-functionalization of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with the comonomer N,N-diethyl glycidyl amine (DEGA) triggers the emergence of extraordinary stimuli responsiveness and phase behavior of PEG. In dependence of the solution pH, tapered PEG-co-PDEGA exhibits a highly cooperative two-step inverse phase transition with respect to temperature. The polymer forms dispersed metastable nanoglobules in the medically relevant temperature range around human body temperature. Independently, cloud points can be adjusted between 40 and 90 °C via the pH of the solution. Changing the polymer architecture to a block structure, in pronounced contrast, the polymer exhibits a gradual growt…

Ferrocenyl-functionalized long chain branched polydienes

A convenient two-step approach for the synthesis of ferrocenyl-functionalized long chain branched polydienes, based on both butadiene and isoprene, respectively, is presented. Classical living anionic polymerization was used to synthesize different AB n type poly(diene) macromonomers with moderate molecular weights between 1700 and 3200 g/mol and narrow polydispersity. Quantitative end-capping with chlorodimethylsilane resulted in the desired AB n macromonomer structures. In the ensuing Pt-catalyzed hydrosilylation polyaddition, branched, functionalized polydienes were obtained by a concurrent AB n + AR type of copolymerization with mono-and difunctional ferrocenyl silanes (fcSiMe 2 H or fc…

Physicochemical and Preclinical Evaluation of Spermine-Derived Surfactant Liposomes for in Vitro and in Vivo siRNA-Delivery to Liver Macrophages

Herein we report on a liposomal system for siRNA delivery consisting of cholesterol (Chol), distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC), and surfactant TF (1-hydroxy-50-amino-3,4,7,10,13,16,19,22-octaoxa-37,41,45-triaza-pentacontane), a novel spermine derivative (HO-EG8-C12-spermine) which has shown improved siRNA delivery to cells in vitro and in vivo. Predominantly single-walled liposomes with reproducible sizes and moderately broad size distributions were generated with an automated extrusion device. The liposomes remained stable when prepared in the presence of siRNA at N/P ratios of 17-34. However, when mixed with human serum in equal volumes, larger aggregates in the size range of several hu…

Could allergen-specific immunotherapy benefit from the use of nanocarriers?

Allergen-specific immunotherapy: challenges The total number of people suffering from allergic diseases increased dramatically during recent decades. Allergic reactions of the immediate type (type I hypersensitivity reactions according to classification by Coombs and Gell) involve an overreaction of the immune system and the formation of IgE

Pioneering investigators 2019

This themed issue of Polymer Chemistry highlights the work of pioneering investigators in the polymer chemistry field. Associate Editors Emily Pentzer and Holger Frey introduce the issue.

Long-Chain Branched Poly(Lactide)s Based on Polycondensation of AB2 -type Macromonomers

A series of long-chain branched poly(d-/l-lactide)s is synthesized in a two-step protocol by (1) ring-opening polymerization of lactide and (2) subsequent condensation of the preformed AB2 macromonomers promoted by different coupling reagents. The linear AB2 macromonomers are prepared by Sn(Oct)2-catalyzed ROP of D- and L-lactide with 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)butyric acid (BHB) as an initiator. Optimization of the polymerization conditions allows for the preparation of well-defined macromonomers (Mw/Mn = 1.09–1.30) with adjustable molecular weights (760–7200 g mol−1). The two-step approach of the synthesis comprises as well the coupling of these AB2 macromonomers and hence allows precise contr…

Oxidation-responsive and "clickable" poly(ethylene glycol) via copolymerization of 2-(methylthio)ethyl glycidyl ether

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is a widely used biocompatible polymer. We describe a novel epoxide monomer with methyl-thioether moiety, 2-(methylthio)ethyl glycidyl ether (MTEGE), which enables the synthesis of well-defined thioether-functional poly(ethylene glycol). Random and block mPEG-b-PMTEGE copolymers (Mw/Mn = 1.05-1.17) were obtained via anionic ring opening polymerization (AROP) with molecular weights ranging from 5&#8239;600 to 12&#8239;000 g·mol-1. The statistical copolymerization of MTEGE with ethylene oxide results in a random microstructure (rEO = 0.92 ± 0.02 and rMTEG E = 1.06 ± 0.02), which was confirmed by in situ 1H NMR kinetic studies. The random copolymers are thermorespon…

Poly(carbonate) copolymers with a tailored number of hydroxyl groups from glycidyl ethers and CO2

Functional poly(carbonate)s with multiple hydroxyl functionalities have been prepared by copolymerization of carbon dioxide (CO2) with glycidyl methyl ether (GME) and benzyl glycidyl ether (BGE) in various ratios, using a diethylzinc–pyrogallol catalyst system. Subsequent catalytic hydrogenation was employed for removal of the benzyl protecting groups at the polymer backbone. A series of copolymers with varying comonomer fractions from 0 to 100% was obtained. The copolymers possessed a broad range of molecular weights from 9000 to 30 000 g mol−1 and showed polydispersities Mw/Mn between 2.4 and 3.6. The materials were characterized via1H and 13C NMR, SEC and differential scanning calorimetr…

Polyvinylferrocene-Based Amphiphilic Block Copolymers Featuring Functional Junction Points for Cross-Linked Micelles

The synthesis of high-molecular-weight, well-defined poly(vinylferrocene)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (PVFc-b-PEG) diblock copolymers (Mn = 13 000–44 000 g mol–1; Đ = 1.29–1.34) with precisely one allyl group at the junction point is introduced. Allyl glycidyl ether (AGE) was used to end-functionalize PVFc, resulting in hydroxyl functional macroinitiators for the oxyanionic polymerization of ethylene oxide. The self-assembly behavior of the amphiphilic PVFc-b-PEG copolymers in water has been investigated in a detailed manner, using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The redox activity of the PVFc block was confirmed by UV/vis spectroscopy, while cyclo…

Photocatalytic printing of inorganic nanopatterns via poly(styrene-block-carbosilane) copolymer thin films on titania substrates.

Well-defined, ordered arrays of nanoscale depressions were obtained in linear-brush-type polystyrene-block-polycarbosilane (PS-b-PCS) diblock copolymer thin films by acetone vapor annealing and silica nanodot arrays were directly obtained from such thin films deposited on a titania substrate by one-step exposure to UV light as a result of transformation of the PCS units to silica, driven by the photocatalytic activity of titania concurrent with removal of the organic matrix.

Optically Active Hyperbranched Polyglycerol as Scaffold for Covalent and Noncovalent Immobilization of Platinum(II) NCN-Pincer Complexes. Catalytic Application and Recovery

New optically active hyperbranched polymers have been used as microenvironments as well as scaffolds for noncovalent and covalent immobilization of pincer platinum(II) complexes, respectively. The catalytic activity/selectivity of the incorporated platinum(II) complexes in these polymeric chiral supports was investigated. Chiral amphiphilic hyperbranched polyglycerols with core−shell “nanocapsules” structure, namely (−)-P(G40C160.5) (1) and (+)-P(G73C160.5) (2), have been prepared in two straightforward steps by ring-opening multibranching polymerization (ROMBP) of either (−)- or (+)-glycidol, resulting in (−)-PG40 (Mn = 3000, Mw/Mn = 1.3) or (+)-PG73 (Mn = 5500, Mw/Mn = 1.6), respectively.…

Photocatalysis within Hyperbranched Polyethers with a Benzophenone Core

Quenching and product studies have been performed to demonstrate the suitability of hyperbranched polyethers with a tetrafunctionalized benzophenone core as photocatalysts. The triplet photosensitized transformation of an unsaturated diazo compound has been used as the model reaction. The polymer with highest molecular weight led to a similar product distribution even after several catalytic cycles, which evidences its excellent photostability under prolonged irradiation time. We attribute this to the stabilizing effect of the hyperbranched polymer shell.

Tunable dynamic hydrophobic attachment of guest molecules in amphiphilic core–shell polymers

In this study, synthesis and dynamic properties of amphiphilic core–shell polymers are reported as monitored through their interaction with small amphiphilic molecules. Brush-like structures are formed with a hydrophobic core surrounded by a hydrophilic shell utilizing controlled radical addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of macromonomers consisting of linear polyglycerol chains attached to alkylene methacrylate. Continuous wave electron paramagnetic resonance (CW EPR) spectroscopy is employed to study how the amphiphilic, paramagnetic spin probe 16-DSA (16-doxyl stearic acid) interacts with polymers of different alkylene chain lengths in their hydrophobic cores and…

Branched and Functionalized Polybutadienes by a Facile Two-Step Synthesis

Anionic polymerization was used to prepare silane-endfunctionalized polybutadiene macromonomers with different molecular weights ranging from 9 000 to 34000 g .mol- 1 . These were polymerized by a hydrosilylation reaction in bulk to obtain branched polymers, using Karstedt's catalyst. Surprisingly, the addition of monofunctional silanes during the polymerization showed only a minimal effect concerning the degree of polymerization. Furthermore, it was possible to introduce a variety of functional silanes without increasing the overall number of reaction steps by a convenient AB 2 + A type "pseudocopolymerization" method. All branched polymers were analyzed by SEC, SEC-MALLS, SEC-viscosimetry…

Controlled Synthesis of Linear Polymers with Highly Branched Side Chains by “Hypergrafting”: Poly(4-hydroxy styrene)-graft-hyperbranched Polyglycerol

Linear polymers with hyperbranched side chains are unusual macromolecular structures due to their high number of functional groups in the side chains as well as their potential cylindrical conformation in bulk or solution. In a three-step synthesis combining anionic and oxy-anionic polymerization, hyperbranched polyglycerol was “hypergrafted” from linear poly(4-hydroxy styrene) macroinitiators to yield poly(4-hydroxy styrene)-graft-hyperbranched polyglycerol. Successful grafting with control over molecular weight (10–31 kg·mol–1) and low PDIs (<1.4) was shown by various characterization techniques. All polymers have a high side chain density, due to rapid transfer of the initiating function…

Grafting of hyperbranched polymers: From unusual complex polymer topologies to multivalent surface functionalization

Abstract In this feature article, the grafting of hyperbranched polymers to different substrates is reviewed. Both grafting onto macromolecules with different topologies (homogeneous grafting) and the resulting complex polymer architectures containing highly branched segments as well as their applications are discussed. In the second part grafting of hyperbranched polymers on surfaces, i.e., planar surfaces and spherical particles (heterogeneous grafting), with respect to specific applications, such as bio-repellent surfaces or soluble carbon nanotubes is described. In all cases, the one-step synthesis and the resulting highly branched topology of the hyperbranched building blocks is benefi…

Macromol. Rapid Commun. 17/2010

Living Anionic Polymerization in Continuous Flow: Facilitated Synthesis of High-Molecular Weight Poly(2-vinylpyridine) and Polystyrene

We describe the living anionic polymerization of 2-vinylpyridine (2VP) and styrene (S) in continuous flow, comparing two micromixing devices with different mixing principles. The use of a continuous flow setup reduces the experimental effort for living anionic polymerizations significantly, compared to a conventional batch system. By adjusting the ratio of the flow rates of the monomer and initiator solutions a variety of different molecular weights can be rapidly synthesized within several minutes, using one setup. Additionally, a comparison of the influence of the two different mixing devices—an interdigital micromixer (SIMM-V2) leading to laminar mixing and a tangential four-way jet mixi…

Novel Multifunctional Polymeric Photoinitiators and Photo-Coinitiators Derived from Hyperbranched Polyglycerol

A new class of hyperbranched PPIs and PPCs have been prepared. The introduction of compatibilizing groups such as MEEA or trimethylacetate enhanced their solubility in radiation-curable formulations and led to an improved photoactivity compared with the corresponding MPI and MPC. Although the molecular weights of the subject PPIs and PPCs exceeded 800 g mol -1 , the viscosities of the radiation-curable formulations were still suitable for inkjet application. The combination of high photoactivity, low viscosity, and low extract-ability after curing rendered the resulting hyperbranched PPIs and PPCs attractive as components in the inkjet ink for inkjet printing, e.g., in food packaging.

ABA Triblock Copolymers Based on Linear Poly(oxymethylene) and Hyperbranched Poly(glycerol): Combining Polyacetals and Polyethers

The synthesis of hyperbranched-linear-hyperbranched ABA triblock copolymers based on a linear poly(oxymethylene) (POM) block and hyperbranched poly(glycerol) (hbPG) blocks is described. The polymers containing a polyacetal polyether structure were prepared from linear bishydroxy-functional POM macroinitiators, obtained by cationic ring-opening polymerization of trioxane and 1,3-dioxolane as a comonomer with formic acid as a transfer agent and subsequent hydrolysis of the formate group. Partial deprotonation of the resulting hydroxyl groups permitted “hypergrafting” of glycidol by anionic ring-opening multibranching polymerization (ROMBP). With respect to the hyperbranched blocks, the obtain…

pH-Responsive protein nanoparticlesviaconjugation of degradable PEG to the surface of cytochromec

Proteins represent a versatile biopolymer material for the preparation of nanoparticles. For drug delivery applications an acid-triggered disassembly and payload release is preferred. Herein, we present a protein nanoparticle system based on cytochrome c, which is surface-modified with acid-degradable polyethylene glycol (PEGylation). pH-Sensitivity was obtained through vinyl ether moieties distributed in the polyether backbone. When PEGylated, cytochrome c shows a different solubility behaviour in organic solvents, which allows for particle preparation using an emulsion-based solvent evaporation method. The resulting particles are stable under physiological conditions but degrade at acidic…

From an epoxide monomer toolkit to functional PEG copolymers with adjustable LCST behavior.

The lower critical solution temperature (LCST) behavior of novel poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based copolymers bearing multiple functional groups, obtained by anionic ring-opening (co)polymerization (AROP), has been investigated. Variable comonomer ratios of ethylene oxide (EO) and the corresponding oxiranes isopropylidene glyceryl glycidyl ether (IGG), ethoxyl vinyl glycidyl ether (EVGE), allyl glycidyl ether (AGE), or N,N-dibenzyl amino glycidyl (DBAG), particularly designed to implement functional groups at the PEG backbone, were found to influence the LCST behavior. Sharp transitions from translucent to opaque solutions, comparable to other well-established stimuli-responsive polymers, w…

Hyperbranched Poly(ethylene glycol) Copolymers: Absolute Values of the Molar Mass, Properties in Dilute Solution, and Hydrodynamic Homology

Hyperbranched poly(ethylene glycol) copolymers were synthesized by random anionic ring-opening multibranching copolymerization of ethylene oxide with glycidol as a branching agent, leading to poly(ethylene glycol) structure with glycerol branching points. Extending the available range of molar masses by novel synthesis strategies, a limited extent of control over the degree of polymerization was achieved by variation of the solvent in this copolymerization. Generally, absolute molar mass characterization of hyperbranched polymers still represents an unresolved challenge. A series of the hyperbranched poly(ethylene glycol)-co-(glycerol) copolymers (hbPEGs) of a wide range of molar masses (14…

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 (M w /M n < 1.15) and molecular weights in the range of 1700 -22100 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 1 H-NMR-spectroscopy supported the formation of branched str…

Capillary Imbibition, Crystallization, and Local Dynamics of Hyperbranched Poly(ethylene oxide) Confined to Nanoporous Alumina

The crystallization and dynamics of hyperbranched poly(ethylene oxide) (hbPEO), obtained from the direct random copolymerization of EO and glycidol (PEO-co-PG), are studied both in bulk and within nanoporous alumina (AAO). Copolymerization decreases the degree of crystallinity and lowers the crystallization and melting temperatures as compared to linear PEO. The dynamics of capillary imbibition within AAO followed the t1/2 prediction but is slower than predicted by the classical Lucas–Washburn equation. The most prominent effect of confinement is the change in nucleation mechanism—from heterogeneous nucleation in bulk to homogeneous nucleation inside AAO. The homogeneous nucleation temperat…

The Next 100 Years of Polymer Science

International audience; The year 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the first article on poly merization, published by Hermann Staudinger. It is Staudinger who realized that polymers consist of long chains of covalently linked building blocks. Polymers have had a tremendous impact on the society ever since this initial publication. People live in a world that is almost impossible to imagine without synthetic polymers. But what does the future hold for polymer science? In this article, the editors and advisory board of Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics reflect on this question.

Kinetics of Anionic Living Copolymerization of Isoprene and Styrene Using in Situ NIR Spectroscopy: Temperature Effects on Monomer Sequence and Morphology

The living anionic copolymerization of isoprene (I) and styrene (S) can afford a variety of different polymer microstructures that strongly depend on experimental parameters such as solvent, counte...

Supramolecular Thermotropic Liquid Crystalline Materials with Nematic Mesophase Based on Methylated Hyperbranched Polyethylenimine and Mesogenic Carboxylic Acid

Supramolecular interaction of fully methylated hyperbranched polyethylenimines (PEI) with a mesogen-based carboxylic acid, 5-(p-cyanobiphenoxy)pentanoic acid, results in the formation of supramolecular complexes exhibiting thermotropic liquid crystalline (LC) mesophases. In contrast to the common smectic mesophases of most dendritic LC polymers, nematic LC phase were observed. The complexation of PEI and the mesogen units is due to electrostatic interaction between the carboxylate groups and the ammonium end groups of PEI. LC properties were investigated by a combination of differential scanning calorimetry, polarizing light optical microscopy, and X-ray diffractometry.

Structure Formation of Polymeric Building Blocks: Complex Polymer Architectures

This chapter describes macromolecules with a complex structure, their defined aggregation in solution, their adsorption to surfaces, and their possible aggregation on surfaces. The term “complex structure” implies that the macromolecules show different, distinct structural elements or building blocks on a supra-atomic length scale. Key to understanding the complex structure of macromolecules, their aggregation, and adsorption to surfaces are intra- and intermolecular interactions such as van der Waals, electrostatic, π–π interactions, and hydrogen bonds.

Ester Functional Epoxide Monomers for Random and Gradient Poly(ethylene glycol) Polyelectrolytes with Multiple Carboxylic Acid Moieties

The tailormade ester functional epoxides, methyl 4,5-epoxypentenoate (MEP) and tbutyl 4,5-epoxypentenoate (tBEP), were synthesized in good overall yields (60–65%) in short reaction sequences. Both ...

“Functional Poly(ethylene glycol)”: PEG-Based Random Copolymers with 1,2-Diol Side Chains and Terminal Amino Functionality

A series of poly(ethylene glycol-co-isopropylidene glyceryl glycidyl ether) (P(EO-co-IGG)) random copolymers with different fractions of 1,2-isopropylidene glyceryl glycidyl ether (IGG) units was synthesized. After acidic hydrolysis a new type of "functional PEGs", namely poly(ethylene glycol-co-glyceryl glycerol) (P(EO-co-GG)) was obtained. Using an initiator that releases a terminal amino moiety after deprotection, functional end groups with orthogonal reactivity to the in-chain groups were obtained. All polymers showed narrow molecular weight distributions (1.07-1.19), and control of the molecular weights was achieved in the range 5000-30 000 g/mol. Random incorporation of both comonomer…

Convenient Access to α‐Amino‐ω‐Hydroxyl Heterobifunctional PEG and PPO via a Sacrificial Hexahydro‐Triazine Star Strategy

The anionic ring opening polymerizations of ethylene oxide (EO) and propylene oxide (PO) are performed by using 1,3,5-triethanol hexahydro-1,3,5-triazine (TrAz) as a "sacrificial" trifunctional initiator. Well-defined three-arm star polymers are obtained with a narrow molecular weight distribution (M w /M n < 1.1). Molecular weights range from 3-15 kg mol-1 . Since these star polymers possess an acid-labile hexahydro-triazine core, acidic hydrolysis leads to cleavage of the arms. This gives access to well-defined α-amino-ω-hydroxyl heterobifunctional poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(propylene oxide) (PPO) in the molecular weight range of 1-5 kg mol-1 and low dispersity M w /M n < 1.1. T…

Hyperbranched-linear-hyperbranched ABA-type block copolymers based on poly(ethylene oxide) and polyglycerol

BACKGROUND: Until recently, hyperbranched polymers were thought to be ill-defined materials that were not useful as building blocks for well-defined complex polymer architectures. It is a current challenge to develop strategies that offer rapid access to well-defined hyperbranched block copolymers. RESULTS: A convenient three-step protocol for the synthesis of double-hydrophilic hyperbranched–linear–hyperbranched ABA-type triblock copolymers based on poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and hyperbranched polyglycerol (hbPG) is presented. The Bola-type polymers exhibiting an aliphatic polyether structure were prepared from a linear (lin) linPG-b-PEO-b-linPG precursor triblock. The materials exhibit lo…

Multihydroxyl-Functional Polystyrenes in Continuous Flow

We describe the synthesis of end-functionalized polystyrenes by living anionic polymerization in a microstructured reactor via termination by acetal-protected functional epoxides. Initiation of styrene polymerization by alkyllithium takes place in a micromixing device with efficient heat and mass transfer properties. A newly developed continuous polymerization−termination sequence enabled quantitative functionalization of the living carbanions by nucleophilic displacement with different, specifically designed glycidyl ethers (ethoxy ethyl glycidyl ether (EEGE), 1,2-isopropylidene glyceryl glycidyl ether (IGG), and trans-2-phenyl-1,3-dioxane glycidyl ether (PDGE)). Upon acidic hydrolysis the…

Ferrocene-Containing Multifunctional Polyethers: Monomer Sequence Monitoring via Quantitative 13C NMR Spectroscopy in Bulk

Ferrocenyl glycidyl ether (fcGE) and allyl glycidyl ether (AGE) are copolymerized via living anionic ring-opening polymerization to generate polyfunctional copolymers with molecular weights up to 40 300 g/mol and low molecular weight dispersities (Mw/Mn < 1.18). Copolymerizations were carried out in bulk at 100 °C and unexpectedly found to proceed without any isomerization of the allyl double bonds. The copolymerization behavior of fcGE and AGE was monitored by in situ quantitative 13C NMR kinetic measurements in bulk, evidencing the formation of random copolymers under these conditions, showing no gradient of comonomer incorporation. The redox-active behavior of the copolymers and homopoly…

Acid‐Cleavable Poly(ethylene glycol) Hydrogels Displaying Protein Release at pH 5

Abstract PEG is the gold standard polymer for pharmaceutical applications, however it lacks degradability. Degradation under physiologically relevant pH as present in endolysosomes, cancerous and inflammatory tissues is crucial for many areas. The authors present anionic ring‐opening copolymerization of ethylene oxide with 3,4‐epoxy‐1‐butene (EPB) and subsequent modification to introduce acid‐degradable vinyl ether groups as well as methacrylate (MA) units, enabling radical cross‐linking. Copolymers with different molar ratios of EPB, molecular weights (M n) up to 10 000 g mol−1 and narrow dispersities (Đ<1.05) were prepared. Both the P(EG‐co‐isoEPB)MA copolymer and the hydrogels showed pH‐…

Novel multifunctional hyperbranched polymeric photoinitiators with built-in amine coinitiators for UV curing

A new class of hyperbranched polymeric photoinitiators with built-in amine coinitiators has been developed, showing high functionality, low viscosity, good compatibility with the usual radiation curable formulations, high photoactivity and low extractability from the cured sample.

Transformation of vaterite nanoparticles to hydroxycarbonate apatite in a hydrogel scaffold: relevance to bone formation.

Biomimetic materials have been gaining increasing importance for use as bone biomaterials, because they may provide regenerative alternatives for the use of autologous tissues for bone regeneration. We demonstrate a promising alternative for the use of biomimetic materials based on a biodegradable PEG hydrogel loaded with vaterite nanoparticles as mineral storage. Vaterite, the least stable CaCO3 polymorph, is stable enough to ensure the presence of a potential ion buffer for bone regeneration, but still has sufficient reactivity for the transformation from CaCO3 to hydroxyapatite (HA). A combination of powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), electron microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared (FT…

Supramolecular Antioxidant Assemblies of Hyperbranched Polyglycerols and Phenols

Monomer Sequence Distribution Monitoring in Living Carbanionic Copolymerization by Real-Time 1H NMR Spectroscopy

Detailed understanding of the monomer sequence distribution in carbanionic copolymerization was achieved by direct online monitoring of copolymerizations in an NMR tube. Obtaining detailed knowledge of the changing monomer concentration in stock during the reaction, this technique permits to determine the incorporation probability for each monomer at every position of the polymer chain. An in situ kinetic study of two different carbanionic copolymerizations has been carried out. On the one hand, the copolymerization of the structurally similar, protected hydroxystyrene derivatives, p-(1-ethoxy ethoxy)styrene (pEES) and 4-tert-butoxystyrene (tBuOS), and on the other hand the copolymerization…

Combining Ring-Opening Multibranching and RAFT Polymerization: Multifunctional Linear–Hyperbranched Block Copolymers via Hyperbranched Macro-Chain-Transfer Agents

The synthesis of a hyperbranched macro-chain-transfer agent for RAFT polymerization of functional methacrylate or methacrylamide monomers was achieved by selectively attaching one single CTA onto hyperbranched polyglycerol dendron analogues. The combination of ring-opening multibranching polymerization of glycidol and subsequent RAFT polymerization of the hyperbranched macro-chain-transfer agents created a new route to a variety of multifunctional linear–hyperbranched block topologies. All linear–hyperbranched block copolymers could be synthesized with controlled molecular weight (Mn = 3.2–43.7 kg/mol) and low polydispersity (PDI = 1.15–1.34). As first examples for this universal approach, …

Promising Dendritic Materials: An Introduction to Hyperbranched Polymers

In nature and universe from living to nonliving things, branching occurs anywhere and anytime, such as the Crab Nebula, forked lightning, river basins, trees, nerves, veins, snow crystals, nervures, and proteoglycan ranging from light-years to kilometers, and to microscale and nanoscales (see Figure 1.1 for selected branching patterns). Hence, branching is a general and important phenomenon that could result in faster and more efficient transfer, dissipation, and distribution of energy and/or matter.

Polysiloxane-backbone block copolymers in a one-pot synthesis: a silicone platform for facile functionalization.

Block copolymers consisting exclusively of a silicon-oxygen backbone are synthesized by sequential anionic ring-opening polymerization of different cyclic siloxane monomers. After formation of a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) block by butyllithium-initiated polymerization of D3, a functional second block is generated by subsequent addition of tetramethyl tetravinyl cyclotetrasiloxane (D4(V) ), resulting in diblock copolymers comprised a simple PDMS block and a functional poly(methylvinylsiloxane) (PMVS) block. Polymers of varying block length ratios were obtained and characterized. The vinyl groups of the second block can be easily modified with a variety of side chains using hydrosilylation…

Microflow Technology in Polymer Synthesis

Microflow technology, i.e., the use of microfluidic devices for continuous flow synthesis, represents a highly useful and increasingly popular method in organic chemistry. Recently, also an increasing number of polymer synthesis protocols attain benefit from this technique. In particular, the control of highly exothermic, fast polymerization reactions can be improved due to the excellent heat and mass transfer within the small dimensions of the microreactors. Continuous flow setups with different micromixer geometries and flow patterns are currently used for the preparation of a variety of macromolecular architectures by ionic and (controlled) radical polymerization techniques. This Perspec…

Hyperbranched Polycarbosilanes and Polycarbosiloxanes via Hydrosilylation Polymerization

Building Bridges by Blending: Morphology and Mechanical Properties of Binary Tapered Diblock/Multiblock Copolymer Blends

Linear-Hyperbranched Amphiphilic AB Diblock Copolymers Based on Polystyrene and Hyperbranched Polyglycerol

A convenient three-step strategy has been developed for the preparation of well-defined amphiphilic, linear hyperbranched block copolymers by hypergrafting. The synthetic procedure is based on a combination of carbanionic polymerization with the alkoxide-based controlled ring-opening multibranching polymerization of glycidol. A linear AB diblock copolymer polystyrene-block-polybutadiene (PS-b-PB) with narrow polydispersity was obtained by anionic copolymerization. Subsequent hydroxylation by hydroboration led to PS 508 -b-(PB-OH) 56 , used as macro--initiator for the polymerization of glycidol under slow monomer addition conditions.

A Combined DPE/Epoxide Termination Strategy for Hydroxyl End-Functional Poly(2-vinylpyridine) and Amphiphilic AB2-Miktoarm Stars

Systematic investigation of functional core variation within hyperbranched polyglycerols

A novel series of hyperbranched polyether polyols with various n-alkyl amine cores (mono- and bifunctional) and photoactive cores (benzylamine and 1-naphthylmethylamine) have been prepared. Polymerization of glycidol was carried out in two ways, starting directly from primary amine initiators and from bisglycidolized amine initiators. NMR spectroscopy and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) showed good control over the molecular weights only, when bisglycidolized amines were used. Molecular weights and polydispersity of the hyperbranched polyglycerols prepared with these initiator-cores were in the range of 1600 to 8400 g/mol and of 1.5 to 2.5, respectively. MALDI-ToF mass spectrometry conf…

Maleimide Glycidyl Ether: A Bifunctional Monomer for Orthogonal Cationic and Radical Polymerizations.

A novel bifunctional monomer, namely maleimide glycidyl ether (MalGE), prepared in a four-step reaction sequence is introduced. This monomer allows for selective (co)polymerization of the epoxide group via cationic ring-opening polymerization, preserving the maleimide functionality. On the other hand, the maleimide functionality can be copolymerized via radical techniques, preserving the epoxide moiety. Cationic ring-opening multibranching copolymerization of MalGE with glycidol was performed, and a MalGE content of up to 24 mol% could be incorporated into the hyperbranched polymer backbone (Mn = 1000-3000 g mol(-1)). Preservation of the maleimide functionality during cationic copolymerizat…

One-Step Block Copolymer Synthesis versus Sequential Monomer Addition: A Fundamental Study Reveals That One Methyl Group Makes a Difference

Block copolymers of polyisoprene and polystyrene are key materials for polymer nanostructures as well as for several commercially established thermoplastic elastomers. In a combined experimental and kinetic Monte Carlo simulation study, the direct (i.e., statistical) living anionic copolymerization of a mixture of isoprene (I) and 4-methylstyrene (4MS) in nonpolar media was investigated on a fundamental level. In situ 1H NMR spectroscopy enabled to directly monitor gradient formation during the copolymerization and to determine the nature of the gradient. In addition, a precise comparison with the established copolymerization of isoprene and styrene (I/S) was possible. Statistical copolymer…

A general concept for the introduction of hydroxamic acids into polymers.

Polyethers (PEG) with hydroxamic acid groups enable chelation of a variety of metal ions, coating of metal oxide surfaces and stabilization of nanoparticles. In contrast to catechol, hydroxamic acids are oxidation stable and biocompatible.

Wet Chemistry and Peptide Immobilization on Polytetrafluoroethylene for Improved Cell-adhesion

Endowing materials surface with cell-adhesive properties is a common strategy in biomaterial research and tissue engineering. This is particularly interesting for already approved polymers that have a long standing use in medicine because these materials are well characterized and legal issues associated with the introduction of newly synthesized polymers may be avoided. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is one of the most frequently employed materials for the manufacturing of vascular grafts but the polymer lacks cell adhesion promoting features. Endothelialization, i.e., complete coverage of the grafts inner surface with a confluent layer of endothelial cells is regarded key to optimal perfo…

Processing and adjusting the hydrophilicity of poly(oxymethylene) (co)polymers: nanoparticle preparation and film formation

Handling the insoluble POM: the preparation of nanoparticles based on hyperbranched-linear-hyperbranched ABA triblock copolymers with variable hydrophilicity and composed of short hyperbranched polyglycerol (hbPG) as the A-blocks and linear poly(oxymethylene) (POM) as a B-block is described. The POM-hbPG-nanoparticles with diameters in the range of 190 to 250 nm were generated in a convenient process, combining the solvent evaporation process with the miniemulsion technique, a water borne handling for POM-copolymers. Furthermore, the film formation properties of the nanoparticles were investigated by deposition on silicon and subsequent sintering, which leads to films with a thickness in th…

Amino Functional Poly(ethylene glycol) Copolymers via Protected Amino Glycidol

The synthesis of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) copolymers with multiple amino functionalities within the chain is described, relying on an epoxide comonomer bearing a protected amino group. N,N-dibenzyl amino glycidol (DBAG) and ethylene oxide (EO) were copolymerized via anionic polymerization, leading to well-defined polymers with varied comonomer content and low polydispersities (Mw/Mn in the range of 1.1 to 1.2). Subsequent hydrogenolysis with Pearlman’s catalyst afforded poly(ethylene glycol-co-amino glycerol)s (PEG-co-PAG) with a precisely adjusted number of randomly incorporated amino groups in the range of 2−15%. For the first time, the kinetics of an EO copolymerizations have has been…

Hyperbranched polymer architectures: From Flory's AB(f-1) polycondensates to controlled structures

Abstract Celebrating the 100th anniversary of Staudinger's “macromolecular concept”, polymer scientists critically evaluate the past developments and future challenges of polymer science, asking: Quo vadis, Macromolecular Science? The main focus in Polymer Science has been on linear polymers or crosslinked systems (elastomers and thermosets) until the late 1980ies. The advent of dendritic polymers, i.e. dendrimers and hyperbranched polymers (HBPs) attracted wide-spread attention in the polymer community. This article gives a brief overview of the developments in the area of hyperbranched polymers and demonstrates that they have since become a novel class of polymer materials.

Anionic Polymerization of Terpene Monomers: New Options for Bio-Based Thermoplastic Elastomers

Hyperbranched Polymers

Life is branched! Statistically branched (=hyperbranched) polymers have become an important class of materials in modern chemistry. Not only due to straightforward synthetic approaches which were developed in the last decade but also due to the vast amount of available monomers, hyperbranched polymers have replaced perfect dendrimers in many areas and they will have an even higher impact in future. This chapter highlights classic and modern syntheses of hyperbranched polymers and their unique properties and presents their versatility in the macromolecular toolbox for the design of complex nonlinear architectures.

Soluble Hyperbranched Poly(glycolide) Copolymers

A series of (hyper)branched poly(glycolide) copolymers has been prepared by copolymerization of glycolide (GA) with 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)butyric acid (BHB) via combined ROP/AB2-polycondensation. Polymerization was conducted in bulk and catalyzed by stanneous-2-ethyl hexanoate (Sn(Oct)2). The branched topology of the resulting polyesters was studied in detail by 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy and confirmed by the synthesis and characterization of model compounds. The AB2 monomer BHB was incorporated either as a dendritic or focal unit, but hardly in linear or terminal mode. As expected for multifunctional polycondensation, SEC measurements showed polydisperse products with polydispersity index…

Examples of xylochemistry: colorants and polymers

Against the backdrop of modern sustainable chemistry and valorization of biomass for chemical raw materials, the syntheses of indigo dyes and polyamides as representatives of two classes of everyday chemical products based on xylochemicals are described. Wood-derived starting materials were transformed into functional materials using the principles of green chemistry to expand the scope of products gained from renewable resources. The indigo dyes were synthesized in a short, straightforward sequence starting from vanillin. Two polyamides, representatives of an important class of polymers, were obtained from 4-propylcyclohexanol, which is one of the longest known (and most abundant) hydrogen…

Beyond Poly(ethylene glycol): Linear Polyglycerol as a Multifunctional Polyether for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Applications

Polyglycerols (sometimes also called "polyglycidols") represent a class of highly biocompatible and multihydroxy-functional polymers that may be considered as a multifunctional analogue of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). Various architectures based on a polyglycerol scaffold are feasible depending on the monomer employed. While polymerization of glycidol leads to hyperbranched polyglycerols, the precisely defined linear analogue is obtained by using suitably protected glycidol as a monomer, followed by removal of the protective group in a postpolymerization step. This review summarizes the properties and synthetic approaches toward linear polyglycerols (linPG), which are at present mainly base…

Enhanced immunogenicity of multivalent MUC1 glycopeptide antitumour vaccines based on hyperbranched polymers.

Enhancing the immunogenicity of an antitumour vaccine still poses a major challenge. It depends upon the selected antigen and the mode of its presentation. We here describe a fully synthetic antitumour vaccine, which addresses both aspects. For the antigen, a tumour-associated MUC1 glycopeptide as B-cell epitope was synthesised and linked to the immunostimulating T-cell epitope P2 derived from tetanus toxoid. The MUC1-P2 conjugate is presented multivalently on a hyperbranched polyglycerol to the immune system. In comparison to a related vaccine of lower multivalency, this vaccine exposing more antigen structures on the hyperbranched polymer induced significantly stronger immune responses in…

Efficiency Boosting of Surfactants with Poly(ethylene oxide)-Poly(alkyl glycidyl ether)s: A New Class of Amphiphilic Polymers

Twenty years ago, it was found that adding small amounts of amphiphilic block copolymers like poly(ethylene propylene)-co-poly(ethylene oxide) (PEP-b-PEO) to microemulsion systems strongly increases the efficiency of medium-chain surfactants to solubilize water and oil. Although being predestined to serve as a milestone in microemulsion research, the effect has only scarcely found its way into applications. In this work, we propose new types of efficiency boosters, namely, poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(alkyl glycidyl ether carbonate)s (PEO-b-PAlkGE) and their "carbonated" poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(carbonate alkyl glycidyl ether) analogs. Their synthesis via anionic ring-opening polymerization (…

Facetten einer Wissenschaft. Chemie aus ungewöhnlichen Perspektiven. Herausgegeben von Achim Müller, Hans-Jürgen Quadbeck-Seeger und Ekkehard Diemann.

Branched versus linear oligo(dimethylsiloxane): Differences in their thermodynamic interaction with solvents

The thermodynamic behavior of linear and of branched oligo(dimethylsiloxane) (O-DMS) solutions was studied by means of vapor pressure measurements and vapor pressure osmometry at different temperatures for the thermodynamically favorable solvent THF. The branched material required for that purpose was synthesized and afterwards fractionated by means of the single solvent acetone to eliminate components of low degrees of branching. The Flory-Huggins interaction parameters, χ, for the systems THF/O-DMS as a function of composition pass a minimum at all temperatures (25, 40, and 60 °C) in the case of the branched material. For the unbranched oligomer such a minimum is only observed at 60 °C. A…

Polymerization of long chain alkyl glycidyl ethers: a platform for micellar gels with tailor-made melting points

Controlled polymerization of long-chain alkyl glycidyl ethers (AlkGE) under anionic ring opening polymerization conditions is enabled by the addition of a crown ether (18-crown-6, K+). Homopolymers with molecular weights in the range of 4000 to 9000 g mol−1 and side chain melting temperatures of 14 °C (C12-AlkGE) and 43 °C (C16-AlkGE), respectively were synthesized. Furthermore, a series of amphiphilic ABA polyether triblock copolymers with polyethylene glycol (PEG) as the hydrophilic central block (Mn = 6k, 10k, and 20k g mol−1) with total molecular weights in the range of 7000 to 28 000 g mol−1 and narrow dispersity (1.12 to 1.34) were prepared. Separate melting endotherms of the triblock…

Conducting Polymer with Orthogonal Catechol and Disulfide Anchor Groups for the Assembly of Inorganic Nanostructures

To combine several inorganic components with organic material in a controlled special and permanent manner still remains a difficult issue. Two specifically functionalized block copolymers were synthesized separately and combined in a second step. A heterofunctional poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) block copolymer bearing a single amino unit, a short PEG spacer, and multiple catechol functionalities was obtained via anionic ring-opening polymerization (AROP). Using the reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) radical polymerization technique, a semiconducting block copolymer with carbazole side groups was obtained. The second polyacrylate block contained reactive ester groups and …

Highly Branched Polymers: Recent Innovations and Exciting Challenges

Mesogen-Initiated Linear Polyglycerol Isomers: The Ordering Effect of a Single Cholesterol Unit on “Sticky” Isotropic Chains

Synthesis, thermal properties, and the liquid crystalline (LC) order of polymers consisting of a single mesogenic cholesterol unit and flexible, linear polyglycerol (PG) or poly(glyceryl glycerol) (PGG) chains have been investigated. Incorporation of the single mesogen has been achieved by using cholesterol directly as an initiator for the oxyanionic ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of ethoxyethyl glycidyl ether (EEGE) or isopropylidene glyceryl glycidyl ether (IGG). The controlled polymerization allowed the synthesis of a series of peculiar rod–coil type polyethers with molecular weights of 600–2300 g/mol, representing a degree of polymerization (DPn) of 4–30 for both PG and PGG with the …

CO2-Based Non-ionic Surfactants: Solvent-Free Synthesis of Poly(ethylene glycol)-block-Poly(propylene carbonate) Block Copolymers

Copolymerization of carbon dioxide (CO2) and propylene oxide (PO) is employed to generate amphiphilic polycarbonate block copolymers with a hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) block and a nonpolar poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) block. A series of poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) di- and triblock copolymers, PPC-b-PEG and PPC-b-PEG-b-PPC, respectively, with narrow molecular weight distributions (PDIs in the range of 1.05–1.12) and tailored molecular weights (1500–4500 g mol−1) is synthesized via an alternating CO2/propylene oxide copolymerization, using PEG or mPEG as an initiator. Critical micelle concentrations (CMCs) are determined, ranging from 3 to 30 mg L−1. Non-ionic poly(propylen…

Phase Behavior of the System Linear Polyglycerol + Methanol + Carbon Dioxide

To compare the phase behavior of linear and hyperbranched polymers, the phase envelopes of the ternary system linear polyglycerol + methanol + carbon dioxide were determined for polymers of varying molar mass. Phase changes were detected by a static synthetic method using the Cailletet setup for temperatures between 331 K and 421 K and pressures up to 13.1 MPa. Besides the vapor–liquid and liquid–liquid equilibria, also the vapor–liquid to vapor–liquid–liquid and vapor–liquid–liquid to liquid–liquid phase boundaries are reported. The experimental results are similar to systems with hyperbranched polymers (rather than linear polymers). For the systems with linear polymers, however, the bubbl…

Hyperbranched Polylactide Copolymers

A series of hyperbranched poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) copolymers were prepared by copolymerization of dilactide with 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)butyric acid (BHB) as an AB2 comonomer via a combined ring-open...

Inimer-Promoted Synthesis of Branched and Hyperbranched Polylactide Copolymers

A series of (hyper)branched poly(l-lactide)(PLLA) copolymers has been prepared by ring-opening multibranching copolymerization of l-lactide with a hydroxyl-functional (ABB′) lactone inimer, 5HDON (5-hydroxymethyl-1,4-dioxane-2-on). Polymerization was conducted in bulk and solution and catalyzed either by stanneous-2-ethyl hexanoate (Sn(Oct)2) or an organic base, 1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene (TBD). Precise structural characterization of the resulting branched copolyester structures was accomplished by a combination of 2D NMR techniques, relying on the comparison with model compounds. The 5HDON inimer was employed in 1% to 20% fractions and is incorporated either as a dendritic unit or…

Hyperbranched aliphatic polyether polyols

Hyperbranched polymers, dendritic macromolecules with branch-on-branch structures, have become an important polymer class since the early 1990s. They combine several advantages of the perfectly branched dendrimers with easy accessibility, typically in a one-step synthesis. Hyperbranched polyethers are a particularly interesting class of chemically stable and often biocompatible materials. Multifunctional hyperbranched polyethers with controllable molar mass and comparably low polydispersities can been prepared using hydroxyl-functional epoxides or oxetanes for polymerization via anionic and cationic polymerization mechanisms. Here, we review the progress in the preparation, characterization…

Polydispersity and Molecular Weight Distribution of Hyperbranched Graft Copolymers via “Hypergrafting” of ABm Monomers from Polydisperse Macroinitiator Cores: Theory Meets Synthesis

The hypergrafting strategy designates the synthesis of hyperbranched graft copolymers (HGCs) in a grafting-from approach, using ABm monomers, from multifunctional, polydisperse macroinitiator cores by slow monomer addition. Hypergrafting leads to complex polymer topologies with defined molecular weight, degree of branching (DB), and polydispersity (PD). By a generating function formalism, a generally applicable equation for the PD of HGCs (PD = PDf + (m – 1)/f) is derived, where PDf is the polydispersity of the core and f its average functionality. In addition, the complete molecular weight distribution function has been calculated for varied m and f as well as for a given distribution of i…

One-pot synthesis of poly(l-lactide) multi-arm star copolymers based on a polyester polyol macroinitiator

Abstract Using a hyperbranched poly(glycolide) ( hb PGA) macroinitiator the synthesis of poly( l -lactide) (PLLA) multi-arm star polyesters has been achieved via a core-first approach. The star-shaped copolymers were prepared in a one-pot two-step process via Sn(Oct) 2 -catalyzed ring-opening polymerization (ROP) conducted in the melt. Complete conversion of the end groups of the hb polyglycolide polyester polyols is ensured by the reactive primary hydroxyl termini. By adjusting the monomer/initiator ratio a series of star copolymers with varying PLLA arm length has been obtained with molecular weights in the range of 1500 to 10,000 g/mol (SEC). The successful coupling of the PLLA arms to t…

Entanglement Transition in Hyperbranched Polyether-Polyols

Are hyperbranched polymers capable of forming entanglements? This is the central issue of this contribution. Hyperbranched polyglycerol (hbPG) samples with different molecular weights (600-106 000 g · mol(-1) ), narrow polydispersities (1.2-1.8) and high degrees of branching (≈0.6) were prepared by anionic ring-opening polymerization. The viscoelastic properties of these polymers with respect to molecular architecture and molar mass were investigated. At low molecular weights "classical" scaling behavior between zero shear viscosity and molecular weight can be observed, whereas between 3 000 and 10 000 g · mol(-1) a plateau-like area is found. The results indicate entanglement dynamics when…

Controlled Crystallization of CaCO3on Hyperbranched Polyglycerol Adsorbed to Self-Assembled Monolayers

The formation of biominerals by living organisms is governed by the cooperation of soluble and insoluble macromolecules with peculiar interfacial properties. To date, most of the studies on mineralization processes involve model systems that only account for the existence of one organic matrix and thus disregard the interaction between the soluble and insoluble organic components that is crucial for a better understanding of the processes taking place at the inorganic-organic interface. We have set up a model system composed of a matrix surface, namely, a self-assembled monolayer (SAM), and a soluble component, hyperbranched polyglycerol. The model mineral calcium carbonate displays diverse…

Multi-olefin containing polyethers and triazolinediones: a powerful alliance

Multi-functional polyethers with ene or diene moieties were prepared via the polymerisation of tailored functional glycidyl ether monomers to create a platform for click chemistry with triazolinediones (TADs). Specifically, two novel monomers (i) 2,4-hexadien-1-yl glycidyl ether (HDEGE) and (ii) citronellyl glycidyl ether (CitroGE), designed to undergo a Diels–Alder or Alder–Ene reaction with TADs, respectively, were synthesized and subsequently transformed into a variety of tailored polyethers, either via the monomer activated method or anionic ring opening polymerisation. Multi-functional copolymers of HDEGE with ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and ethoxy ethyl glycidyl ether as well as A…

Synthesis of Hyperbranched Polyglycerol in a Continuous Flow Microreactor

Hyperbranched polymers have been synthesized in a microreactor for the first time, employing the known ring-opening multibranching polymerization of glycidol. Microreactors are well-known to be beneficial for highly exothermic reactions because of their capability to enhance mass and heat transfer due to short diffusion pathways and large interfacial areas per volume. The characteristics of the microstructured reaction system were utilized to engineer a continuous flow process for the preparation of well-defined hyperbranched polyglycerols with molecular weights up to 1,000 g/mol. Increased flow rates, as well as the use of highly polar solvents, led to the partial formation of very narrowl…

Happy Birthday, Rolf Mülhaupt!

Multifunktionelle Poly(ethylenglycole)

Acid-Labile Surfactants Based on Poly(ethylene glycol), Carbon Dioxide and Propylene Oxide: Miniemulsion Polymerization and Degradation Studies

Partially degradable, nonionic AB and ABA type di- and triblock copolymers based on poly(propylene carbonate) and poly(ethylene glycol) blocks were synthesized via immortal copolymerization of carbon dioxide and propylene oxide, using mPEG or PEG as a macroinitiator, and (R,R)-(salcy)-CoOBzF5 as a catalyst in a solvent-free one-pot procedure. The amphiphilic surfactants were prepared with molecular weights (Mn) between 2800 and 10,000 g·mol−1 with narrow molecular weight distributions (1.03–1.09). The copolymers were characterized using 1H-, 13C- and DOSY-NMR spectroscopy and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). Surface-active properties were determined by surface tension measurements (crit…

Synthesis of linear polyglycerols with tailored degree of methylation by copolymerization and the effect on thermorheological behavior

Abstract We introduce a two-step strategy for the synthesis of linear polyglycerols (linPG-OHx/OMey) with an adjustable degree of methylation ( y = D M 100 ). Ethoxy ethyl glycidyl ether (EEGE) and glycidyl methyl ether (GME) were copolymerized via the “activated monomer” polymerization technique, using tetraoctylammonium bromide (NOct4Br) as an initiator and triisobutylaluminum (i-Bu3Al) as a catalyst under mild conditions. Subsequent acidic cleavage of the acetal protective groups generates linear polyglycerols with different degree of methylation (DM) by varying the GME comonomer content between 10 and 91%. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) evidenced good control over molecular weight …

Miscibility and properties of linear poly(l-lactide)/branched poly(l-lactide) copolyester blends

Abstract Polymer blends consisting of linear poly( l -lactide) (PLLA) and different proportions of dendritic PLLA-based copolyesters ( hb -PLLA) characterized by different degrees of branching (DB) were obtained in melt. The solid-state properties of poly( l -lactide)s and their blends were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and stress–strain measurements. DSC and DMA methods proved miscibility of PLLA/ hb -PLLA blends for the studied composition range. AFM indicated that no phase separation occurs in PLLA/ hb -PLLA blends and that PLLA and hb -PLLA cocrystallize in one single lamellae type. The mechanica…

Hockey-Puck micelles from oligo(p-benzamide)-b-PEG rod-coil block copolymers.

(1-Adamantyl)methyl glycidyl ether: a versatile building block for living polymerization.

(1-Adamantyl)methyl glycidyl ether (AdaGE) is introduced as a versatile monomer for oxyanionic polymerization, enabling controlled incorporation of adamantyl moieties in aliphatic polyethers. Via copolymerization with ethoxyethyl glycidyl ether (EEGE) and subsequent cleavage of the acetal protection groups of EEGE, hydrophilic linear polyglycerols with an adjustable amount of pendant adamantyl moieties are obtained. The adamantyl unit permits control over thermal properties and solubility profile of these polymers (LCST). Additionally, AdaGE is utilized as a termination agent in carbanionic polymerization, affording adamantyl-terminated polymers. Using these structures as macroinitiators fo…

Phase Behavior ofn-Alkyl-substituted Polysilanes

Tapered Multiblock Copolymers Based on Farnesene and Styrene: Impact of Biobased Polydiene Architectures on Material Properties

The reactivity of the biobased monomer β-farnesene in the statistical anionic copolymerization with styrene and the effect of the bottlebrush-like polyfarnesene structure on the phase separation be...

Towards bio-based tapered block copolymers: the behaviour of myrcene in the statistical anionic copolymerisation

To explore the potential of myrcene (Myr) as a bio-based monoterpene comonomer for styrenic copolymers and to establish its general applicability for the carbanionic copolymerisation, several statistical copolymerisations of myrcene and common monomers like isoprene (I), styrene (S) and 4-methylstyrene (4MS) were carried out in cyclohexane and monitored by in situ1H NMR spectroscopy. Real-time NMR kinetic studies permitted the determination of the reactivity ratios and the composition profile for each monomer combination. While the copolymerisation of Myr/I yielded a gradient copolymer and reactivity ratios of moderate disparity (rMyr = 4.4; rI = 0.23), the statistical copolymerisation of M…

Electroactive linear-hyperbranched block copolymers based on linear poly(ferrocenylsilane)s and hyperbranched poly(carbosilane)s.

A convenient two-step protocol is presented for synthesis of linear-hyperbranched diblock copolymers consisting of a linear, organometallic poly(ferrocenylsilane) (PFS) block and hyperbranched poly(carbosilane) (hbPCS) segments. Linear PFS diblock copolymers were synthesized through photolytic ring-opening polymerization of dimethyl[1]silaferrocenophane as the first block and methylvinyl[1]sila-ferrocenophane as the second. These block copolymers served as polyfunctional cores in a subsequent hydrosilylation polyaddition of different silane-based AB 2 monomers. Three AB 2 monomers (methyldiallylsilane; methyldiundecenylsilane, and ferrocenyldiallylsilane) were investigated; they introduced …

Conclusions and Perspective: Toward Hyperbranched/Dendritic States

Cytotoxicity and chemosensitizing activity of amphiphilic poly(glycerol)-poly(alkylene oxide) block copolymers.

All polymeric chemosensitizers proposed thus far have a linear poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrophilic block. To testify whether precisely this chemical structure and architecture of the hydrophilic block is a prerequisite for chemosensitization, we tested a series of novel block copolymers containing a hyperbranched polyglycerol segment as a hydrophilic block (PPO-NG copolymers) on multi-drug-resistant (MDR) tumor cells in culture. PPO-NG copolymers inhibited MDR of three cell lines, indicating that the linear PEG can be substituted for a hyperbranched polyglycerol block without loss of the polymers' chemosensitizing activity. The extent of MDR reversal increased with the polymers affinity…

Conventional Oxyanionic versus Monomer-Activated Anionic Copolymerization of Ethylene Oxide with Glycidyl Ethers: Striking Differences in Reactivity Ratios.

Detailed understanding of the monomer distribution in copolymers is essential to tailor their properties. For the first time, we have been able to utilize in situ 1H NMR spectroscopy to monitor the monomer-activated anionic ring opening copolymerization (AROP) of ethylene oxide (EO) with a glycidyl ether comonomer, namely, ethoxy ethyl glycidyl ether (EEGE). We determine reactivity ratios and draw a direct comparison to conventional oxyanionic ROP. Surprisingly, the respective monomer reactivities differ strongly between the different types of AROP. Under conventional oxyanionic conditions similar monomer reactivities of EO and EEGE are observed, leading to random structures (rEO = 1.05 ± 0…

Functionalization of Liposomes with Hydrophilic Polymers Results in Macrophage Uptake Independent of the Protein Corona

Liposomes are established drug carriers that are employed to transport and deliver hydrophilic drugs in the body. To minimize unspecific cellular uptake, nanocarriers are commonly modified with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), which is known to minimize unspecific protein adsorption. However, to date, it has not been studied whether this is an intrinsic and specific property of PEG or if it can be transferred to hyperbranched polyglycerol (hbPG) as well. Additionally, it remains unclear if the reduction of unspecific cell uptake is independent of the “basic” carrier at which a surface functionalization with polymers is usually applied. Therefore, we studied the protein corona of differently fun…

Poly(glycolide) multi-arm star polymers: Improved solubility via limited arm length.

Due to the low solubility of poly(glycolic acid) (PGA), its use is generally limited to the synthesis of random copolyesters with other hydroxy acids, such as lactic acid, or to applications that permit direct processing from the polymer melt. Insolubility is generally observed for PGA when the degree of polymerization exceeds 20. Here we present a strategy that allows the preparation of PGA-based multi-arm structures which significantly exceed the molecular weight of processable oligomeric linear PGA (&lt;1000 g/mol). This was achieved by the use of a multifunctional hyperbranched polyglycerol (PG) macroinitiator and the tin(II)-2-ethylhexanoate catalyzed ring-opening polymerization of gly…

Hyperbranched Polyglycerols with Elevated Molecular Weights: A Facile Two-Step Synthesis Protocol Based on Polyglycerol Macroinitiators

Hyperbranched polyglycerol (PG) is established as one of the few hyperbranched polymers that offer the possibility to control molecular weight up to Mn = 6000 g/mol. This work introduces a facile 2-step strategy that relies on the use of a low molecular weight PG (Mn = 500 and 1000 g/mol) as a macroinitiator for the slow addition of glycidol, permitting to overcome previous limitations concerning molecular weights and molecular weight control. A systematic investigation of the effect of the degree of deprotonation on the control of the polymerization reaction has been carried out. A series of hyperbranched PGs with molecular weights up to Mn = 24000 g/mol has been obtained under fully contr…

Comparison of linear and hyperbranched polyether lipids for liposome shielding by 18F-radiolabeling and positron emission tomography

Multifunctional and highly biocompatible polyether structures play a key role in shielding liposomes from degradation in the bloodstream, providing also multiple functional groups for further attachment of targeting moieties. In this work hyperbranched polyglycerol (hbPG) bearing lipids with long alkyl chain anchor are evaluated with respect to steric stabilization of liposomes. The branched polyether lipids possess a hydrophobic bis(hexadecyl)glycerol membrane anchor for the liposomal membrane. hbPG was chosen as a multifunctional alternative to PEG, enabling the eventual linkage of multiple targeting vectors. Different hbPG lipids (Mn = 2900 and 5200 g mol-1) were examined. A linear bis(h…

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 < $\ove…

Macromol. Rapid Commun. 6/2007

A Challenging Comonomer Pair: Copolymerization of Ethylene Oxide and Glycidyl Methyl Ether to Thermoresponsive Polyethers

Motivated by the oxygen-rich and fully amorphous structure of poly(glycidyl methyl ether) (PGME), a series of thermoresponsive poly(glycidyl methyl ether-co-ethylene oxide) copolymers P(GME-co-EO) with molecular weights in the range of 3000–20 000 g mol–1 were synthesized by the activated monomer polymerization technique. Tetraoctylammonium bromide (NOct4Br) was employed as an initiator in combination with triisobutylaluminum (i-Bu3Al) as a catalyst under mild conditions. Polyethers with varying GME content between 31 and 100 mol % were obtained. Triad sequence analysis using 13C NMR spectroscopy proved that no pronounced block structure was obtained. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)…

Makromolekulare Chemie 2005

Der Trend geht zu masgeschneiderten Polymerarchitekturen und -morphologien sowie selbstorganisierten supramolekularen Strukturen. Dabei ist die Polymerchemie stark interdisziplinar: Von der Renaissance klassisch „organischer” Synthesekonzepte spannt sich der Bogen bis zu Nanoteilchen fur biomedizinische Anwendungen – Grundlagenforschung und Anwendung treffen sich in der makromolekularen Chemie.

Propargyl-functional aliphatic polycarbonate obtained from carbon dioxide and glycidyl propargyl ether.

The synthesis of propargyl-functional poly(carbonate)s with different content of glycidyl propargyl ether (GPE) units is achieved via the copolymerization of propargyl glycidyl ether and carbon dioxide. A new type of functional poly(carbonate) synthesized directly from CO(2) and the glycidyl ether is obtained. The resulting polymers show moderate polydispersities in the range of 1.6-2.5 and molecular weights in the range of 7000-10 500 g mol(-1). The synthesized copolymers with varying number of alkyne functionalities and benzyl azide are used for the copper-catalyzed Huisgen-1,3-dipolar addition. Moreover, the presence of vicinal alkyne groups opens a general pathway to produce functional …

“Clickable PEG” via anionic copolymerization of ethylene oxide and glycidyl propargyl ether

A straight forward synthesis of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) with multiple alkyne groups distributed along the polymer chain is introduced. Direct access to clickable PEG is achieved by the monomer-activated anionic ring-opening copolymerization (AROP) of ethylene oxide (EO) with glycidyl propargyl ether (GPgE). Notably for successful polymerization no protection of the alkyne unit is required owing to the mild reaction conditions. Defined PEG-co-PGPgE and PGPgE (co)polymers with PDIs of 1.18–1.60 and molecular weights of Mn = 3000–9500 g mol−1 were prepared. In situ1H NMR kinetic studies revealed remarkably disparate reactivity ratios of rEO = 14.8 and rGPgE = 0.076, representing a pronounc…

Multi-Arm Star Poly(L-lactide) with Hyperbranched Polyglycerol Core

Biocompatible multi-arm star block copolymers based on poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) have been prepared by a core-first approach, using hyperbranched polyglycerol (PG), a polyether polyol, as a polyfunctional initiator. The molecular weight of the hyperbranched initiator-core was varied from 2 200 to 5 200 g mol -1 , molecular weights of the resulting multi-arm stars were in the range of 6 700-107 000 g mol -1 (NMR), depending on the amount of dilactide (LA) added. Various monomer/initiator ratios have been employed in the Sn-catalyzed LA polymerization in order to vary the length of the lactide arms from DP n (arm) = 2 to 20 units. Detailed NMR analysis using conventional and 2D-NMR techniques (e…

Isoprene/Styrene Tapered Multiblock Copolymers with up to Ten Blocks: Synthesis, Phase Behavior, Order, and Mechanical Properties

The living anionic copolymerization of isoprene and styrene in cyclohexane affords tapered block copolymers due to the highly disparate reactivity ratios of rI = 12.8 and rS = 0.051. Repeated addit...

Partially Quarternized Amino Functional Poly(methacrylate) Terpolymers: Versatile Drug Permeability Modifiers

Partially quarternized poly(methacrylate) terpolymers (Q-BBMCs) have been synthesized, based on the basic butylated methacrylate copolymer (BBMC/EUDRAGIT E), an excipient approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and to date mainly applied for tablet coatings. Via straightforward polymer modification reactions, a series of Q-BBMCs with quarternization degrees of 22%, 42%, and 65% has been prepared. Apical to basolateral transport across Caco-2 cell monolayers was investigated, employing the paracellular transported compounds trospium and mannitol. At pH 6.5 quarternization resulted in increased permeation enhancement up to 2.8-fold compared to BBMC, that is, up to 7.3-fold compared…

Polymerization of Ethylene Oxide, Propylene Oxide, and Other Alkylene Oxides: Synthesis, Novel Polymer Architectures, and Bioconjugation.

The review summarizes current trends and developments in the polymerization of alkylene oxides in the last two decades since 1995, with a particular focus on the most important epoxide monomers ethylene oxide (EO), propylene oxide (PO), and butylene oxide (BO). Classical synthetic pathways, i.e., anionic polymerization, coordination polymerization, and cationic polymerization of epoxides (oxiranes), are briefly reviewed. The main focus of the review lies on more recent and in some cases metal-free methods for epoxide polymerization, i.e., the activated monomer strategy, the use of organocatalysts, such as N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) and N-heterocyclic olefins (NHOs) as well as phosphazen…

Pd@Fe2O3 Superparticles with Enhanced Peroxidase Activity by Solution Phase Epitaxial Growth

Compared to conventional deposition techniques for the epitaxial growth of metal oxide structures on a bulk metal substrate, wet-chemical synthesis based on a dispersible template offers advantages such as low cost, high throughput, and the capability to prepare metal/metal oxide nanostructures with controllable size and morphology. However, the synthesis of such organized multicomponent architectures is difficult because the size and morphology of the components are dictated by the interplay of interfacial strain and facet-specific reactivity. Here we show that solution-processable two-dimensional Pd nanotetrahedra and nanoplates can be used to direct the epitaxial growth of γ-Fe2O3 nanoro…

Crystalline CO2 -Based Aliphatic Polycarbonates with Long Alkyl Chains

Carbon dioxide (CO2 ) is an easily available, renewable carbon source and can be utilized as a comonomer in the catalytic ring-opening polymerization of epoxides to generate aliphatic polycarbonates. Dodecyl glycidyl ether (DDGE) is copolymerized with CO2 and propylene oxide (PO) to obtain aliphatic poly(dodecyl glycidyl ether carbonate) and poly(propylene carbonate-co-dodecyl glycidyl ether carbonate) copolymers, respectively. The polymerization proceeds at 30 °C and high CO2 pressure utilizing the established binary catalytic system (R,R)-Co(salen)Cl/[PPN]Cl. The copolymers with varying DDGE:PO ratios are characterized via NMR, FT-IR spectroscopy, and SEC, exhibiting high molecular weight…

Particles of vaterite, a metastable CaCO3polymorph, exhibit high biocompatibility for human osteoblasts and endothelial cells and may serve as a biomaterial for rapid bone regeneration

We have previously described a promising alternative to conventional synthetic bone biomaterials using vaterite, a metastable CaCO3 polymorph that increases the local Ca2+ concentration in vitro and leads to an oversaturation of phosphate, the primary bone mineral. This stimulates a natural bone-like mineralisation in a short period of time. In this study, sterile and endotoxin-free vaterite particles were synthesised in a nearly quantitative yield. The 500-1,000 nm vaterite particles did not exhibit any cytotoxic effects as measured by MTS, lactate dehydrogenase, or crystal violet assays on the human osteoblast cell line (MG-63) exposed to concentrations up to 500 μg/ml vaterite up to 72 h…

Synthesis of reactive hyperbranched and star-like polyethers and their use for toughening of vinylester–urethane hybrid resins

A vinylester – urethane hybrid resin (VEUH) was toughened by adding various vinyl-functionalized branched polyethers in 10 and 20 wt%. Two sets of hyperbranched polymers (HBPs) with different branching density were compared with a set of six-arm star polymers. Besides the architecture, the polymers also varied in their characteristics (molecular mass and mass distribution, vinyl/hydroxy ratio). The morphology of the modified VEUH was studied by dynamic-mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), transmission (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The toughness was characterized by the fracture energy ðGcÞ determined on compact tension specimens at room temperature. It was established that th…

Functional PEG-based polymers with reactive groups via anionic ROP of tailor-made epoxides

In this review article functional epoxide monomers that are suitable for controlled ring-opening polymerization (ROP) are discussed. Functional epoxides possess reactive groups, which either are directly accessible or carry suitable protective groups that can be removed in a facile one-step reaction after polymerization. The methods used to obtain linear, functional aliphatic polyethers rely on living polymerization techniques for the synthesis of well-defined structures. Materials properties, such as thermo-responsive behavior in combination with different functional groups that can be addressed selectively, render these novel materials interesting for a variety of applications.

Synthesis of multiarm star poly(glycerol)-block-poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate).

Well-defined multiarm star block copolymers poly(glycerol)-b-poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PG-b-PHEMA) with an average of 56, 66, and 90 PHEMA arms, respectively, have been prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of HEMA in methanol by a core-first strategy. The hyperbranched macroinitiators employed were prepared on the basis of well-defined hyperbranched polyglycerol by esterification with 2-bromoisobutyryl bromide. Polydispersites M(w)/M(n) of the new multiarm stars were in the range of 1.11-1.82. Unexpectedly, with the combination of CuCl/CuBr(2)/2,2'-bipyridyl as catalyst, the polymerization conversion can be driven to maximum values of 79%. The control of CuCl cat…

Copolymerization Kinetics of Glycidol and Ethylene Oxide, Propylene Oxide, and 1,2-Butylene Oxide: From Hyperbranched to Multiarm Star Topology

Copolymerization of established epoxide monomers with glycidol (G) is a key reaction to prepare branched or hyperbranched polyethers. The kinetics of the multibranching anionic ring-opening copolymerization of glycidol (a cyclic latent AB2 monomer) with ethylene oxide (EO), propylene oxide (PO), and 1,2-butylene oxide (BO; cyclic latent AB monomers), respectively, in dimethyl sulfoxide was studied. Online 1H NMR spectroscopy was employed for in situ monitoring of the individual monomer consumption during the entire course of the statistical copolymerization. Varying the counterion, both the cesium alkoxide and potassium alkoxide initiated copolymerization were studied and compared. From the…

Synthesis and noncovalent protein conjugation of linear-hyperbranched PEG-poly(glycerol) alpha,omega(n)-telechelics.

Linear-hyperbranched, heterobifunctional alpha,omega(n) telechelic block copolymers consisting of a linear poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chain and a hyperbranched polyglycerol (PG) block have been prepared in five steps, using a protected amino-functional initiator. The polyfunctionality omega(n) (OH groups) can be adjusted by the degree of polymerization (DP(n)) of the polyglycerol block. Subsequent introduction of a single biotin unit by amidation in alpha-position permitted noncovalent bioconjugation with avidin.

Hockeypuck-Micellen aus Oligo(p-benzamid)-b-PEG-Stab-Knäuel-Blockcopolymeren

Poly(1,2-glycerol carbonate): A Fundamental Polymer Structure Synthesized from CO2 and Glycidyl Ethers

The functional, aliphatic poly(1,2-glycerol carbonate) as a fundamental, simple polymer structure based on glycerol and CO2 was prepared by combination of glycidyl ether monomers with carbon dioxide via two different approaches. The material was obtained by two-step procedures either via copolymerization of (i) ethoxy ethyl glycidyl ether (EEGE) or (ii) benzyl glycidyl ether (BGE) with CO2, followed by removal of the respective protecting groups via acidic cleavage for (i) and hydrogenation for (ii). The resulting protected polycarbonate structures and the targeted poly(1,2-glycerol carbonate) were investigated with 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy as well as 2D-NMR methods. Removal of both …

Stereocomplex Formation in Polylactide Multiarm Stars and Comb Copolymers with Linear and Hyperbranched Multifunctional PEG

Rod-Length Dependent Aggregation in a Series of Oligo(p-benzamide)-Block-Poly(ethylene glycol) Rod-Coil Copolymers

The synthesis of a series of rod-coil diblock copolymers with flexible poly(ethylene oxide) chains (M n = 5 000 g mol -1 ) and rod blocks consisting of monodisperse oligo(p-benzamide)s is described. The formation of defined supramolecular aggregates in solution as well as the solid state has been analyzed. The length of the oligo(p-benzamide)s has been systematically varied from n = 1 to 7 units. The influence of n on aggregation in chloroform and aqueous solution was investigated by GPC as well as UV-vis spectroscopy. A critical aggregation length was found for chloroform (n = 5) and water (n = 4), below which no aggregation is observed under otherwise identical experimental conditions. Ag…

Temperature Variation Enables the Design of Biobased Block Copolymers via One‐Step Anionic Copolymerization

A one-pot approach for the preparation of diblock copolymers consisting of polystyrene and polymyrcene blocks is described via a temperature-induced block copolymer (BCP) formation strategy. A monomer mixture of styrene and myrcene is employed. The unreactive nature of myrcene in a polar solvent (tetrahydrofuran) at -78 °C enables the sole formation of active polystyrene macroinitiators, while an increase of the temperature (-38 °C to room temperature) leads to poly(styrene-block-myrcene) formation due to polymerization of myrcene. Well-defined BCPs featuring molar masses in the range of 44-117.2 kg mol-1 with dispersities, Ð, of 1.09-1.21, and polymyrcene volume fractions of 30-64% are acc…