Polyallene-based graft copolymer via 6-methyl-1,2-heptadien-4-ol and methyl methacrylate

A series of well-defined graft copolymers with a polyallene-based backbone and poly(methyl methacrylate) side chains were synthesized by the combination of living coordination polymerization of 6-methyl-1,2-heptadien-4-ol and atom transfer radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate. We first prepared poly(alcohol) with polyallene repeating units via 6-methyl-1,2-heptadien-4-ol by living coordination polymerization initiated by [(η³-allyl)NiOCOCF₃]₂, followed by transforming the pendant hydroxyl groups into halogen-containing ATRP initiation groups. Next, grafting-from route was used for the synthesis of the well-defined graft copolymer with excellent solubility: poly(methyl methacrylate) was grafted to the backbone via ATRP of methyl methacrylate. This kind of graft copolymer is the first example of graft copolymer via allene derivative and methacrylic monomer.     

Synthesis of diblock copolymer poly(10-hydroxydecanoic acid)/polystyrene by combining enzymatic condensation polymerization and ATRP

Summary The diblock copolymers poly(10-hydroxydecanoic acid)-block-polystyrene (PHDA-b-PSt) were synthesized by combining enzymatic condensation polymerization of 10-hydroxydecanoic acid (HDA) and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of styrene (St). PHDA was firstly obtained via enzymatic condensation polymerization catalyzed by Novozyme-435. Subsequently one end of poly(10-hydroxydecanoic acid) (PHDA) chains was modified by reaction with α-bromopropionyl bromide and the other was protected by chlorotrimethylsilane (TMSCL), respectively, the resulting monofunctional macroinitiator was used in the ATRP of St using CuCl/2,2^′-bipyridine (bpy) as the catalyst system to afford the diblock copolymers including biodegradable PHDA blocks and well-defined PSt blocks.     

Surface-Initiated Controlled Radical Polymerization in Ordered Mesoporous Silicas

Recent advances in the synthesis of well-defined high-surface-area mesoporous silica/polymer composites via surface-initiated polymerization (“grafting from” method) and via attachment of preformed polymer chains (“grafting to” method) to surfaces of ordered mesoporous silicas (OMSs) are reviewed in the context of related research areas. Prior work on polymerizations in nanoscale confinements of OMSs is outlined and surface-initiated polymerization in disordered mesoporous silicas is briefly discussed. Early work on the surface-initiated radical polymerization initiated from OMS surface is reviewed and recent work involving OMS supports with large mesopores is discussed to illustrate the ability to form well-defined polymer brushes in nanopores using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The synthesis of polymer brushes in mesopores through the combination of ATRP or other polymerizations and the “click” chemistry is also outlined.     

Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP): A versatile and forceful tool for functional membranes

The progress in atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) provides an effective means for the design and preparation of functional membranes. Polymeric membranes with different macromolecular architectures applied in fuel cells, including block and graft copolymers are conveniently prepared via ATRP. Moreover, ATRP has also been widely used to introduce functionality onto the membrane surface to enhance its use in specific applications, such as antifouling, stimuli-responsive, adsorption function and pervaporation. In this review, the recent design and synthesis of advanced functional membranes via the ATRP technique are discussed in detail and their especial advantages are highlighted by selected examples extract the principles for preparation or modification of membranes using the ATRP methodology.     

Urotropine as a highly effective and versatile promoter for atom transfer radical polymerization

Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is a transition metal complex‐catalyzed controlled/‘living’ radical process. Recently, there has been a lot of interest focused on decreasing the catalyst loading and reducing the cost of post‐polymerization purification for ATRP. In this work, urotropine was found to significantly enhance the ATRP of methyl acrylate (MA), methyl methacrylate (MMA) and styrene (St) catalyzed by CuBr/N,N,N′,N′,N″‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA) and CuBr/tris(2‐(dimethylamino)ethylamine) (Me₆TREN). With the addition of 25 times the amount of urotropine relative to CuBr, well‐controlled polymerizations of MA, MMA and St were obtained at catalyst‐to‐initiator ratios of 0.01, 0.05 and 0.05, respectively, producing the corresponding polymers with molecular weights close to theoretical values and low polydispersities. The catalyst concentration could even be reduced to ppm level at a catalyst‐to‐initiator ratio as low as 0.001 in the polymerization of MA. These results indicate that urotropine is a very effective and versatile promoter for both CuBr/PMDETA and CuBr/Me₆TREN. In the presence of urotropine, the catalyst loading could be reduced by as much as 1000 times. As PMDETA is one of the cheapest ATRP ligands, the combination of urotropine with CuBr/PMDETA could substantially reduce the catalyst loading and the cost of post‐polymerization purification at the industrial scale and thus is promising for potential industrial applications. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry     

Photomediated controlled radical polymerization

Photomediated controlled radical polymerization is a versatile method to prepare, under mild conditions, various well-defined polymers with complex architecture, such as block and graft copolymers, sequence-controlled polymers, or hybrid materials via surface-initiated polymerization. It also provides opportunity to manipulate the reaction through spatiotemporal control. This review presents a comprehensive account of the fundamentals and applications of various photomediated CRP techniques, including atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT), nitroxide mediated polymerization (NMP) and other procedures. In addition, mechanistic aspects of other photomediated methods are discussed.     

Synthesis and characterization of cyclohexene oxide functional polystyrene macromonomers by ATRP and their use in photoinitiated cationic polymerization

In this study, a novel well-defined macromonomer of epoxy end-functionalized polystyrene was synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). The compound 3-cyclohexenylmethyl-2-bromopropanoate was synthesized by the condensation of 3-cyclohexene-1-methanol with 2-bromopropanoyl bromide. Subsequently, the epoxidation of the obtained 3-cyclohexenylmethyl-2-bromopropanoate using 3-chloroperoxybenzoic acid results in a new epoxy functional ATRP initiator. The ATRP of styrene (St) in bulk at 110 °C, by means of this initiator in conjunction with the cuprous complex Cu(I)Br/bipyridine, yields a well-defined macromonomer of polystyrene with an epoxy end group. GPC, IR, and ¹H NMR analyses revealed that a low-polydispersity polystyrene with the desired functionality at the end of the chain was obtained. The photoinduced cationic polymerization of this macromonomer yielded graft and block copolymers.     

Recent advances in ATRP methods in relation to the synthesis of copolymer coating materials

Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is currently one of the most often used synthetic polymerization methods to prepare well-defined copolymers with complex architecture. This review covers some fundamentals of ATRP, presents new ATRP initiating processes with ppm amounts of copper catalysts and various reducing agents together with recent developed electrochemically controlled ATRP, as well as discusses ATRP enables to precise control over macromolecular structure, order, and functionality. Moreover, this review briefly describes some of the copolymer coating materials that can now be prepared e.g., protective coatings with increased hydrophobicity, functional bioactive surfaces and functional biomaterials, as well as highlights some of the commercialization efforts currently underway. The research activities in the last decade indicate that ATRP has become an essential tool for the design and synthesis of advanced, noble and novel copolymer coatings.     

pH/redox/thermo-stimulative nanogels with enhanced thermosensitivity via incorporation of cationic and anionic components for anticancer drug delivery

To explore the potential biomedical applications of nanogels, it is a key factor to improve their thermosensitivity. In this paper, triple-responsive nanogels poly(N-isopropylacrylamide–N,N′-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate–acrylic acid) (PNDA) were synthesized via in situ incorporating both cationic components and anionic components into a normal thermosensitive polymer matrix. The triple-monomer constructed PNDA nanogels displayed an enhanced thermosensitivity as compared with dual-monomer constructed PND nanogels. The PNDA nanogels presented higher encapsulation efficiency (～89%) and exhibited better pH/redox/thermo-responsivenesses in an anticancer drug delivery. In vitro biological study indicated that the PNDA nanogels have excellent biocompatibility and improved anticancer cytotoxicity to A549 cells after loading drug DOX.     

Preparation and Characterization of PAN/SiO2 Hybrid Fibers

Summary  Two kinds of hybrid PAN/SiO₂ sols were prepared via either sols blend or in-situ polymerization, respectively, and their spinnability was investigated. Hydrolysis time (t₁) and spinnable time (t₂) of both hybrid sols increased with PAN content. The hybrid fibers were characterized with FTIR, DSC, SEM and TG. As evidenced from the FT-IR spectra and DSC measurements, different chemical structures of hybrid fibers were different with CN groups hydrolyzed in the hybrid fibers via in-situ polymerization. SEM measurements showed the interior structures of the hybrid fibers via in-situ polymerization were more homogeneous. TG measurements suggest both of the hybrid fibers show better resistance to heat than pure PAN.     

Low charge polyvinylamine nanogels offer sustained,low‐level gene expression

Cationic polymer charge and polymer degradability each play a crucial role for packaging and delivering plasmid DNA. High density cationic charge has been shown to enhance transfection efficiency but may give rise to undesirable toxicity. Polyvinylamine (PVAm) nanogels bearing discrete amounts of surface charge were used to systematically examine the balance between transfection efficiency and cytotoxicity. Poly(N‐vinylformamide) (PNVF) nanogels were prepared via an inverse emulsion polymerization reaction and crosslinked with a nondegradable or acid‐labile crosslinker. The nanogels were then hydrolyzed to yield varying degrees of primary amines. The degree of conversion from PNVF to PVAm was controlled using different concentrations of NaOH and hydrolysis times. PVAm nanogel size and charge ranged from 150 to 310 nm, and +3.5 to +18 mV, respectively. These cationic particles were then complexed with pDNA encoding for luciferase. The cytotoxicity of PVAm nanogels and the transfection efficiency of PVAm/DNA complexes were evaluated in carcinomic human alveolar basal epithelial cells (A549). The cytotoxicity of PVAm nanogels increased with increasing accessible charge as expected. Transfection efficiency increased with increasing amounts of amine groups for nondegradable nanogels. Interestingly, acid‐labile nanogels bearing low charge demonstrated more sustained gene transfection when compared with the more highly charged nanogels. These observations suggested that the use of degradable particles with less charge may reduce cytotoxicity without compromising overall transfection efficiency. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Synthesis of hydroxyl-capped comb-like poly(ethylene glycol) to develop shell cross-linkable micelles

A novel hydroxyl-capped comb-like poly[poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate] (PPEGMA) was prepared via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of α-methylacryloyl-ω-hydroxyl-poly(ethylene glycol) at ambient temperature. The polymerization kinetics of the block copolymer was studied by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and ¹H NMR. It is of interest to find the well-defined comb-like PEG can associate into micelles, which have hydrophilic PEG shell end-capped by hydroxyl groups. The hydroxyl in the shell were further cross-linked by divinyl sulfone (DVS), which could couple with two capped-end hydroxyl groups. The XPS, TEM, AFM and laser scattering particle size distribution analyzer results revealed that reactive micelles could be cross-linked by DVS. The reactive, cross-linkable micelles with PEG shell may have great potential as new drug carrier and nanoreactor, etc.     

Grafting of titanium dioxide microspheres with a temperature‐responsive polymer via surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization without the use of silane coupling agents

Titania microspheres with narrow size distribution and diameters of about 1 µm were prepared and subsequently functionalized using surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of N‐isopropylacrylamide. The ATRP initiator was immobilized on the particle surface via acylation of surface hydroxyl groups with α‐bromoisobutyryl bromide. Subsequently, an established ATRP reaction system was used for the preparation of titania surface‐grafted poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNiPAAm). Characterization was performed with electron microscopies, X‐ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering. It was found that the particle size in aqueous dispersions changed reversibly with temperature as expected for a shell of PNiPAAm, a polymer with a lower critical solution temperature at 32 °C. This confirmed the successful preparation of functional, stimuli‐responsive TiO₂ microparticles via a straightforward controlled surface‐initiated polymerization method.     

Chemozymatic synthesis and characterization of H-shaped triblock copolymer

The synthesis of well-defined H-shaped block copolymer based on the enzymatic ring-opening polymerization (eROP) and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is described. The dihydroxyl polycaprolactone (PCL) was synthesized by the eROP of ε-caprolactone (ε-CL) in the presence biocatalyst Novozyme 435 and initiator ethylene glycol. Subsequently, the resulting PCL was converted to tetrafunctional macroinitiator by the esterification with 2,2-dichloro acetyl chloride (DCAC). The H-shaped block copolymer was then synthesized by the ATRP of styrene. The polymers were characterized by NMR and GPC. Linear first-order kinetics, linearly increasing molecular weight with conversion, and low polydispersities observed from the ATRP of St showed that the polymerization was well controlled. (PSt)₂-b-PCL-b-(PSt)₂ block copolymers with varying molecular weight and controllable composition were obtained.     

Fabrication and biomedical potential of nanogels: An overview

Nanogels are one of the innovative hydrogel systems that comprise cross-linked polymers of natural or synthetic origin having good water holding capacity. The hydrophilic nature of nanogels possess good water uptake and exhibit controlled, targeted and sustained release. Nanogels show promising features like high biodegradability, biocompatibility, drug loading capacity and good penetration power. This overview mainly focuses on the biomedical applications of nanogels as the drug delivery system, imaging agent, therapeutic carrier, theranostic agent, also its fabrication techniques. In current scenario, nanogels play promising roles to deliver drugs such as anticancer, autoimmune, ophthalmics, anti-microbials, anti-inflammatory, proteins and peptides.     

活性自由基聚合的新进展--原子转移自由基聚合

活性自由基聚合是目前高分子科学中最为活跃的研究领域之一，原子转移自由基聚合(ATRP)反应是实现活性聚合的一种颇为有效的途径．也是高分子化学领域的最新研究进展之一。ATRP的独特之处在于使用了卤代烷作引发剂，并用过渡金属催化剂或退化转移的方式，有效地抑制了自由基双基终止的反应。ATRP可以同时适用于非极性和极性单体，可以制备多种结构形式的、结构清晰的高分子化合物。可实现众多单体的活性／可控自由基聚合。介绍了ATRP的研究进展，包括ATRP反应的特点、聚合反应机理、应用、研究现状及前景展望。     

Architecture of rod–brush block copolymers synthesized by a combination of coordination polymerization and atom transfer radical polymerization

A combination of coordination polymerization and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) was applied to a novel synthesis of rod–brush block copolymers. The procedure included the following steps: (1) the monoesterification reaction of ethylene glycol with 2-bromoisobutyryl bromide (BIBB) yielded the bifunctional initiator monobromobutyryloxy ethylene glycol and (2) a trichlorocyclopentadienyl titanium (CpTiCl₃; bifunctional initiator) catalyst was prepared from a mixture of CpTiCl₃ and bifunctional initiator. The coordination polymerization of n-butyl isocyanate initiated by such a catalyst provided a well-defined macroinitiator, poly(n-butyl isocyanate)–bromine (PBIC–Br). (3) The ATRP method of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate initiated by PBIC–Br provided rod [poly(n-butyl isocyanate) (PBIC)]–coil [poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA)] block copolymers with a CuCl/CuCl₂/2,2′-bipyridyl catalyst. (4) The esterfication of PBIC-block-PHEMA with BIBB yielded a block-type macroinitiator, and (5) ATRP of methyl methacrylate with a block-type macroinitiator provided rod–brush block copolymers. We found from the solution properties that such rod–brush block copolymers formed nanostructured macromolecules in solution. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Heteroarm Star-Shaped Poly (N-isopropylacryamide-co-itaconic acid) Copolymer Prepared by Glucose Core as ATRP Initiator

Star-shaped temperature- and pH-sensitive poly (N-isopropylacryamide-co-itaconic acid) copolymer is synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) using 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-Isobutyrylbromide-α-D-glucose as 5-Arm ATRP Initiator. For ATRP of itaconic acid (IA), carboxylic groups of IA are protected via silylation by hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) using Fe₃O₄ as a magnetic catalyst. The polymerization is carried out in 2-propanol/toluene 50:50 (v/v) mixed solvent at 90°C. Structure of copolymers is studied with FT-IR, ¹H NMR, glass transition temperature (Tg), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results of temperature, pH, and percentage variation on polymer structure and the effects on lower critical solution temperature (LCST), which is investigated with potentiometery and conductometry, show that LCST of copolymer is around body temperature and demonstrate the ability of this polymer in the design of controlled drug delivery systems. According to the obtained results from naltrexone release, the investigated star-shaped copolymer may have potential applications in the controlled release of drugs.     

Synthesis and properties of novel end-functionalized polybutylacrylate and its metal complexes

Summary Well-defined polybutylacrylate (PBA) was prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). A novel end-functionalized PBA (macromolecular ligand) was synthesized via PBA bonded with thiocarbamide. Since thiocarbamide possesses strong chelating ability, end-functionalized PBA possesses some new properties such as coordination with metallic ions. After metallic ions were introduced into it, two kinds of end-functionalized PBA metal complexes were got. The structure and property of PBA, end-functionalized PBA and its metal complexes were characterized by ¹H NMR, UV, GPC, Atomic Emission Spectrometry (AES), Cyclic Voltammogram (CV) and Dielectric Constant. The results indicate that the properties of end-functionalized PBA with well-defined structure were improved greatly by introducing a small quantity of transitional metallic ions into it. The novel end-functionalized PBA metal complexes exhibit stable electrochemical activity, dielectric property and have a good prospect in many fields as functional polymer.