Effect of l-Histidine Substitution on Sol–Gel of Transition Metal Coordinated Poly Ethyleneimine: Synthesis and Biochemical Characterization

The study was aimed to investigate the effect of chemical modification of branched poly ethyleneimine (PEI) on chelation of transition metal ions (Me²⁺) including Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺ or Ni²⁺ and sol–gel conversion thereof. To modulate chelation property of PEI, imidazole moieties were introduced into the polymer backbone by carbodiimide chemistry at different molar ratios of fmoc-protected l-histidine. The synthesis was characterized by ¹H-NMR spectroscopy and size exclusion chromatography. Potentiometric titration of PEI/Me²⁺ aqueous dispersions showed formation of stable complexes at pH above 5 depending on the degree of l-histidine substitution. FT-IR spectroscopy showed the imidazole ring of l-histidine was involved in the coordination interactions between PEI and Me²⁺. Addition of Zn²⁺ to PEI solution induced sol–gel conversion at a critical molar ratio decreasing by a higher degree of l-histidine modification. The gelation process led to formation of stable globular nanostructures as confirmed by atomic force microscopy with projected mean diameters less than 200 nm. Cellular experiment showed that l-histidine substitution enhanced cyto-compatibility of PEI, moreover cytotoxicity decreased significantly upon coordination of Zn²⁺ with the polymers. Conclusively, the coordination complexes of Zn²⁺ and l-histidine substituted PEI could serve as a nano system for biomedical applications.     

Effect of γ-Irradiation on the Electrical Properties of Poly (Methyl Methacrylate) Doped with Some Transition Metal Complexes

Abstract

The electrical resistivity (p) of pure and doped poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA, with dithizone (HDZ) and its metal complexes, Zn(HDZ)₂, Cd(HDZ)₂ and Hg(HDZ)₂ has been investigated before and after γ-irradiation. The results show a phase transition at nearly 323°K. The activation energy of the conduction process has been calculated below and above the transition temperature. Further information concerning the electrical behaviour is obtained by considering the type and mechanism of the conduction process. This has been achieved by studying the effect of temperature and γ-irradiation on the mobility and the number of charge carriers which take part in the conduction process.     

Synthesis and Characterizations of Poly(aniline)–Natural Clay Nanocomposites

Aniline (ANI) was polymerized under inert atmosphere in the presence and absence of natural clay initiated by peroxydisulphate (PDS) in an aqueous acidic medium. While increasing the amount of clay the rate of polymerization (R_p) was decreased and showed first order dependence with respect to amount of clay. The % yield was also decreased while increasing the amount of clay due to the confinement of monomer radical cation by the clay. The FTIR spectrum confirmed the presence of benzenoid and quinoid units in the polyaniline (PANI) structure. DSC inferred the absence of T_m due to cross-linking reaction of PANI because of de-doping process. AFM showed the distorted spherical morphology of uniformly dispersed clay platelets in the PANI. The % weight residue remain above 700°C is increased with the increase of amount of clay, which was confirmed by TGA method. Due to confinement effect the intrinsic viscosity value of PANI—nanocomposites were decreased with the increase of amount of clay in the system. PANI-nanocomposites showed improved d.c. conductivity value than the pristine PANI. Suitable mechanism was proposed to explain the experimental results obtained.     

Synthesis of Poly(∊-caprolactam) and Poly(ethyleneterephthalate) Star Polymers

Abstract

Two kinds of condensation-polymerization star polymers were prepared. One kind is star nylon-6 and the other is star PET. In both star polymers the arms are flexible and the cores are rigid aromatic fractal polyamides (FPs). The FPs are porous and of size comparable to the size of the flexible arms of the stars. The FPs are decorated with reactive sites appropriate for the grafting or growing of star arms. In the case of star nylon-6, two preparation methods are described: grafting of pre-existing nylon chains onto FPs, and growing nylon-6 arms from the FPs by polymerization of caprolactam in the presence of FPs. In the case of star PET, grafting of pre-existing PET chains was employed in order to create the star polymers. Various characterization techniques indicated that in the grafted star polymers up to 10 arms could be attached to each FP core. The results indicate, however, that fine control of the star formaton was not achieved yet. The required conditions to reach this target are spelled out.     

Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Properties of Oligomer and Monomer/Oligomer–Metal Complexes of 2-[(Pyridine-3-yl-methylene)amino]phenol

Oligo-2-[(pyridine-3-yl-methylene)amino]phenol (2-PMAP) is synthesized by the oxidative polycondensation (OP) in aqueous alkaline medium using air as oxidant. At optimum reaction conditions, the yield of products is 71%. The structures of the monomer and oligomer were confirmed by FT-IR, UV–Vis, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR and elemental analysis. Characterization was made by thermogravimetric analysis-differential thermal analysis (TGA-DTA), size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and solubility. The ¹H-NMR and ¹³C-NMR data show that polymerization proceeds by C–C and C–O coupling of the ortho and para positions (–OH group and oxyphenylene group) of 2-[(pyridine-3-yl-methylene)amino]phenol. The molecular weight distribution of the product was determined by SEC. The number-average molecular weight (M _n ), weight-average molecular weight (M _w ) and polydispersity index (PDI) of O-2-PMAP are 7150, 8000 g mol⁻¹ and 1.119 for air oxidant, respectively. Thermal analysis results of O-2-PMAP indicate stability against thermal decomposition. Thermal analyses of 2-PMAP, 2-PMAP-Cd, 2-PMAP-Co, 2-PMAP-Cu, 2-PMAP-Zn, O-2-PMAP, O-2-PMAP-Cd, O-2-PMAP-Co, O-2-PMAP-Cu and O-2-PMAP-Zn monomer/oligomer–metal complexes were investigated under a N₂ atmosphere between 15 and 1000 °C. Antibacterial and antifungal activity of the synthesized compounds was examined against selected bacteria and fungi.     

Lipase Catalyzed Synthesis and Thermal Properties of Poly(dimethylsiloxane)–Poly(ethylene glycol) Amphiphilic Block Copolymers

Resin immobilized lipase B from Candida antarctica (CALB) was used to catalyze the condensation polymerization of two difuctional siloxane and poly(ethylene glycol) systems. In the first system, 1,3-bis(3-carboxypropyl)tetramethyldisiloxane was reacted with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG having a number-average molecular weight, M_n = 400, 1000 and 3400 g mol⁻¹, respectively). In the second system, α,ω-(dihydroxy alkyl) terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) (HAT-PDMS, M_n = 2500 g mol⁻¹) was reacted with α,ω-(diacid) terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG, M_n = 600 g mol⁻¹). All the reactions were carried out in the bulk (without use of solvent) at 80 °C and under reduced pressure (500 mmHg vacuum gauge). The progress of the polyesterification reactions was monitored by analyzing the samples collected at various time intervals using FTIR and GPC. The thermal properties of the copolymers were characterized by DSC and TGA. In particular, the effect of the chain length of the PEG block on the molar mass build up and on the thermal stability of the copolymers was also studied. The thermal stability of the enzymatically synthesized copolymers was found to increase with increased dimethylsiloxane content in the copolymers.     

Synthesis and Characterization of New Metal–Organic Frameworks Based on Tetracyanoplatinate(II) and N,N′-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine: Single Crystal Structures of ZnII and CdII Complexes Along with Magnetic Properties of NiII and CuII Complexes

Characterization and synthesis of novel cyano bridged coordination compounds [Ni(bishydeten)Pt(CN)₄] (1), [Cu(bishydeten)Pt(CN)₄] (2), [Zn(bishydeten)Pt(CN)₄] (3), [Cd(bishydeten)Pt(CN)₄] (4) [bishydeten = N,N′-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)ethylenediamine (C₆H₁₆N₂O₂)] were reported herein. The IR spectra of these coordination compounds verified the formation of aforementioned complexes. The ground state of the paramagnetic electron in the Cu^II located in tetragonal distorted octahedral sites (D _4h ) was found to be d_x2−y2 for complex 2. As for complex 1, an EPR signal was not observed because of diamagnetic property of the Pt^II and momentary relaxation times of the Ni^II. All complexes followed identical decomposition mechanism in thermal analysis and thermal stabilities of complexes changed in the order of 1 > 4 > 3 > 2. Both 3 and 4 exhibit polymeric structure according to X-ray single structure analysis. While bishydeten coordinated with three donor atoms (N,N′, and O) in complex 3, it acts as a bidentate ligand (N, and N′) in complex 4. Magnetic properties of complexes 1–2 at 15–300 K temperature range were determined as antiferromagnetic with Weiss constants = −2.619 and −0.847 K respectively.     

Antimicrobial Polychelates: Synthesis and Characterization of Transition Metal Chelated Barbituric Acid–Formaldehyde Resin

A monomeric Schiff base was prepared by the condensation reaction of salicylaldehyde and semicarbazide, which further react with formaldehyde and barbituric acid-formed polymeric Schiff base. Its metal polychelates were then formed with Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II). All the synthesized compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, magnetic moment, FTIR, ¹HNMR, and electronic spectroscopies. The elemental analysis data show the formation of 1:1 [M: L] metal polychelates. Thermogravimetric analysis was carried out to find the thermal behavior of all the synthesized polymeric compounds and thermal data revealed that all the metal polychelates are more thermally stable than their parent polymeric Schiff base. All the synthesized polymeric compounds were screened for antimicrobial activity against some clinically important microorganisms, such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus typhi, Candida albicans, Microsporum canis, and Aspergillus niger. In vitro antimicrobial activity was determined by the Agar Well Diffusion method and the result shows that all the metal polychelates exhibited better antimicrobial activity than their parent polymeric Schiff base.     

Synthesis,Characterization of Fulvic Acid–Poly(Methylmethacrylate) Graft Copolymers Based on Surface-Initiated Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization and its Effect on Performance of Poly(Lactic Acid)

Fulvic acid–poly(methylmethacrylate) graft copolymers were synthesized by surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization with fulvic acid. The result demonstrated that the hydrophobicity of fulvic acid–poly(methylmethacrylate) was improved after modification by surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization. Furthermore, poly(lactic acid)/fulvic acid–poly(methylmethacrylate) composites were prepared to improve the performances of poly(lactic acid) by blend melting. Compared to poly(lactic acid) with X_c of 5.38%, the X_c of poly(lactic acid)/fulvic acid–poly(methylmethacrylate) composites was 19.94%. Moreover, the impact strength of poly(lactic acid)/fulvic acid–poly(methylmethacrylate) composites was increased by 5.19% compared to poly(lactic acid). In all, this study provided an effective and feasible method for optimizing interface performance and enhancing the thermal stability of poly(lactic acid).     

Synthesis of ROMP Monomers Containing Metal–Metal Bonds

Methods for the synthesis of cyclic monomers that have both metal–metal bonds and carbon–carbon double bonds are reported. Ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of these monomers would yield polymers that are photochemically degradable. The first method investigated involved substitution of Cp₂Fe₂(CO)₄ by the bidentate phosphine ligand DPPEN (Ph₂P CH=CH–PPh₂). Cp₂Fe₂(CO)₂( -DPPEN) was synthesized and the X-ray crystal structure is reported but the molecule could not be polymerized by a ROMP method using Grubbs’s catalyst. The inability of this monomer to polymerize (or copolymerize with cyclooctatetraene) was attributed to the bulky phenyl rings being in close proximity to the C=C in the DPPEN ligand, which prevents coordination of the monomer to the catalyst. To decrease the steric interactions, the DPPBN ligand was synthesized (DPPBN=Ph CH CH=CH CH PPh₂). However, the reaction of DPPBN with Cp₂Fe₂(CO)₄ yielded the product Cp₂Fe₂(CO)₂( -1,2,4-triphos), where the 1,2,4-triphos ligand is a tridentate ligand formed by the formal additional of Ph₂PH to DPPBN (1,2,4-triphos=Ph CH CH(PPh₂) CH CH PPh₂). An X-ray structure of the Cp₂Fe₂(CO)₂( -1,2,4-triphos) complex revealed that the 1,2,4-triphos ligand chelates exclusively through the two phosphorus atoms that are bridged by two carbon atoms. It is suggested that this structural feature may simply reflect the increased stability of the 6-membered ring over the 7- and 8-membered rings. The reactions of the Cp₂Mo₂(CO)₆ and Cp₂Mo₂(CO)₄ dimers with DPPBN were investigated next. Reactions of Cp₂Mo₂(CO)₆ and Cp₂Mo₂(CO)₄ with the DPPEN and DPPBN ligands resulted in the disproportionation of the dimers. The X-ray crystal structure of [CpMo(CO)₂(DPPEN)][CpMo(CO)₃] was determined and is reported. The CpMo(CO)(DPPEN)Cl complex was formed when these same reactions were carried out in the presence of CH₂Cl₂. The X-ray crystal structure of this molecule is also reported.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Linear and Tri-Block PLLA–PEG–PLLA Blends

This study was conducted to synthesize poly(L-lactide)–poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(L-lactide) triblock copolymer (PEGLA) with different poly(L-lactide) block length, and explore its applicability in a blend with linear poly(L-lactide) (3051D NatureWorks) with the intention of improving heat seal and adhesion properties at extrusion coating on paperboard. Poly(L-lactide)–poly(ethylene glycol)–poly(L-lactide) was obtained by ring opening polymerization of L-lactide using poly(ethylene glycol) (molecular weight 6000 g mol^?1) as an initiator and stannous octoate as catalyst. The structures of the PEGLAs were characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The melt flow and thermal properties of all PEGLAs and their blends were evaluated using dynamic rheology and differential scanning calorimeter. All blends containing 10 wt% of PEGLAs displayed similar zero shear viscosities to neat poly(L-lactide), while blends containing 30 wt% of PEGLAs showed slightly higher zero shear viscosity. However, all blends displayed higher shear thinning and increased melt elasticity (based on tan δ). No major changes in thermal properties were distinguished from differential scanning calorimetric studies. High molecular weight PEGLAs could be used in extrusion coating with 3051D without problems.     

Synthesis, Characterization, Conductivity, Band Gap, and Thermal Analysis of Poly-[(2-mercaptophenyl)iminomethyl]-2-naphthol and Its Polymer–Metal Complexes

Oxidative polycondensation reaction conditions of [(2-mercaptophenyl)iminomethyl]-2-naphthol (2-MPIM-2N) were studied using oxidants such as air and NaOCl in an aqueous alkaline medium between 40 °C and 90 °C. The structure of poly-[(2-mercaptophenyl)iminomethyl]-2-naphthol (P-2-MPIM-2N) was characterized by ¹H- ¹³C NMR, FT-IR, and UV–Vis spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and elemental analysis. At optimum reaction conditions, the yield of P-2-MPIM-2N was found to be 78 and 82% for air and NaOCl oxidants, respectively. From SEC measurements, the number-average molecular weight (M _n ), weight-average molecular weight (M _w ) and polydispersity index (PDI) of P-2-MPIM-2N are 2900, 3500 g mol⁻¹ and 1.207; 2200, 2500 g mol⁻¹ and 1.136, for air and NaOCl oxidants, respectively. Polymer–metal complexes were synthesized by the reaction of P-2-MPIM-2N with Co²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Cd²⁺ ions. The highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO), the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), and electrochemical band gaps (E^￠_g E^{\prime}_{g} ) of 2-MPIM-2N and P-2-MPIM-2N were −5.97, −2.66 and 3.31 eV and −5.82, −2.68 and 3.14 eV, respectively. The conductivity of polymer and polymer–metal complexes were determined in the solid state. Conductivity measurements of doped and undoped Schiff base polymer and polymer–metal complexes were carried out at room temperature and atmospheric pressure by the four-point probe technique using an electrometer. The conductivities of the polymer and polymer–metal complexes increased when iodine was used as doping agent.     

Microwave-Assisted Solvothermal Synthesis and Photocatalytic Activity of Bismuth(III) Based Metal–Organic Framework

This study aims to synthesize and evaluate the photocatalytic activity of bismuth terephthalate material (Bi-BDC) synthesized by solvothermal (ST) and microwave-assisted solvothermal (MW) methods. Differences in the crystal structure and crystal shape were assessed by analytical methods such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), N₂ adsorption/desorption, Raman spectrum, and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). From XRD, IR, Raman, and XPS results, the fully crystallized Bi-BDC materials were achieved regardless of the preparation router. Bi-BDC-MW exhibited spherical-like morphologies, producing between stacked lamellar, while Bi-BDC-ST method exhibited a heterogeneous structure. The TGA data indicated that Bi-BDC is thermally stable up to 300 °C, suggesting the excellent thermal stability of Bi-BDC. The surface area and pore volume of Bi-BDC-MW (18 m²/g and 85 × 10^?3 cm³/g) are higher than those of Bi-BDC-ST (16 m²/g and 52 × 10^?3 cm³/g), which is due to its well-defined lamellar microstructure and homogeneity of the crystals. Compared to Bi-BDC-ST, Bi-BDC-MW has a higher value in the content of oxygen vacancy. Moreover, the photocatalytic efficiency of Bi-BDC-MW was significantly higher than that of Bi-BDC-ST, in which 99.44% rhodamine B (RhB) is removed after 360 min of irradiation. The improved photocatalytic efficiency of Bi-BDC-MW is ascribed to the morphology, specific surface area, and oxygen defects, which exhibited the good separation of electrons and holes, as confirmed by the photoluminescence (PL). The results should open a new approach to enhancing the photocatalytic activity of bismuth terephthalate materials.

     

Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(Ethyleneimine)-Modified Poly(Acrylic Acid)-Grafted Nanocellulose/Nanobentonite Superabsorbent Hydrogel for the Selective Recovery of β-Casein From Aqueous Solutions

A novel adsorbent, poly(ethyleneimine)-modified poly(acrylic acid)-grafted nanocellulose/nanobentonite superabsorbent hydrogel (PEI-PAA-g-NC/NB) was prepared by free radical graft copolymerization technique and well characterized. Swelling behavior of adsorbent was studied under different pH and temperatures. The various adsorption parameters for the adsorption of the protein, β-Casein (βCN) onto the PEI-PAA-g-NC/NB were investigated. Sips adsorption isotherm and pseudo-first-order kinetic model were best suited for the present adsorbent. The adsorption-desorption experiments were conducted with 0.1 M NaSCN for four cycles. The results of the present investigation proved that PEI-PAA-g-NC/NB is highly effective for the separation of βCN from aqueous solutions.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Evaluation of Gel‐Type Poly(4‐Vinylpyridine) Resins for Plutonium Sorption

Abstract

Three different cross‐linked (4, 8, and 12%) gel‐type strong‐base poly(4‐vinylpyridine) resins (PVP) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, exchange capacity, and moisture content. The uptake of plutonium and uranium was measured as a function of nitric acid concentration using all the three PVP resins. Plutonium sorption and elution kinetics experiments were also performed on all three PVP resins and compared with the benchmark, a gel‐type quarternary ammonium type anion‐exchange resin. The plutonium sorption rate decreases with the increase in cross‐linkage of the resin. All the three PVP resins exhibit better elution kinetics compared to the benchmark. The results on kinetic experiments performed on all three‐gel‐type resins indicated 8% gel‐type PVP resin with 50–100 mesh as a better candidate for plutonium processing or purification. Radiation degradation studies were carried out on the 8% PVP resin by gamma irradiation up to 200 MRad. The irradiated resins were characterized by IR, TGA, and SEM.

The exchange capacity, moisture content, and plutonium uptake were also evaluated for the irradiated PVP resins in comparison with the benchmark. The results indicated a better radiation stability for PVP resin over the benchmark.     

Synthesis and Characterization of FePt/NiO Core–Shell Nanoparticles

Monodisperse FePt nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using the chemical polyol process. Annealing at the high temperatures is required to achieve the hard ferromagnetic behavior with L1₀ phase. Annealing causes the surfactant surrounding particles to be decomposed. Under such circumstances, FePt particles are agglomerated, and their size increases. In this research, NiO oxide particle with a high melting point was used for the first time as the shell around FePt core particles to prevent agglomeration. As a result, coercivity, H_c, of FePt and FePt/NiO nanoparticles after annealing at 750?°C are equal to 10 and 7?kOe, respectively.     

Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Novel Nanostructured Aromatic Optically Active Poly(Ester–Amide)s Derived from S-tyrosine Containing Symmetric Diol and Aromatic Diacid Chlorides

In this study, at first N,N′-bis[2-(methyl-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoate)]terephthaldiamide, as a new chiral monomer based on tyrosine amino acid, was synthesized from the reaction of S-tyrosine methyl ester and terephthaloyl dichloride. Then novel nanostructured aromatic optically active and eco-friendly poly(ester–amide)s based on tyrosine amino acid were synthesized by the solution polycondensation of the new diol and a number of aromatic diacid chlorides. The resulting poly(ester–amide)s exhibited good yields, solubility, inherent viscosities, and thermal stability. All polymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared, ¹H NMR, elemental analysis, and specific rotation. They were also studied by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and field emission scanning electron microscopy.     

Synthesis and Characterization of AgBr–Silk Nanocomposite Under Ultrasound Irradiation

The growth of silver bromide nanoparticles on silk yarn was achieved by sequential dipping in alternating bath of potassium bromide and silver nitrate under ultrasound irradiation. The effect of concentration, power of ultrasound irradiation and the numerous of sequential dipping steps in growth of the AgBr nanoparticles on silk yarn were studied. The samples were characterized with powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Inductive Coupled Plasma (ICP). The lower average size and the higher crowded AgBr nanoparticles upon silk yarn are the result of using ultrasound irradiation.