Isocyanate-Free Routes to Polyurethanes and Poly(hydroxy Urethane)s

Synthesis of carbamates from amines and N-tosylhydrazones under atmospheric pressure of carbon dioxide without an external base

A synthetic method to carbamates from amines and N-tosylhydrazones in the presence of 1 atm of carbon dioxide was developed.

Synthesis and characterization of polyurethanes bearing carbosilane segments

New polyurethanes bearing carbosilane segment (1a–c) were synthesized and found to exhibit lower glass transition temperature and storage moduli than corresponding reference polyurethanes 2a–c, while thermal stability was retained.

Room temperature synthesis of non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs) using highly reactive N-substituted 8-membered cyclic carbonates

Non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs) were prepared via polyaddition of highly reactive 8-membered ‘bis-cyclic’ carbonates and various diamines under catalyst-free and room temperature conditions.

Blocked isocyanates: from analytical and experimental considerations to non-polyurethane applications

In this review we aim to provide an introductory guide to blocked isocyanates, through discussion on different examples of blocking groups, along with experimental considerations for their application.

Protein detection using tunable pores: resistive pulses and current rectification

We present the first comparison between assays that use resistive pulses or rectification ratios on a tunable pore platform. We compare their ability to quantify the cancer biomarker Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). The first assay measures the electrophoretic mobility of aptamer modified nanoparticles as they traverse the pore. By controlling the aptamer loading on the particle surface, and measuring the speed of each translocation event we are able to observe a change in velocity as low as 18 pM. A second non-particle assay exploits the current rectification properties of conical pores. We report the first use of Layer-by-Layer (LbL) assembly of polyelectrolytes onto the surface of the polyurethane pore. The current rectification ratios demonstrate the presence of the polymers, producing pH and ionic strength-dependent currents. The LbL assembly allows the facile immobilisation of DNA aptamers onto the pore allowing a specific dose response to VEGF. Monitoring changes to the current rectification allows for a rapid detection of 5 pM VEGF. Each assay format offers advantages in their setup and ease of preparation but comparable sensitivities.

Activated lipidic cyclic carbonates for non-isocyanate polyurethane synthesis

Activated 5-membered cyclic carbonates were prepared from glycerol and fatty acid derivatives.