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Serkhacheva NS, Prokopov NI, Lysenko EA, Kozhunova EY, Chernikova EV. Modern Trends in Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1408. [PMID: 38794601 PMCID: PMC11125046 DOI: 10.3390/polym16101408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) is a powerful and versatile technique for producing colloidal dispersions of block copolymer particles with desired morphologies. Currently, PISA can be carried out in various media, over a wide range of temperatures, and using different mechanisms. This method enables the production of biodegradable objects and particles with various functionalities and stimuli sensitivity. Consequently, PISA offers a broad spectrum of potential commercial applications. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current state of rational synthesis of block copolymer particles with diverse morphologies using various PISA techniques and mechanisms. The discussion begins with an examination of the main thermodynamic, kinetic, and structural aspects of block copolymer micellization, followed by an exploration of the key principles of PISA in the formation of gradient and block copolymers. The review also delves into the main mechanisms of PISA implementation and the principles governing particle morphology. Finally, the potential future developments in PISA are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia S. Serkhacheva
- Lomonosov Institute of Fine Chemical Technologies, MIREA—Russian Technological University, pr. Vernadskogo, 86, 119571 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Nickolay I. Prokopov
- Lomonosov Institute of Fine Chemical Technologies, MIREA—Russian Technological University, pr. Vernadskogo, 86, 119571 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Evgenii A. Lysenko
- Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1, bld. 3, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (E.A.L.); (E.Y.K.)
| | - Elena Yu. Kozhunova
- Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1, bld. 3, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (E.A.L.); (E.Y.K.)
- Faculty of Physics, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1, bld. 2, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena V. Chernikova
- Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory 1, bld. 3, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (E.A.L.); (E.Y.K.)
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2
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Sun H, Wang S, Dugas PY, D'Agosto F, Lansalot M. Peculiar Behavior of Methyl Methacrylate Emulsion Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly Mediated by RAFT Using Poly(Methacrylic Acid) Macromolecular Chain Transfer Agent. Macromol Rapid Commun 2024:e2400141. [PMID: 38695257 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202400141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) emulsion polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) is successfully performed in water in the presence of a poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) macromolecular chain transfer agent (macroCTA) leading to the formation of self-stabilized PMAA-b-PMMA amphiphilic block copolymer particles. At pH 3.7, the reactions are well-controlled with narrow molar mass distributions. Increasing the initial pH, particularly above 5.6, results in a partial loss of reactivity of the PMAA macroCTA. The effect of the degree of polymerization (DPn) of the PMMA block, the solids content, the nature of the hydrophobic segment, and the pH on the morphology of the obtained diblock copolymer particles is then investigated. Worm-like micelles are formed for a DPn of PMMA of 20 (PMMA20), while "onion-like" particles and spherical vesicles are obtained for PMMA30 and PMMA50, respectively. In contrast, spherical particles are obtained for the DPns higher than 150. This unusual evolution of particle morphologies upon increasing the DPn of the PMMA block seems to be related to hydrogen bonds between hydrophilic MAA and hydrophobic MMA units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huidi Sun
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CPE Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5128, Catalysis, Polymerization, Processes and Materials (CP2M), Villeurbanne, F-69616, France
| | - Suren Wang
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CPE Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5128, Catalysis, Polymerization, Processes and Materials (CP2M), Villeurbanne, F-69616, France
| | - Pierre-Yves Dugas
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CPE Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5128, Catalysis, Polymerization, Processes and Materials (CP2M), Villeurbanne, F-69616, France
| | - Franck D'Agosto
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CPE Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5128, Catalysis, Polymerization, Processes and Materials (CP2M), Villeurbanne, F-69616, France
| | - Muriel Lansalot
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CPE Lyon, CNRS, UMR 5128, Catalysis, Polymerization, Processes and Materials (CP2M), Villeurbanne, F-69616, France
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Gioldasis C, Gkamas A, Vlahos C. Impact of Copolymer Architecture on Demicellization and Cargo Release via Head-to-Tail Depolymerization of Hydrophobic Blocks or Branches. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1127. [PMID: 38675046 PMCID: PMC11053811 DOI: 10.3390/polym16081127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Utilizing molecular dynamics simulations, we explored the demicellization and cargo release dynamics of linear and miktoarm copolymers, featuring one, two, and three hydrophobic blocks or branches, each capable of head-to-tail depolymerization. Our findings revealed that, under stoichiometric trigger molecule concentrations, miktoarms with three branches exhibited consistently faster depolymerization rates than those with two branches and linear copolymers. Conversely, at constant trigger molecule concentrations, the depolymerization rates of copolymers exhibited more complex behaviors influenced by two opposing factors: the excess of trigger molecules, which increased with a decrease in the number of hydrophobic branches or blocks, and simultaneous head-to-tail depolymerization, which intensified with an increasing number of branches. Our study elucidates the intricate interplay between copolymer architecture, trigger molecule concentrations, and depolymerization dynamics, providing valuable insights for the rational design of amphiphilic copolymers with tunable demicellization and cargo release properties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Costas Vlahos
- Chemistry Department, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (C.G.); (A.G.)
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Morrell AH, Warren NJ, Thornton PD. The Production of Polysarcosine-Containing Nanoparticles by Ring-Opening Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly. Macromol Rapid Commun 2024:e2400103. [PMID: 38597209 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202400103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
N-carboxyanhydride ring-opening polymerization-induced self-assembly (NCA ROPISA) offers a convenient route for generating poly(amino acid)-based nanoparticles in a single step, crucially avoiding the need for post-polymerization self-assembly. Most examples of NCA ROPISA make use of a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrophilic stabilizing block, however this non-biodegradable, oil-derived polymer may cause an immunological response in some individuals. Alternative water-soluble polymers are therefore highly sought. This work reports the synthesis of wholly poly(amino acid)-based nanoparticles, through the chain-extension of a polysarcosine macroinitiator with L-Phenylalanine-NCA (L-Phe-NCA) and Alanine-NCA (Ala-NCA), via aqueous NCA ROPISA. The resulting polymeric structures comprise of predominantly anisotropic, rod-like nanoparticles, with morphologies primarily influenced by the secondary structure of the hydrophobic poly(amino acid) that enables their formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna H Morrell
- School of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Nicholas J Warren
- School of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Paul D Thornton
- Leeds Institute of Textiles and Colour (LITAC), School of Design, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
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Zhang S, Li R, An Z. Degradable Block Copolymer Nanoparticles Synthesized by Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202315849. [PMID: 38155097 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202315849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) combines polymerization and in situ self-assembly of block copolymers in one system and has become a widely used method to prepare block copolymer nanoparticles at high concentrations. The persistence of polymers in the environment poses a huge threat to the ecosystem and represents a significant waste of resources. There is an urgent need to develop novel chemical approaches to synthesize degradable polymers. To meet with this demand, it is crucial to install degradability into PISA nanoparticles. Most recently, degradable PISA nanoparticles have been synthesized by introducing degradation mechanisms into either shell-forming or core-forming blocks. This Minireview summarizes the development in degradable block copolymer nanoparticles synthesized by PISA, including shell-degradable, core-degradable, and all-degradable nanoparticles. Future development will benefit from expansion of polymerization techniques with new degradation mechanisms and adaptation of high-throughput approaches for both PISA syntheses and degradation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shudi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Ruoyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Zesheng An
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
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Zheng Y, Niino H, Chatani S, Goto A. Preparation of Block Copolymer Self-Assemblies via Pisa in a Non-Polar Medium Based on RCMP. Macromol Rapid Commun 2024; 45:e2300635. [PMID: 38284465 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202300635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) is conducted in a non-polar medium (n-dodecane) via reversible complexation-mediated polymerization (RCMP). Stearyl methacrylate (SMA) is used to synthesize a macroinitiator, and subsequent block polymerization of benzyl methacrylate (BzMA) from the macroinitiator in n-dodecane afforded a PSMA-PBzMA block copolymer, where PSMA is poly(stearyl methacrylate) and PBzMA is poly(benzyl methacrylate). Because PSMA is soluble but PBzMA is insoluble in n-dodecane, the block copolymer formed a self-assembly during the block polymerization (PISA). Spherical micelles, worms, and vesicles are obtained, depending on the degrees of polymerization of PSMA and PBzMA. "One-pot" PISA is also attained; namely, BzMA is directly added to the reaction mixture of the macroinitiator synthesis, and PISA is conducted in the same pot without purification of the macroinitiator. The spherical micelle and vesicle structures are also fixed using a crosslinkable monomer during PISA. RCMP-PISA is highly attractive as it is odorless and metal-free. The "one-pot" synthesis does not require the purification of the macroinitiator. RCMP-PISA can provide a practical approach to synthesize self-assemblies in non-polar media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichao Zheng
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 62 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637459
| | - Hiroshi Niino
- Hiroshima R&D Center, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, 20-1 Miyuki-cho, Otake, Hiroshima, 739-0693, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Chatani
- Hiroshima R&D Center, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, 20-1 Miyuki-cho, Otake, Hiroshima, 739-0693, Japan
| | - Atsushi Goto
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, 62 Nanyang Drive, Singapore, 637459
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Astier S, Johnson EC, Norvilaite O, Varlas S, Brotherton EE, Sanderson G, Leggett GJ, Armes SP. Controlling Adsorption of Diblock Copolymer Nanoparticles onto an Aldehyde-Functionalized Hydrophilic Polymer Brush via pH Modulation. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024. [PMID: 38320303 PMCID: PMC10883040 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c03392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Sterically stabilized diblock copolymer nanoparticles with a well-defined spherical morphology and tunable diameter were prepared by RAFT aqueous emulsion polymerization of benzyl methacrylate at 70 °C. The steric stabilizer precursor used for these syntheses contained pendent cis-diol groups, which means that such nanoparticles can react with a suitable aldehyde-functional surface via acetal bond formation. This principle is examined herein by growing an aldehyde-functionalized polymer brush from a planar silicon wafer and studying the extent of nanoparticle adsorption onto this model substrate from aqueous solution at 25 °C using a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). The adsorbed amount, Γ, depends on both the nanoparticle diameter and the solution pH, with minimal adsorption observed at pH 7 or 10 and substantial adsorption achieved at pH 4. Variable-temperature QCM studies provide strong evidence for chemical adsorption, while scanning electron microscopy images recorded for the nanoparticle-coated brush surface after drying indicate mean surface coverages of up to 62%. This fundamental study extends our understanding of the chemical adsorption of nanoparticles on soft substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Astier
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Sheffield, Dainton Building, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S3 7HF, U.K
| | - Edwin C Johnson
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Sheffield, Dainton Building, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S3 7HF, U.K
| | - Oleta Norvilaite
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Sheffield, Dainton Building, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S3 7HF, U.K
| | - Spyridon Varlas
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Sheffield, Dainton Building, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S3 7HF, U.K
| | - Emma E Brotherton
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Sheffield, Dainton Building, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S3 7HF, U.K
| | - George Sanderson
- GEO Specialty Chemicals, Hythe, Southampton, Hampshire SO45 3ZG, U.K
| | - Graham J Leggett
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Sheffield, Dainton Building, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S3 7HF, U.K
| | - Steven P Armes
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Sheffield, Dainton Building, Brook Hill, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S3 7HF, U.K
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Jia S, Liu Y, Hao L, Ni J, Wang Y, Yang Y, Chen Y, Cheng P, Chen L, Zhang Z. A General Group-Protection Synthesis Strategy to Fabricate Covalent Organic Framework Gels. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:26266-26278. [PMID: 38011228 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c09284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Fabricating insoluble and infusible porous materials into gels for advanced applications is of great importance but has formidable challenges. Here, we present a general, facile, and scalable protocol to fabricate covalent organic framework (COF) gels using a group-protection synthesis strategy. To prove the generality of this strategy, we successfully prepared 10 types of COF organohydrogels with high crystallinity, porosity, good mechanical properties, and excellent solvent and freezing resistance. Notably, these COF organohydrogels can easily transform into hydrogels, organogels, and aerogels, breaking the gaps between different types of COF gels. An in-depth mechanism investigation unveils that the group-protection strategy effectively slows down the formation rate and regulates the morphology of COFs, benefiting the formation of cross-linked nanofibers/nanosheets to produce COF gels. We also find that the hydrogen bond network formed by the organic/water binary solvent and functional groups in the COF skeletons plays a vital role in creating organohydrogels and maintaining frost resistance and solvent resistance. As an application demonstration, COF gels installed with photoresponsive azobenzene groups show excellent solar energy absorption, photothermal conversion, and water transmission performances, demonstrating great potential in solar desalination. This work enriches the synthesis toolboxes for COF gels and expands the application scope of COFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuping Jia
- College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Novel Functional Materials Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, Kashi University, Kashi 844000, China
| | - Yujie Liu
- College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Liqin Hao
- College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Jiayu Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin 300387, China
| | - Yanjie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin 300387, China
| | - Yi Yang
- College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Peng Cheng
- College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Energy Materials Chemistry (Ministry of Education), Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Li Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin 300387, China
| | - Zhenjie Zhang
- College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Energy Materials Chemistry (Ministry of Education), Renewable Energy Conversion and Storage Center, Frontiers Science Center for New Organic Matter, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
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