A modular approach toward block copolymers

Supramolecular Functionalizable Linear-Dendritic Block Copolymers for the Preparation of Nanocarriers by Microfluidics

Hybrid linear-dendritic block copolymers (LDBCs) having dendrons with a precise number of peripheral groups that are able to supramolecular bind functional moieties are challenging materials as versatile polymeric platforms for the preparation of functional polymeric nanocarriers. PEG2k-b-dxDAP LDBCs that are based on polyethylene glycol (PEG) as hydrophilic blocks and dendrons derived from bis-MPA having 2,6-diacylaminopyridine (DAP) units have been efficiently synthesized by the click coupling of preformed blocks, as was demonstrated by spectroscopic techniques and mass spectrometry. Self-assembly ability was first checked by nanoprecipitation. A reproducible and fast synthesis of aggregates was accomplished by microfluidics optimizing the total flow rate and phase ratio to achieve spherical micelles and/or vesicles depending on dendron generation and experimental parameters. The morphology and size of the self-assemblies were studied by TEM, Cryogenic Transmission Electron Microscopy (cryo-TEM), and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). The cytotoxicity of aggregates synthesized by microfluidics and the influence on apoptosis and cell cycle evaluation was studied on four cell lines. The self-assemblies are not cytotoxic at doses below 0.4 mg mL-1. Supramolecular functionalization using thymine derivatives was explored for reversibly cross-linking the hydrophobic blocks. The results open new possibilities for their use as drug nanocarriers with a dynamic cross-linking to improve nanocarrier stability but without hindering disassembly to release molecular cargoes.

Supramolecular Triblock Copolymers Through the Formation of Hydrogen Bonds: Synthesis, Characterization, Association Effects in Solvents of Different Polarity

Anionic polymerization techniques were employed for the synthesis of linear polystyrene (PS) and block copolymer of PS and polyisoprene (PI) PS-b-PI bearing end hydroxyl groups. Following suitable organic chemistry transformation, the –OH end groups were converted to moieties able to form complementary hydrogen bonds including 2,6-diaminopurine, Dap, thymine, Thy, and the so-called Hamilton receptor, Ham. The formation of hydrogen bonds was examined between the polymers PS-Dap and PS-b-PI-Thy, along with the polymers PS-Ham and PS-b-PI-Thy. The conditions under which supramolecular triblock copolymers are formed and the possibility to form aggregates were examined both in solution and in the solid state using a variety of techniques such as ¹H-NMR spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography (SEC), dilute solution viscometry, dynamic light scattering (DLS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential thermogravimetry (DTG), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).

Construction and morphology of non-covalently double-crosslinked supramolecular polymer networks

A straightforward synthesis of α-Ba, ω-TAP functionalized polymers, Ba-PnBuA-TAP, is reported, leading to the formation of double-crosslinked supramolecular networks driven via the sequential hydrogen-bonding association and metal-coordination.

A single-stranded coordination copolymer affords heterostructure observation and photoluminescence intensification

Few artificial systems can be exfoliated into, and observed as, single wires with lengths of more than several micrometers, and no previous example features a copolymer structure; this is in contrast with biopolymers such as single-strand DNAs. Here, we create a set of one-dimensional coordination copolymers featuring bis(dipyrrinato)zinc complex motifs in the main chain. A series of random copolymers is synthesized from two types of bridging dipyrrin proligand and zinc acetate, with various molar ratios between the proligands. Sonication of the bulk solid copolymer in organic solvent exfoliates single strands with lengths of 1.4 to 3.0 μm. Atomic force microscopy at ambient conditions visualizes the copolymer structure as height distributions. The copolymer structure improves its photoluminescence (up to 32%) relative to that of the corresponding homopolymers (3 and 10%). Numerical simulation based on a restricted random walk model reproduces the photoluminescence intensification, suggesting at the same time the existence of fast intrawire exciton hopping.

Megasupramolecules for safer, cleaner fuel by end association of long telechelic polymers

We used statistical mechanics to design polymers that defy conventional wisdom by self-assembling into “megasupramolecules” (≥5000 kg/mol) at low concentration (≤0.3 weight percent). Theoretical treatment of the distribution of individual subunits—end-functional polymers—among cyclic and linear supramolecules (ring-chain equilibrium) predicts that megasupramolecules can form at low total polymer concentration if, and only if, the backbones are long (>400 kg/mol) and end-association strength is optimal. Viscometry and scattering measurements of long telechelic polymers having polycyclooctadiene backbones and acid or amine end groups verify the formation of megasupramolecules. They control misting and reduce drag in the same manner as ultralong covalent polymers. With individual building blocks short enough to avoid hydrodynamic chain scission (weight-average molecular weights of 400 to 1000 kg/mol) and reversible linkages that protect covalent bonds, these megasupramolecules overcome the obstacles of shear degradation and engine incompatibility.

Enhancing mechanical performance of a covalent self-healing material by sacrificial noncovalent bonds

Polymers that repair themselves after mechanical damage can significantly improve their durability and safety. A major goal in the field of self-healing materials is to combine robust mechanical and efficient healing properties. Here, we show that incorporation of sacrificial bonds into a self-repairable network dramatically improves the overall mechanical properties. Specifically, we use simple secondary amide side chains to create dynamic energy dissipative hydrogen bonds in a covalently cross-linked polymer network, which can self-heal via olefin cross-metathesis. We envision that this straightforward sacrificial bonding strategy can be employed to improve mechanical properties in a variety of self-healing systems.

Engineering orthogonality in supramolecular polymers: from simple scaffolds to complex materials

Owing to the mastery exhibited by Nature in integrating both covalent and noncovalent interactions in a highly efficient manner, the quest to construct polymeric systems that rival not only the precision and fidelity but also the structure of natural systems has remained a daunting challenge. Supramolecular chemists have long endeavored to control the interplay between covalent and noncovalent bond formation, so as to examine and fully comprehend how function is predicated on self-assembly. The ability to reliably control polymer self-assembly is essential to generate "smart" materials and has the potential to tailor polymer properties (i.e., viscosity, electronic properties) through fine-tuning the noncovalent interactions that comprise the polymer architecture. In this context, supramolecular polymers have a distinct advantage over fully covalent systems in that they are dynamically modular, since noncovalent recognition motifs can be engineered to either impart a desired functionality within the overall architecture or provide a designed bias for the self-assembly process. In this Account, we describe engineering principles being developed and pursued by our group that exploit the orthogonal nature of noncovalent interactions, such as hydrogen bonding, metal coordination, and Coulombic interactions, to direct the self-assembly of functionalized macromolecules, resulting in the formation of supramolecular polymers. To begin, we describe our efforts to fabricate a modular poly(norbornene)-based scaffold via ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP), wherein pendant molecular recognition elements based upon nucleobase-mimicking elements (e.g., thymine, diaminotriazine) or SCS-Pd(II) pincer were integrated within covalent monofunctional or symmetrically functionalized polymers. The simple polymer backbones exhibited reliable self-assembly with complementary polymers or small molecules. Within these systems, we applied successful protecting group strategies and template polymerizations to enhance the control afforded by ROMP. Main-chain-functionalized alternating block polymers based upon SCS-Pd(II) pincer-pyridine motifs were achieved through the combined exploitation of bimetallic initiators and supramolecularly functionalized terminators. Our initial design principles led to the successful fabrication of both main-chain- and side-chain-functionalized poly(norbornenes) via ROMP. Utilizing all of these techniques in concert led to engineering orthogonality while achieving complexity through the installation of multiple supramolecular motifs within the side chain, main chain, or both in our polymer systems. The exploitation and modification of design principles based upon functional ROMP initiators and terminators has resulted in the first synthesis of main-chain heterotelechelic polymers that self-assemble into A/B/C supramolecular triblock polymers composed of orthogonal cyanuric acid-Hamilton wedge and SCS-Pd(II) pincer-pyridine motifs. Furthermore, supramolecular A/B/A triblock copolymers were realized through the amalgamation of functionalized monomers, ROMP initiators, and terminators. To date, this ROMP-fabricated system represents the only known method to afford polymer main chains and side chains studded with orthogonal motifs. We end by discussing the impetus to attain functional materials via orthogonal self-assembly. Collectively, our studies suggest that combining covalent and noncovalent bonds in a well-defined and precise manner is an essential design element to achieve complex architectures. The results discussed in this Account illustrate the finesse associated with engineering orthogonal interactions within supramolecular systems and are considered essential steps toward developing complex biomimetic materials with high precision and fidelity.

Conformer-independent ureidoimidazole motifs--tools to probe conformational and tautomeric effects on the molecular recognition of triply hydrogen-bonded heterodimers

Linear arrays of hydrogen bonds are useful for the reversible assembly of "stimuli-responsive" supramolecular materials. There is thus an ongoing requirement for easy-to-synthesise motifs that are capable of presenting hydrogen-bonding functionality in a predictable manner, such that high-affinity and high-fidelity recognition occurs. The design of linear arrays is made challenging as a consequence of their ability to adopt multiple conformational and tautomeric configurations; with each additional hydrogen-bonding heteroatom added to an array, the available tautomeric and conformational space increases and it can be difficult to anticipate where unproductive conformers/tautomers will arise. This paper describes a detailed study on the complementary ureidoimidazole donor-donor-acceptor (DDA) array (1) and amidoisocytosine donor-acceptor-acceptor (DAA) array (2). A specific feature of 1 is that two degenerate, intramolecular hydrogen-bonded conformations are postulated, both of which present a DDA array that is complementary to appropriate DAA partners. 1D and 2D (1)H NMR spectroscopy, isothermal titration calorimetry, and ab initio structure calculations confirm 1 interacts with 2 (K(a) ≈ 33,000  M(-1) in CDCl(3)) in a conformer-independent fashion driven by enthalpy. Comparison of the binding behaviour of 1 with hexylamidocytosine (4) and amidonaphthyridine (5) provides insight on the role that intramolecular hydrogen-bonding plays in mediating affinity towards DAA partners.

Monte carlo simulations of metallo-supramolecular micelles

Using Monte Carlo simulations we show that the equilibrium properties of metallo-supramolecular micelles are determined by the competition of 2:1 and 1:1 metal-ligand complexation in the bulk and on the surface as well as steric interactions between the neighboring corona blocks attached to the surface. We predict that by increasing the association energy for the second metal-ligand bond, or decreasing the corona block length one can achieve a larger core surface coverage for metallo-supramolecular micelles. Compared to covalently bonded block copolymer micelles, we show that metallo-supramolecular micelles have smaller monomer and end group density, especially in the vicinity of the core, which may lead to experimentally observed aggregation.

Controlling Polymer Properties through Dynamic Metal–Ligand Interactions: Supramolecular Cruciforms Made Easy

A straightforward methodology towards the supramolecular synthesis of novel organometallic polymers with attractive optical properties is presented. By coordinating bifunctional fluorescent cruciform molecules through ditopic metalated pincer complexes (Pd or Pt), we have synthesized a new class of well-defined coordination polymers that have controllable and tunable physical and photophysical properties. The formation of these new materials by employing metal coordination was monitored by (1)H NMR spectroscopy, the association strength of the metal-ligand interaction was measured by isothermal titration calorimetry, the solution polymeric properties were evaluated by viscometry, and the optical properties were measured and observed by fluorescence spectroscopy. The fast and quantitative synthesis of a wide range of prefabricated monomeric cruciform and metalated-pincer-complex components will allow for the rapid generation, growth, and optimization of this new class of functional polymers, which have potential electronic and optical applications.

Non-covalent polymer assembly using arrays of hydrogen-bonds

Hydrogen-bond-mediated non-covalent polymer synthesis is an emerging area that presents new opportunities for the design of stimuli-responsive materials. Central to this is the ready availability of appropriate building blocks with which to link monomers together. This review discusses recent developments in the design, synthesis and use of arrays of hydrogen-bonds as supramolecular linking units.

Ring-Expanding Olefin Metathesis: A Route to Highly Active Unsymmetrical Macrocyclic Oligomeric Co-Salen Catalysts for the Hydrolytic Kinetic Resolution of Epoxides

In the presence of the third generation Grubbs catalyst, the ring-expanding olefin metathesis of a monocyclooct-4-en-1-yl functionalized salen ligand and the corresponding Co(II)(salen) complex at low monomer concentrations results in the exclusive formation of macrocyclic oligomeric structures with the salen moieties being attached in an unsymmetrical, flexible, pendent manner. The TOF-MALDI mass spectrometry reveals that the resulting macrocyclic oligomers consist predominantly of dimeric to tetrameric species, with detectable traces of higher homologues up to a decamer. Upon activation under aerobic and acidic conditions, these Co(salen) macrocycles exhibit extremely high reactivities and selectivities in the hydrolytic kinetic resolution (HKR) of a variety of racemic terminal epoxides under neat conditions with very low catalyst loadings. The excellent catalytic properties can be explained in terms of the new catalyst's appealing structural features, namely, the flexible oligomer backbone, the unsymmetrical pendent immobilization motif of the catalytic sites, and the high local concentration of Co(salen) species resulting from the macrocyclic framework. This ring-expanding olefin metathesis is suggested to be a simple way to prepare tethered metal complexes that are endowed with key features--(i) a high local concentration of metal complexes and (ii) a flexible, single point of attachment to the support--that facilitate rapid and efficient catalysis when a bimetallic transition state is required.

Olefin metathesis and quadruple hydrogen bonding: a powerful combination in multistep supramolecular synthesis

We show that combining concepts generally used in covalent organic synthesis such as retrosynthetic analysis and the use of protecting groups, and applying them to the self-assembly of polymeric building blocks in multiple steps, results in a powerful strategy for the self-assembly of dynamic materials with a high level of architectural control. We present a highly efficient synthesis of bifunctional telechelic polymers by ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) with complementary quadruple hydrogen-bonding motifs. Because the degree of functionality for the polymers is 2.0, the formation of alternating, blocky copolymers was demonstrated in both solution and the bulk leading to stable, microphase-separated copolymer morphologies.

Investigations of Metal-Coordinated Peptides as Supramolecular Synthons

This article describes the synthesis and controlled assembly of four model biological-hybrid scaffolds via coordination of a metal complex to four new tripeptides. Each model tripeptide investigated has either a central pyridyl glycyl or a pyridyl alanyl residue between two terminally protected glycines. All tripeptides were coordinated to their complementary recognition unit, a p-methoxy SCS-Pd pincer complex. The assembly events were fully characterized and investigated by 1H NMR, ES-MS, and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) to elucidate how the substitution and spatial distance of the pyridyl moiety to the peptide backbone affects the metal coordination. Using these characterization techniques, we have shown that the metal-coordination events in all cases are fast and quantitative and that the peptide backbones do not interfere with the self-assembly. The ITC analyses showed that the 4-pyridyl tripeptides are the tightest binding ligands toward the palladated pincer complexes with the alanyl derivative being the strongest overall, demonstrating the superiority of the 4-pyridyl peptides over their 3-pyridyl analogues. The measured association constants are comparable to other pincer-pyridine systems in DMSO suggesting that the controlled coordination of the metalated pincer/pyridine interaction is an interesting biological synthon and will allow for the future development of important noncovalent peptide-based hybrid materials.