Analysis of association constant for ground state dye-electron acceptor complex of photoinitiator systems and the association constant effect on the kinetics of visible-light-induced polymerizations

3D-printed microrobots for biomedical applications

Microrobots, which can perform tasks in difficult-to-reach parts of the human body under their own or external power supply, are potential tools for biomedical applications, such as drug delivery, microsurgery, imaging and monitoring, tissue engineering, and sensors and actuators. Compared with traditional fabrication methods for microrobots, recent improvements in 3D printers enable them to print high-precision microrobots, breaking through the limitations of traditional micromanufacturing technologies that require high skills for operators and greatly shortening the design-to-production cycle. Here, this review first introduces typical 3D printing technologies used in microrobot manufacturing. Then, the structures of microrobots with different functions and application scenarios are discussed. Next, we summarize the materials (body materials, propulsion materials and intelligent materials) used in 3D microrobot manufacturing to complete body construction and realize biomedical applications (e.g., drug delivery, imaging and monitoring). Finally, the challenges and future prospects of 3D printed microrobots in biomedical applications are discussed in terms of materials, manufacturing and advancement.

Semi-Crystalline Poly(thioether) Prepared by Visible-Light-Induced Organocatalyzed Thiol-ene Polymerization in Emulsion

A photocatalytic thiol-ene aqueous emulsion polymerization under visible-light is described to prepare linear semicrystalline latexes using 2,2'-dimercaptodiethyl sulfide as dithiol and various dienes. The procedure involves low irradiance (3 mW cm^-2 ), LED irradiation source, eosin-Y disodium as organocatalyst, low catalyst loading (<0.05% mol), and short reaction time scales (<1 h). The resulting latexes have molecular weights of about 10 kg mol^-1 , average diameters of 100 nm, and a linear structure consisting only of thioether repeating units. Electron-transfer reaction from a thiol to the triplet excited state of the photocatalyst is suggested as the primary step of the mechanism (type I), whereas oxidation by singlet oxygen generated by energy transfer has a negligible effect (type II). Only polymers prepared with aliphatic dienes such as diallyl adipate or di(ethylene glycol) divinyl ether exhibit a high crystallization tendency as revealed by differential scanning calorimetry, polarized optical microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Ordering and crystallization are driven by molecular packing of poly(thioether) chains combining structural regularity, compactness, and flexibility.

Improvement on properties of experimental resin cements containing an iodonium salt cured under challenging polymerization conditions

OBJECTIVE

The use of resin cements in clinical practice entails photopolymerization through prosthetic devices, which precludes light penetration. The objective of this study was to modify experimental resin cements (ERCs) with diphenyliodonium hexafluorophosphate (DPI) in an attempt to improve chemical and mechanical properties of materials cured with reduced irradiance and final radiant exposure.

METHODS

A co-monomer base containing a 1:1 mass ratio of 2.2-bis[4-(2-hydroxy-3-methacryloxypropoxy)phenyl]propane (bis-GMA) and triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) was prepared, with 1mol% of camphorquinone and 2mol% of ethyl 4-(dimethylamino)benzoate as initiator system. The resin was divided into 4 fractions according to the DPI concentrations (0, 0.5, 1 and 2mol%). The challenging polymerization condition was simulated performing the light activation (12, 23 and 46s) through a ceramic block (3mm thick). The irradiance was assessed with a calibrated spectrometer (1320mW/cm²), resulting in three levels of radiant exposure (0.58, 1.1 and 2.2J/cm²). The polymerization kinetics was evaluated in real-time using a spectrometer (Near-IR). Water sorption and solubility was analyzed and the cohesive strength of resins obtained through the microtensile test. Polymerization stress was assessed by Bioman method.

RESULTS

Resins containing DPI had higher degree of conversion and rate of polymerization than the control (without DPI). The use of DPI reduced water sorption and solubility, and led to higher cohesive strength compared to resins without the iodonium salt. However, the stress of polymerization was higher for experimental resins with DPI.

SIGNIFICANCE

Even under remarkably reduced irradiance, cements containing a ternary initiating system with an iodonium salt can present an optimal degree of conversion and chemical/mechanical properties.

Monocomponent Photoinitiators based on Benzophenone-Carbazole Structure for LED Photoinitiating Systems and Application on 3D Printing

In this article, different substituents (benzoyl, acetyl, styryl) are introduced onto the carbazole scaffold to obtain 8 novel carbazole derivatives. Interestingly, a benzoyl substituent, connected to a carbazole group, could form a benzophenone moiety, which composes a monocomponent Type II benzophenone-carbazole photoinitiator (PI). The synergetic effect of the benzophenone moiety and the amine in the carbazole moiety is expected to produce high performance photoinitiating systems (PISs) for the free radical photopolymerization (FRP). For different substituents, clear effects on the light absorption properties are demonstrated using UV-Visible absorption spectroscopy. Benzophenone-carbazole PIs can initiate the FRP of acrylates alone (monocomponent Type II photoinitiator behavior). In addition, fast polymerization rates and high function conversions of acrylate are observed when an amine and/or an iodonium salt are added in systems. Benzophenone-carbazole PIs have good efficiencies in cationic photopolymerization (CP) upon LED @ 365 nm irradiation in the presence of iodonium salt. In contrast, other PIs without synergetic effect demonstrate unsatisfied photopolymerization profiles in the same conditions. The best PIS identified for the free radical photopolymerization were used in three-dimensional (3D) printing. Steady state photolysis and fluorescence quenching experiments were carried out to investigate the reactivity and the photochemistry and photophysical properties of PIs. The free radicals, generated from the studied PISs, are detected by the electron spin resonance - spin trapping technique. The proposed chemical mechanisms are provided and the structure/reactivity/efficiency relationships are also discussed. All the results showed that the benzophenone-carbazole PIs have a good application potential, and this work provides a rational design route for PI molecules. Remarkably, BPC2-BPC4, C6, C8 were never synthetized before; therefore, 5 of the 8 compounds are completely new.

A monocomponent bifunctional benzophenone–carbazole type II photoinitiator for LED photoinitiating systems

A bifunctional benzophenone–carbazole-based photoinitiator (BPC) was designed from its molecular structure viewpoint.

Discovery and Characterization of Halogenated Xanthene Inhibitors of DUSP5 as Potential Photodynamic Therapeutics

Dual specific phosphatases (DUSPs) are an important class of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) regulators, and are drug targets for treating vascular diseases. Previously we had shown that DUSP5 plays a role in embryonic vertebrate vascular patterning. Herein, we screened a library of FDA-approved drugs and related compounds, using a para-nitrophenylphosphate substrate (pNPP)-based assay. This assay identified merbromin (also known as mercurochrome) as targeting DUSP5; and, we subsequently identified xanthene-ring based merbromin analogs eosin Y, erythrosin B, and rose bengal, all of which inhibit DUSP5 in vitro. Inhibition was time-dependent for merbromin, eosin Y, 2',7'-dibromofluorescein, and 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein, with enzyme inhibition increasing over time. Reaction progress curve data fit best to a slow-binding model of irreversible enzyme inactivation. Potency of the time-dependent compounds, except for 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein, was diminished when dithiothreitol (DTT) was present, suggesting thiol reactivity. Two additional merbromin analogs, erythrosin B and rose bengal also inhibit DUSP5, but have the therapeutic advantage of being less sensitive to DTT and exhibiting little time dependence for inhibition. Inhibition potency is correlated with the xanthene dye's LUMO energy, which affects ability to form light-activated radical anions, a likely active inhibitor form. Consistent with this hypothesis, rose bengal inhibition is light-dependent and demonstrates the expected red shifted spectrum upon binding to DUSP5, with a Kd of 690 nM. These studies provide a mechanistic foundation for further development of xanthene dyes for treating vascular diseases that respond to DUSP5 inhibition, with the following relative potencies: rose bengal > merbromin > erythrosin B > eosin Y.

Organometallic vs organic photoredox catalysts for photocuring reactions in the visible region

Recent progresses achieved in terms of synthetic procedures allow now the access to polymers of well-defined composition, molecular weight and architecture. Thanks to these recent progresses in polymer engineering, the scope of applications of polymers is far wider than that of any other class of material, ranging from adhesives, coatings, packaging materials, inks, paints, optics, 3D printing, microelectronics or textiles. From a synthetic viewpoint, photoredox catalysis, originally developed for organic chemistry, has recently been applied to the polymer synthesis, constituting a major breakthrough in polymer chemistry. Thanks to the development of photoredox catalysts of polymerization, a drastic reduction of the amount of photoinitiators could be achieved, addressing the toxicity and the extractability issues; high performance initiating abilities are still obtained due to the catalytic approach which regenerates the catalyst. As it is a fast-growing field, this review will be mainly focused on an overview of the recent advances concerning the development of organic and organometallic photoredox catalysts for the photoreticulation of multifunctional monomers for a rapid and efficient access to 3D polymer networks.

Photoinitiators in Dentistry: Challenges and Advances

Photopolymerization is used in a wide range of clinical applications in dentistry and the demand for dental materials that can restore form, function and esthetics is increasing rapidly. Simultaneous with this demand is the growing need for photoinitiators that provide effective and efficient in situ polymerization of dental materials using visible light irradiation. This chapter reviews the fundamentals of Type I and II photoinitiators. The advantages and disadvantages of these photoinitiators will be considered with a particular focus on parameters that affect the polymerization process in the oral cavity. The chapter examines recent developments in photoinitiators and opportunities for future research in the design and development of photoinitiators for dental applications. Future research directions that employ computational models in conjunction with iterative synthesis and experimental methods will also be explored in this chapter.

Testing Fluorescence Lifetime Standards using Two-Photon Excitation and Time-Domain Instrumentation: Fluorescein, Quinine Sulfate and Green Fluorescent Protein

It is essential for everyone working with experimental science to be certain that their instruments produce reliable results, and for fluorescence lifetime experiments, information about fluorescence lifetime standards is crucial. A large part of the literature on lifetime standards dates back to the 1970s and 1980s, and the use of newer and faster measuring devices may deem these results unreliable. We have tested the three commonly used fluorophores fluorescein, quinine sulfate and green fluorescent protein for their suitability to serve as lifetime standards, especially to be used with two-photon excitation measurements in the time-domain. We measured absorption and emission spectra for the fluorophores to determine optimal wavelengths to use for excitation and detector settings. Fluorescence lifetimes were measured for different concentrations, ranging from 10^− 3 − 10^− 5 M, as well as for various solvents. Fluorescein was soluble in both ethanol, methanol and sulfuric acid, while quinine sulfate was only soluble in sulfuric acid. Green fluorescent protein was prepared in a commercial Tris-HCl, EDTA solution, and all three fluorophores produced stable lifetime results with low uncertainties. No siginificant variation with concentration was measured for any of the fluorophores, and all showed single-exponential decays. All lifetime measurements were carried out using two-photon excitation and lifetime data was obtained in the time-domain using time-correlated single-photon counting.

Photoinduced Electron Transfer Reactions for Macromolecular Syntheses

Photochemical reactions, particularly those involving photoinduced electron transfer processes, establish a substantial contribution to the modern synthetic chemistry, and the polymer community has been increasingly interested in exploiting and developing novel photochemical strategies. These reactions are efficiently utilized in almost every aspect of macromolecular architecture synthesis, involving initiation, control of the reaction kinetics and molecular structures, functionalization, and decoration, etc. Merging with polymerization techniques, photochemistry has opened up new intriguing and powerful avenues for macromolecular synthesis. Construction of various polymers with incredibly complex structures and specific control over the chain topology, as well as providing the opportunity to manipulate the reaction course through spatiotemporal control, are one of the unique abilities of such photochemical reactions. This review paper provides a comprehensive account of the fundamentals and applications of photoinduced electron transfer reactions in polymer synthesis. Besides traditional photopolymerization methods, namely free radical and cationic polymerizations, step-growth polymerizations involving electron transfer processes are included. In addition, controlled radical polymerization and "Click Chemistry" methods have significantly evolved over the last few decades allowing access to narrow molecular weight distributions, efficient regulation of the molecular weight and the monomer sequence and incredibly complex architectures, and polymer modifications and surface patterning are covered. Potential applications including synthesis of block and graft copolymers, polymer-metal nanocomposites, various hybrid materials and bioconjugates, and sequence defined polymers through photoinduced electron transfer reactions are also investigated in detail.

Visible-Light Initiated Free-Radical/Cationic Ring-Opening Hybrid Photopolymerization of Methacrylate/Epoxy: Polymerization Kinetics, Crosslinking Structure, and Dynamic Mechanical Properties

The effects of polymerization kinetics and chemical miscibility on the crosslinking structure and mechanical properties of polymers cured by visible-light initiated free-radical/cationic ring-opening hybrid photopolymerization are determined. A three-component initiator system is used and the monomer system contains methacrylates and epoxides. The photopolymerization kinetics is monitored in situ by Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance. The crosslinking structure is studied by modulated differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis. X-ray microcomputed tomography is used to evaluate microphase separation. The mechanical properties of polymers formed by hybrid formed by free-radical polymerization. These investigations mark the first time that the benefits of the chain transfer reaction between epoxy and hydroxyl groups of methacrylate, on the crosslinking network and microphase separation during hybrid visible-light initiated photopolymerization, have been determined.

A synergistic effect of a ferrocenium salt on the diaryliodonium salt-induced visible-light curing of bisphenol-A epoxy resin

Diaryliodonium and ferrocenium salts undergo photo-electron transfer (PET) to initiate photopolymerizations under a halogen lamp.

Visible-light organic photocatalysis for latent radical-initiated polymerization via 2e⁻/1H⁺ transfers: initiation with parallels to photosynthesis

We report the latent production of free radicals from energy stored in a redox potential through a 2e(-)/1H(+) transfer process, analogous to energy harvesting in photosynthesis, using visible-light organic photoredox catalysis (photocatalysis) of methylene blue chromophore with a sacrificial sterically hindered amine reductant and an onium salt oxidant. This enables light-initiated free-radical polymerization to continue over extended time intervals (hours) in the dark after brief (seconds) low-intensity illumination and beyond the spatial reach of light by diffusion of the metastable leuco-methylene blue photoproduct. The present organic photoredox catalysis system functions via a 2e(-)/1H(+) shuttle mechanism, as opposed to the 1e(-) transfer process typical of organometallic-based and conventional organic multicomponent photoinitiator formulations. This prevents immediate formation of open-shell (radical) intermediates from the amine upon light absorption and enables the "storage" of light-energy without spontaneous initiation of the polymerization. Latent energy release and radical production are then controlled by the subsequent light-independent reaction (analogous to the Calvin cycle) between leuco-methylene blue and the onium salt oxidant that is responsible for regeneration of the organic methylene blue photocatalyst. This robust approach for photocatalysis-based energy harvesting and extended release in the dark enables temporally controlled redox initiation of polymer syntheses under low-intensity short exposure conditions and permits visible-light-mediated synthesis of polymers at least 1 order of magnitude thicker than achievable with conventional photoinitiated formulations and irradiation regimes.