Synthesis of high-order multiblock core cross-linked star polymers

Structurally nanoengineered antimicrobial peptide polymers: design, synthesis and biomedical applications

Antimicrobial resistance not only increases the contagiousness of infectious diseases but also a threat for the future as it is one of the health care concern around the globe. Conventional antibiotics are unsuccessful in combating chronic infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, therefore it is important to design and develop novel strategies to tackle this problems. Among various novel strategies, Structurally Nanoengineered Antimicrobial Peptide Polymers (SNAPPs) have been introduced in recent years to overcome this global health care issue and they are found to be more efficient in their performance. Many facile methods are adapted to synthesize complex SNAPPs with required dimensions and unique functionalities. Their unique characteristics and remarkable properties have been exploited for their immense applications in various fields including biomedicine, targeting therapies, gene delivery, bioimaging, and many more. This review article deals with its background, design, synthesis, mechanism of action, and wider applications in various fields of SNAPPs.

Continuous flow synthesis of core cross-linked star polymers via photo-induced copper mediated polymerization

A convenient method to synthesize core cross-linked star polymers via a continuous flow photopolymerization process is developed.

The downside of dispersity: why the standard deviation is a better measure of dispersion in precision polymerization

Dispersity gives a deceptively rosy picture of the extent of dispersion in molecular weight distributions. For complex structures or relatively narrow molecular weight distributions, the standard deviation of the number distribution is a better choice.

Anionic multiblock core cross-linked star copolymers via RAFT polymerization

The synthesis of (multi)block copolymers sand star (multiblock) copolymers of poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid) by RAFT polymerisation is reported.

Star Polymers

Recent advances in controlled/living polymerization techniques and highly efficient coupling chemistries have enabled the facile synthesis of complex polymer architectures with controlled dimensions and functionality. As an example, star polymers consist of many linear polymers fused at a central point with a large number of chain end functionalities. Owing to this exclusive structure, star polymers exhibit some remarkable characteristics and properties unattainable by simple linear polymers. Hence, they constitute a unique class of technologically important nanomaterials that have been utilized or are currently under audition for many applications in life sciences and nanotechnologies. This article first provides a comprehensive summary of synthetic strategies towards star polymers, then reviews the latest developments in the synthesis and characterization methods of star macromolecules, and lastly outlines emerging applications and current commercial use of star-shaped polymers. The aim of this work is to promote star polymer research, generate new avenues of scientific investigation, and provide contemporary perspectives on chemical innovation that may expedite the commercialization of new star nanomaterials. We envision in the not-too-distant future star polymers will play an increasingly important role in materials science and nanotechnology in both academic and industrial settings.