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Tkachenko V, Kunemann P, Malval JP, Petithory T, Pieuchot L, Vidal L, Chemtob A. Kinetically stable sub-50 nm fluorescent block copolymer nanoparticles via photomediated RAFT dispersion polymerization for cellular imaging. NANOSCALE 2022; 14:534-545. [PMID: 34935832 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr04934h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Self-assembled block copolymer nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as major potential nanoscale vehicles for fluorescence bioimaging. The preparation of NPs with high yields possessing high kinetic stability to prevent the leakage of fluorophore molecules is crucial to their practical implementation. Here, we report a photomediated RAFT polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) yielding uniform and nanosized poly((oligo(ethylene glycol) acrylate)-block-poly(benzyl acrylate) particles (POEGA-b-PBzA) with a concentration of 22 wt%, over 20 times more than with micellization and nanoprecipitation. The spherical diblock copolymer nanoparticles have an average size of 10-50 nm controllable through the degree of polymerization of the stabilizing POEGA block. Subsequent dialysis against water and swelling with Nile red solution led to highly stable fluorescent NPs able to withstand the changes in concentration, ionic strength, pH or temperature. A PBzA/water interfacial tension of 48.6 mN m-1 hinders the exchange between copolymer chains, resulting in the trapping of NPs in a "kinetically frozen" state responsible for high stability. A spectroscopic study combining fluorescence and UV-vis absorption agrees with a preferential distribution of fluorophores in the outer POEGEA shell despite its hydrophobic nature. Nile red-doped POEGA-b-PBzA micelles without initiator residues and unimers but with high structural stability turn out to be noncytotoxic, and can be used for the optical imaging of cells. Real-time confocal fluorescence microscopy shows a fast cellular uptake using C2C12 cell lines in minutes, and a preferential localization in the perinuclear region, in particular in the vesicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitalii Tkachenko
- Université de Haute-Alsace, CNRS, IS2M UMR7361, F-68100 Mulhouse, France.
- Université de Strasbourg, France
| | - Philippe Kunemann
- Université de Haute-Alsace, CNRS, IS2M UMR7361, F-68100 Mulhouse, France.
- Université de Strasbourg, France
| | - Jean Pierre Malval
- Université de Haute-Alsace, CNRS, IS2M UMR7361, F-68100 Mulhouse, France.
- Université de Strasbourg, France
| | - Tatiana Petithory
- Université de Haute-Alsace, CNRS, IS2M UMR7361, F-68100 Mulhouse, France.
- Université de Strasbourg, France
| | - Laurent Pieuchot
- Université de Haute-Alsace, CNRS, IS2M UMR7361, F-68100 Mulhouse, France.
- Université de Strasbourg, France
| | - Loïc Vidal
- Université de Haute-Alsace, CNRS, IS2M UMR7361, F-68100 Mulhouse, France.
- Université de Strasbourg, France
| | - Abraham Chemtob
- Université de Haute-Alsace, CNRS, IS2M UMR7361, F-68100 Mulhouse, France.
- Université de Strasbourg, France
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Characterizing the Core-Shell Architecture of Block Copolymer Nanoparticles with Electron Microscopy: A Multi-Technique Approach. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:polym12081656. [PMID: 32722462 PMCID: PMC7464915 DOI: 10.3390/polym12081656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Electron microscopy has proved to be a major tool to study the structure of self-assembled amphiphilic block copolymer particles. These specimens, like supramolecular biological structures, are problematic for electron microscopy because of their poor capacity to scatter electrons and their susceptibility to radiation damage and dehydration. Sub-50 nm core-shell spherical particles made up of poly(hydroxyethyl acrylate)–b–poly(styrene) are prepared via polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA). For their morphological characterization, we discuss the advantages, limitations, and artefacts of TEM with or without staining, cryo-TEM, and SEM. A number of technical points are addressed such as precisely shaping of particle boundaries, resolving the particle shell, differentiating particle core and shell, and the effect of sample drying and staining. TEM without staining and cryo-TEM largely evaluate the core diameter. Negative staining TEM is more efficient than positive staining TEM to preserve native structure and to visualize the entire particle volume. However, no technique allows for a satisfactory imaging of both core and shell regions. The presence of long protruding chains is manifested by patched structure in cryo-TEM and a significant edge effect in SEM. This manuscript provides a basis for polymer chemists to develop their own specimen preparations and to tackle the interpretation of challenging systems.
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Jasinski F, Teo VL, Kuchel RP, Mballa Mballa M, Thickett SC, Brinkhuis RHG, Weaver W, Zetterlund PB. Synthesis and characterisation of gradient polymeric nanoparticles. Polym Chem 2017. [DOI: 10.1039/c6py02062c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
In this communication, we report the successful synthesis of gradient morphology nanoparticles composed of poly(styrene-co-methyl methacrylate) and their characterisation using X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Florent Jasinski
- Centre for Advanced Macromolecular Design (CAMD)
- School of Chemical Engineering
- University of New South Wales
- Sydney
- Australia
| | - Victoria L. Teo
- Centre for Advanced Macromolecular Design (CAMD)
- School of Chemical Engineering
- University of New South Wales
- Sydney
- Australia
| | - Rhiannon P. Kuchel
- Electron Microscopy Unit (EMU)
- University of New South Wales
- Sydney
- Australia
| | | | | | | | - William Weaver
- School of Physical Sciences
- University of Tasmania
- Sandy Bay
- Australia
| | - Per B. Zetterlund
- Centre for Advanced Macromolecular Design (CAMD)
- School of Chemical Engineering
- University of New South Wales
- Sydney
- Australia
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Li Q, Li L, Wang W, Zhang X, Li S, Tian Q, Liu J. In situ synthesis of thermo-responsive ACB triblock terpolymer nanoparticles through seeded RAFT polymerization. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra08725f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
ACB triblock terpolymer nanoparticles containing two thermo-responsive blocks are prepared by seeded RAFT polymerization and their thermo-response is checked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanlong Li
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Civil Engineering Materials
- Jiangsu Research Institute of Building Science
- Nanjing
- China
- Jiangsu Sobute New Materials Co., Ltd
| | - Lei Li
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Civil Engineering Materials
- Jiangsu Research Institute of Building Science
- Nanjing
- China
- Jiangsu Sobute New Materials Co., Ltd
| | - Wenbin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Civil Engineering Materials
- Jiangsu Research Institute of Building Science
- Nanjing
- China
- Jiangsu Sobute New Materials Co., Ltd
| | - Xiaolei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Civil Engineering Materials
- Jiangsu Research Institute of Building Science
- Nanjing
- China
- Jiangsu Sobute New Materials Co., Ltd
| | - Shentong Li
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Civil Engineering Materials
- Jiangsu Research Institute of Building Science
- Nanjing
- China
- Jiangsu Sobute New Materials Co., Ltd
| | - Qian Tian
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Civil Engineering Materials
- Jiangsu Research Institute of Building Science
- Nanjing
- China
- Jiangsu Sobute New Materials Co., Ltd
| | - Jiaping Liu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering
- Southeast University
- Nanjing 211189
- China
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5
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Synthesis of Poly(styrene-acrylates-acrylic acid) Microspheres and Their Chemical Composition towards Colloidal Crystal Films. INT J POLYM SCI 2016. [DOI: 10.1155/2016/4527526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In this paper, polystyrene colloidal microspheres have been prepared using hexyl acrylate (HA), ethylhexyl acrylate (EHA), isooctyl acrylate (IOA), butyl acrylate (BA), or isobutyl acrylate (IBA) as comonomers. Microspheres with diameters from 212 to 332 nm and with a polystyrene content of 65–78% were prepared. The particles prepared in this work do not present the typical core-shell structure; as a consequence, DSC analysis showed that the microspheres exhibited only one Tg. TEM images show that the particles with comonomer content below ~30% were spherical and regular. Microspheres containing comonomer between 21 to 25% produced the less brittle films showing very iridescent colors. The films prepared from microspheres containing hexyl, ethylhexyl, and isooctyl acrylate as comonomers are firmly attached to the substrate due to their adhesive properties. The large decrease of the fragility observed in these films makes them much more attractive materials in sensing applications.
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Ocepek M, Berce P, Razboršek T, Zabret J, Meng L, Soucek MD. Influences of feeding strategies on AA and MAA carboxylated latexes. J Appl Polym Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/app.42062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Ocepek
- Helios TBLUS d.o.o.; Količevo 65, SI-1230 Domžale Slovenia
| | - Peter Berce
- Helios TBLUS d.o.o.; Količevo 65, SI-1230 Domžale Slovenia
| | - Tina Razboršek
- Helios TBLUS d.o.o.; Količevo 65, SI-1230 Domžale Slovenia
| | - Jožefa Zabret
- Helios TBLUS d.o.o.; Količevo 65, SI-1230 Domžale Slovenia
| | - Lei Meng
- Department of Polymer Engineering; The University of Akron; Akron Ohio 44325
| | - Mark D. Soucek
- Department of Polymer Engineering; The University of Akron; Akron Ohio 44325
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Geng X, Zhai MX, Sun T, Meyers G. Morphology observation of latex particles with scanning transmission electron microscopy by a hydroxyethyl cellulose embedding combined with RuO4 staining method. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2013; 19:319-326. [PMID: 23442376 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927612014377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Imaging of latex particles, especially those with low glass transition temperature (Tg) has been a challenging issue. Different sample preparation methods for characterization of the morphology of a poly(n-butyl acrylate)/polystyrene two-phase latex are discussed and compared in this study. A method via hydroxyethyl cellulose embedding combined with ruthenium tetraoxide (RuO4) staining for scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) observation is developed. By using this method, the spherical shape of latex particles can be maintained without deformation. The degree of incorporation of RuO4 into latex particles and cellulose matrix is different, which makes latex particles readily identifiable from cellulose matrix under STEM. A series of latexes with different structures such as copolymer latex and organic-inorganic hybrid latex were also successfully investigated by this method. The results indicate this specimen preparation method can be applied to study the morphology of a wide range of latex systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Geng
- Analytical Sciences, Dow Chemical (China) Co. Ltd, 936 Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai 201203, China.
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A study of poly(butadiene/methacrylic acid) dispersions: From pH-responsive behaviour to the effects of added Ca2+. J Colloid Interface Sci 2008; 321:315-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2008.02.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2008] [Revised: 02/20/2008] [Accepted: 02/22/2008] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Starostin N, Harvey S, Carlson G. Aspects of latex particle size control for improved water blush resistance. SCANNING 2008; 30:78-86. [PMID: 18241039 DOI: 10.1002/sca.20085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Latex films have a tendency to "blush" when exposed to water. The swelling of trapped hydrophilic material, which results in pockets with different refractive indices, is proposed as a possible model for blushing. A pressure-sensitive latex was developed on the basis of this model. The blush was improved by the choice of the surfactant and control of the particle diameter. The resulting latex has an unusual particle growth behavior during polymerization. The particle size distribution (PSD) was characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), electron microscopy (SEM/TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The data are in a good agreement with our proposed growth model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Starostin
- Emerson Process Management, Rosemont Analytical Inc., Irvine, California 92406, USA.
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