Organic Nanoparticles Whose Size and Rigidity Are Finely Tuned by Cross-Linking the End Groups of Dendrimers

Quasi-Chromophores Segregated by Single-Chain Nanoparticles of Fluorinated Zwitterionic Random Copolymers Showing Remarkably Enhanced Fluorescence Emission Capable of Fluorescent Cell Imaging

Organic and polymer fluorescent nanomaterials are a frontier research focus. Here in this work, a series of fluorinated zwitterionic random copolymers end-attached with a quasi-chromophoric group of pyrene or tetraphenylethylene (TPE) are well synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization with activators regenerated by electron transfer (ARGET ATRP). Those random copolymers with total degree of polymerization 100 or 200 are able to produce fluorescent single-chain nanoparticles (SCNPs) through intra-chain self-folding assembly with quite uniform diameters in the range of 10-20 nm as characterized by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. By virtue of the segregation or confinement effect, both SCNPs functionalized with pyrene or TPE group are capable of emitting fluorescence, with pyrene tethered SCNPs exhibiting stronger fluorescence emission reaching the highest quantum yield ≈20%. Moreover, such kind of fluorescent SCNPs manifest low cytotoxicity and good cell imaging performance for Hela cells. The creation of fluorescent SCNPs through covalently attached one quasi-chromophore to the end of one fluorinated zwitterionic random copolymer provides an alternative strategy for preparing polymeric luminescence nanomaterials, promisingly serving as a new type of fluorescent nanoprobes for biological imaging applications.

Single Chain Nanoparticles in Catalysis

Over the last six decades folded polymer chains-so-called Single Chain Nanoparticles (SCNPs)-have evolved from the mere concept of intramolecularly crosslinked polymer chains to tailored nanoreactors, underpinned by a plethora of techniques and chemistries to tailor and analyze their morphology and function. These monomolecular polymer entities hold critical promise in a wide range of applications. Herein, we highlight the exciting progress that has been made in the field of catalytically active SCNPs in recent years.

Controlling Amphiphilic Polymer Folding beyond the Primary Structure with Protein-Mimetic Di(Phenylalanine)

While methods for polymer synthesis have proliferated, their functionality pales in comparison to natural biopolymers-strategies are limited for building the intricate network of noncovalent interactions necessary to elicit complex, protein-like functions. Using a bioinspired di(phenylalanine) acrylamide (FF) monomer, we explored the impact of various noncovalent interactions in generating ordered assembled structures. Amphiphilic copolymers were synthesized that exhibit β-sheet-like local structure upon collapsing into single-chain assemblies in aqueous environments. Systematic analysis of a series of amphiphilic copolymers illustrated that the global collapse is primarily driven by hydrophobic forces. Hydrogen-bonding and aromatic interactions stabilize local structure, as β-sheet-like interactions were identified via circular dichroism and thioflavin T fluorescence. Similar analysis of phenylalanine (F) and alanine-phenylalanine acrylamide (AF) copolymers found that distancing the aromatic residue from the polymer backbone is sufficient to induce β-sheet-like local structure akin to the FF copolymers; however, the interactions between AF subunits are less stable than those formed by FF. Further, hydrogen-bond donating hydrophilic monomers disrupt internal structure formed by FF within collapsed assemblies. Collectively, these results illuminate design principles for the facile incorporation of multiple facets of protein-mimetic, higher-order structure within folded synthetic polymers.

Surface ligand rigidity modulates lipid raft affinity of ultra-small hydrophobic nanoparticles: insights from molecular dynamics simulations

Differential preferences between lipids and proteins drive the formation of dynamical nanoscale membrane domains (lipid rafts), which play key roles in the proper functioning of cells. On the other hand, due to the potent physicochemical properties of nanoparticles (NPs), they have been widely used in drug delivery, bio-imaging and regulating various essential biological processes of the cells. Hence, in this work, we aim to design ultra-small hydrophobic NPs with tunable raft affinity, which is supposed to partition into the hydrophobic region of lipid membranes and be able to regulate the dynamics of the lipid raft domains. A series of μs-scale coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations and umbrella sampling free energy calculations were performed to investigate the role of surface ligand rigidity of ultra-small hydrophobicNPs in their raft affinity. Our results indicated that the preferred localization of NPs can be tuned by adjusting their surface ligand rigidity. Generally, rigid NPs tended to target the raft domain, while soft NPs preferred the interface of the raft and non-raft domains. The free energy analysis further indicated that the surface ligand rigidity of NPs can enhance their targeting to lipid raft domains. Besides, we found that these ultra-small NPs had no significant effects on the phase separation of the lipid membrane although they might cause some local interference to surrounding lipids. These results indicate that the targeting to the lipid raft domain can be achieved by the surface ligand rigidity of NPs, which provides helpful insights for further regulations of lipid raft-mediated biological processes.

100th Anniversary of Macromolecular Science Viewpoint: Re-examining Single-Chain Nanoparticles

Single-chain nanoparticles (SCNP) are a class of polymeric nanoparticles obtained from the intramolecular cross-linking of polymers bearing reactive pendant groups. The development of SCNP has drawn tremendous attention since the fabrication of SCNP mimics the self-folding behavior in natural biomacromolecules and is highly desirable for a variety of applications ranging from catalysis, nanomedicine, nanoreactors, and sensors. The versatility of novel chemistries available for SCNP synthesis has greatly expanded over the past decade. Significant progress was also made in the understanding of a structure-property relationship in the single-chain folding process. In this Viewpoint, we discuss the effect of precursor polymer topology on single polymer folding. We summarize the progress in SCNP of complex architectures and highlight unresolved issues in the field, such as scalability and topological purity of SCNP.

Intramolecularly Cross-Linked Polymers: From Structure to Function with Applications as Artificial Antibodies and Artificial Enzymes

Cross-linking of polymers significantly alters their physical properties, greatly expanding their everyday utility. Indeed, the polymeric networks resulting from linkages between polymer chains are found in everyday materials from soft contact lenses and automobile tires to enamel coatings and high-performance adhesives. In contrast, intramolecularly cross-linked polymers have received far less attention until recent years, in large part because they are synthetically more challenging to prepare. In this Account, we trace our own efforts to develop the chemistry of intramolecularly cross-linked macromolecules, starting with dendrimers. Dendrimers provided an excellent starting point for investigating intramolecular cross-linking because they are single molecular entities. We showed that the end groups of dendrimers can be extensively cross-linked using the ring-closing metathesis reaction and that the discrete structure of the dendrimer provides unique opportunities for characterizing the number and location of the cross-links as well as some physical properties of the macromolecule such as its size and rigidity. Increasing the number of ring-closing metathesis reactions correlated with a reduction in size and an increase in rigidity. The general strategy applied to dendrimers was extended to star polymers and hyperbranched polyglycerols. Each of these macromolecules has a core or an initiating group from which the branches emanate. Linking the end groups or branches of these polymers presents a unique opportunity to chemically remove the core of the cross-linked macromolecule in a process that is reminiscent of that used to produce covalent molecular imprinted polymers. Recognizing this analogy, we sought a compelling application for cross-linked dendrimers, the first example of unimolecular imprinting, where a single polymer contains a single molecular imprint. The quality of the imprinting was mixed but pointed to an alternative general strategy for molecular imprinting in polymers. The effort also focused attention on synthetic antibodies and the general biomimicry provided by this class of macromolecules. Indeed, cross-linking of polymers either covalently or non-covalently bears a loose resemblance to folding of proteins into defined three-dimensional shapes. The synthesis and study of cross-linked linear polymers, often called single-chain nanoparticles (SCNPs), has emerged as a very active area of research in the past few years. Our experience with the cross-linking of branched polymers combined with an interest in performing organic synthesis within living cells led us to develop copper-containing SCNPs as artificial clickases. These polymeric clickases exhibit all of the hallmarks of enzymatic catalysis. One clickase containing a polyacrylamide backbone performs low-concentration copper-assisted alkyne-azide click reactions at unprecedented rates. Another performs click reactions within living cells. Other organic transformations can be performed intracellularly, and some of the most advanced SCNPs engage in concurrent and tandem catalysis with a naturally occurring biocatalyst. By tracing our own efforts, this Account provides a few entry points into the broader literature and also points to both the remaining challenges and overall promising future envisioned for this unique class of functional macromolecules.

The Effect of Intramolecular Cross-Linking on Polymer Interactions in Solution

The conformation of a polymer in a solvent is typically defined by the solvent quality, which is a consequence of the solvent and macromolecule's chemistry. Yet, additional factors can affect the polymer conformation, such as non-covalent interactions to surfaces or other macromolecules, affecting the amount of polymer-solvent interactions. Herein, chemically folded polymers with protein-like architectures are studied and compared to their unfolded linear precursor in good solvents using rheology measurements. The current research reveals that permanent folding by intramolecular chemical cross-linking limits the chain mobility and therefore causes a reduction in polymer-solvent interactions, making a good solvent become theta. This change not only affects the "solvent quality" but also leads to a change in particle-particle interactions as a function of concentration. These findings provide crucial insight into the effects of intramolecular cross-links on macromolecule solubility and self-assembly, which are critical for mimicking structurally similar biological materials.

Functionalizable Stereocontrolled Cyclopolyethers by Ring-Closing Metathesis as Natural Polymer Mimics

Whereas complex stereoregular cyclic architectures are commonplace in biomacromolecules, they remain rare in synthetic polymer chemistry, thus limiting the potential to develop synthetic mimics or advanced materials for biomedical applications. Herein we disclose the formation of a stereocontrolled 1,4‐linked six‐membered cyclopolyether prepared by ring‐closing metathesis (RCM). Ru‐mediated RCM, with careful control of the catalyst, concentration, and temperature, selectively affords the six‐membered‐ring cyclopolymer. Under optimized reaction conditions, no metathetical degradation, macrocycle formation, or cross‐linking was observed. Post‐polymerization modification by dihydroxylation afforded a novel polymer family encompassing a poly(ethylene glycol) backbone and sugar‐like functionalities (“PEGose”). This strategy also paves the way for using RCM as an efficient method to synthesize other stereocontrolled cyclopolymers.

Olefin cross metathesis and ring-closing metathesis in polymer chemistry

The use of olefin cross metathesis in preparing functional polymers, through either pre-functionalisation of monomers or post-polymerisation functionalisation is growing in both scope and breadth, as discussed in this review article.

Advantages and limitations of diisocyanates in intramolecular collapse

A comprehensive examination of the synthesis of single chain polymer nanoparticles (SCPNs) from a copolymer of methyl acrylate (MA) and 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) via the intra-chain urethane formation by using hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) as a cross-linker is described.

A Highly Efficient Single-Chain Metal-Organic Nanoparticle Catalyst for Alkyne-Azide "Click" Reactions in Water and in Cells

We show that copper-containing metal-organic nanoparticles (MONPs) are readily synthesized via Cu(II)-mediated intramolecular cross-linking of aspartate-containing polyolefins in water. In situ reduction with sodium ascorbate yields Cu(I)-containing MONPs that serve as highly efficient supramolecular catalysts for alkyne-azide "click chemistry" reactions, yielding the desired 1,4-adducts at low parts per million catalyst levels. The nanoparticles have low toxicity and low metal loadings, making them convenient, green catalysts for alkyne-azide "click" reactions in water. The Cu-MONPs enter cells and perform efficient, biocompatible click chemistry, thus acting as intracellular nanoscale molecular synthesizers.

Intramolecular olefin metathesis as a robust tool to synthesize single-chain nanoparticles in a size-controlled manner

A comprehensive investigation of ruthenium-catalyzed intramolecular olefin metathesis was conducted for establishing a general approach to synthesize size-controlled SCNPs.

Molecular imprinting science and technology: a survey of the literature for the years 2004-2011

Herein, we present a survey of the literature covering the development of molecular imprinting science and technology over the years 2004-2011. In total, 3779 references to the original papers, reviews, edited volumes and monographs from this period are included, along with recently identified uncited materials from prior to 2004, which were omitted in the first instalment of this series covering the years 1930-2003. In the presentation of the assembled references, a section presenting reviews and monographs covering the area is followed by sections describing fundamental aspects of molecular imprinting including the development of novel polymer formats. Thereafter, literature describing efforts to apply these polymeric materials to a range of application areas is presented. Current trends and areas of rapid development are discussed.

Practical synthesis of water-soluble organic nanoparticles with a single reactive group and a functional carrier scaffold

A practical synthesis of biocompatible organic nanoparticles with a reactive group and a functional carrier scaffold was developed.

A general approach to mono- and bimetallic organometallic nanoparticles

Rhodium, nickel and iridium are introduced into polycyclooctadiene to generate organometallic nanoparticles with different ratios of metals and catalytic properties.

Polyglycerol-Dendronized Perylenediimides as Stable, Water-Soluble Fluorophores

The synthesis and photophysical properties of water-soluble, fluorescent polyglycerol-dendronized perylenediimides 1-4 are reported. The polyglycerol dendrons, which are known to be highly biocompatible, are found to confer high water-solubility on the perylenediimide in aqueous media while retaining its excellent fluorescent properties. Furthermore, intramolecular cross-linking of the polyglycerol dendrons using the ring-closing metathesis reaction not only enhances the photostability but also reduces the size of perylenediimide-cored dendrimers. The permeability of the various dendritic shells is probed using heavy metal ion quenchers and compared to non-dendritic but water-soluble perylenediimide 5.

Olefin metathesis in nano-sized systems

The interplay between olefin metathesis and dendrimers and other nano systems is addressed in this mini review mostly based on the authors’ own contributions over the last decade. Two subjects are presented and discussed: (i) The catalysis of olefin metathesis by dendritic nano-catalysts via either covalent attachment (ROMP) or, more usefully, dendrimer encapsulation – ring closing metathesis (RCM), cross metathesis (CM), enyne metathesis reactions (EYM) – for reactions in water without a co-solvent and (ii) construction and functionalization of dendrimers by CM reactions.

Carbazole peripheral poly(benzyl ether) dendrimers at the air-water interface: electrochemical cross-linking and electronanopatterning

A Langmuir film of a third-generation carbazole-terminated poly(benzyl ether) (G3-CtPBE) dendrimer was investigated at the air-water interface. Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) films were deposited on gold substrates and investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM), followed by electrochemical and electronanopatterning studies. For the G3-CtPBE dendrimer aggregates, variable concentration and surface pressure gave control over aggregate size and shape at the air-water interface. At a lower concentration C1, aggregate-spherical nanoparticles were observed with a face-on or overlapped orientation with increasing surface pressure. However, at a higher concentration C2, their surface morphologies exhibited circular and rod-shaped aggregates with respect to increasing surface pressure attributed to an edge-on configurational change. Moreover, in situ simultaneous interfacial potentiostatic electrodeposition with LB transfer at the air-water interface was employed for the first time with the G3-CtPBE dendrimers onto a hydrophilic surface under constant voltage (i.e., close to the oxidation potential of G3-CtPBE for electrochemical cross-linking). Electrochemical cross-linking on G3-CtPBE dendrimer LB films was also performed ex situ to investigate electrochemical and optical properties. Finally, as an application of a cross-linkable LB film, electronanolithography was carried out to prepare nanopatterns using the current sensing atomic force microscopy (CS-AFM) technique.

Cross-linked hyperbranched polyglycerols as hosts for selective binding of guest molecules

The ring-closing metathesis reaction of dendrimers containing allyl ether end groups is known to rigidify them significantly. Herein we report that polyallylated hyperbranched polyglycerol (HPG) 1 complexes the sodium salt of rose Bengal in chloroform solution but releases it readily to water. In contrast, extensively cross-linking 1 with Grubbs catalyst provides 2 which similarly complexes rose Bengal, but does not release it despite 12 h of shaking with water. Both 1 and 2 also complex thymol blue and exhibit the same differential complex stability when extracted with water. Neither 1 nor 2 complex Congo red sodium salt and more weakly solubilize the cesium salt of rose Bengal and thymol blue. Larger loop size cross-linked analogs HPG 5 and 6 also bind rose Bengal (RB) and thymol blue and are able to bind Congo red, but both release the dye more readily when extracted with water. In addition, a bathochromic shift is observed in the UV spectra for complex 6.RB, suggesting a changed microenvironment for the dye due to a tighter binding of the counteranion. Dihydroxylation of the alkene groups in 1, 2, 5, and 6 produced HPGs 3, 4, 7, and 8, respectively. HPGs 3 and 4 are both water-soluble, but 7 and 8 were not and could not be studied further. In water, HPG 4 solubilized less than one nonpolar guest (Nimodipine, pyrene, or Nile red) per polymer at least in part because it forms very large aggregates. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) indicate aggregates with diameters of ca. 100 nm in pure water. The aggregates dissociated in high salt concentrations suggesting applications in stimuli responsive materials.

FACILE PREPARATION OF NANOPARTICLES BY INTRAMOLECULAR CROSSLINKING OF ISOCYANATE FUNCTIONALIZED COPOLYMERS

A new synthetic approach to the preparation of intramolecularly collapsed nanoparticles under mild, room temperature conditions has been developed from commercially available vinyl monomers. Reaction of isocyanate functionalized linear copolymers with a diamine in dilute solution leads to the efficient formation of nanoparticles where the diameter of the nanoparticle can be varied by controlling both the molecular weight and mole percentage of isocyanate repeat units. Physical properties for the intramolecularly collapsed nanoparticles were fully consistent with a three-dimensional structure and analysis of the collapse reaction revealed that approximately 75% of the isocyanate groups along the backbone underwent crosslinking with 25% being available for further reaction with mono-functional amines. This stepwise consumption of the isocyanates allows the chemical and physical properties of the nanoparticles to be further tuned and significantly opens up the range of nanoparticles that can be prepared using this mild and highly efficient chemistry.

Encapsulating fluorescein using adipic acidself-assembly on the surface of PPI-3 dendrimer

A water-soluble self-assembly has been formed by associating adipic acid molecules onto the surface of the third generation poly(propyleneimine) dendrimer and this system has been used to encapsulate fluorescein.

Encapsulation and Functionalization of Nanoparticles in Crosslinked Resorcinarene Shells

Two resorcinarene-derived tetrathiols with terminal alkene sidechains (tetraarylthiol cavitand 3 and tetrabenzylthiol cavitand 4) were determined to be efficient at extracting colloidal gold nanoparticles from aqueous solutions and stabilizing their dispersion in organic solvents. Treatment of these nanoparticle dispersions with the Grubbs olefin metathesis catalyst resulted in crosslinked resorcinarene shells that were highly resistant to alkanethiol-induced desorption at high temperatures. Nanoparticles in crosslinked shells of tetrabenzylthiol cavitand 4 were particularly robust, and could be precipitated and redispersed many times with minimal attrition. These shells could also withstand oxidative conditions and were amenable to synthetic modifications involving epoxidation and dihydroxylation.