1
|
Murphy E, Zhang C, Bates CM, Hawker CJ. Chromatographic Separation: A Versatile Strategy to Prepare Discrete and Well-Defined Polymer Libraries. Acc Chem Res 2024; 57:1202-1213. [PMID: 38530881 PMCID: PMC11025024 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.4c00059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
ConspectusThe preparation of discrete and well-defined polymers is an emerging strategy for emulating the remarkable precision achieved by macromolecular synthesis in nature. Although modern controlled polymerization techniques have unlocked access to a cornucopia of materials spanning a broad range of monomers, molecular weights, and architectures, the word "controlled" is not to be confused with "perfect". Indeed, even the highest-fidelity polymerization techniques─yielding molar mass dispersities in the vicinity of Đ = 1.05─unavoidably create a considerable degree of structural and/or compositional dispersity due to the statistical nature of chain growth. Such dispersity impacts many of the properties that researchers seek to control in the design of soft materials.The development of strategies to minimize or entirely eliminate dispersity and access molecularly precise polymers therefore remains a key contemporary challenge. While significant advances have been made in the realm of iterative synthetic methods that construct oligomers with an exact molecular weight, head-to-tail connectivity, and even stereochemistry via small-molecule organic chemistry, as the word "iterative" suggests, these techniques involve manually propagating monomers one reaction at a time, often with intervening protection and deprotection steps. As a result, these strategies are time-consuming, difficult to scale, and remain limited to lower molecular weights. The focus of this Account is on an alternative strategy that is more accessible to the general scientific community because of its simplicity, versatility, and affordability: chromatography. Researchers unfamiliar with the intricacies of synthesis may recall being exposed to chromatography in an undergraduate chemistry lab. This operationally simple, yet remarkably powerful, technique is most commonly encountered in the purification of small molecules through their selective (differential) adsorption to a column packed with a low-cost stationary phase, usually silica. Because the requisite equipment is readily available and the actual separation takes little time (on the order of 1 h), chromatography is used extensively in small-molecule chemistry throughout industry and academia alike. It is, therefore, perhaps surprising that similar types of chromatography are not more widely leveraged in the field of polymer science as well.Here, we discuss recent advances in using chromatography to control the structure and properties of polymeric materials. Emphasis is placed on the utility of an adsorption-based mechanism that separates polymers based on polarity and composition at tractable (gram) scales for materials science, in contrast to size exclusion, which is extremely common but typically analyzes very small quantities of a sample (∼1 mg) and is limited to separating by molar mass. Key concepts that are highlighted include (1) the separation of low-molecular-weight homopolymers into discrete oligomers (Đ = 1.0) with precise chain lengths and (2) the efficient fractionation of block copolymers into high-quality and widely varied libraries for accelerating materials discovery. In summary, the authors hope to convey the exciting possibilities in polymer science afforded by chromatography as a scalable, versatile, and even automated technique that unlocks new avenues of exploration into well-defined materials for a diverse assortment of researchers with different training and expertise.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth
A. Murphy
- Materials
Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Department of Chemical
Engineering, andMaterials Department, University of California
Santa Barbara, Santa
Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Materials
Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Department of Chemical
Engineering, andMaterials Department, University of California
Santa Barbara, Santa
Barbara, California 93106, United States
- Australian
Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and Centre for Advanced
Imaging University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Christopher M. Bates
- Materials
Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Department of Chemical
Engineering, andMaterials Department, University of California
Santa Barbara, Santa
Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Craig J. Hawker
- Materials
Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Department of Chemical
Engineering, andMaterials Department, University of California
Santa Barbara, Santa
Barbara, California 93106, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cui S, Murphy EA, Zhang W, Zografos A, Shen L, Bates FS, Lodge TP. Cylinders-in-Undulating-Lamellae Morphology from ABC Bottlebrush Block Terpolymers. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:6796-6805. [PMID: 38421320 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c13543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Block polymer self-assembly affords a versatile bottom-up strategy to develop materials with the desired properties dictated by specific symmetries and dimensions. Owing to distinct properties compared with linear counterparts, bottlebrush block polymers with side chains densely grafted on a backbone have attracted extensive attention. However, the morphologies found in bottlebrush block polymers so far are limited, and only lamellar and cylindrical ordered phases have been reported in diblock bottlebrushes. The absence of complex morphologies, such as networks, might originate from the intrinsically stiff backbone architecture. We experimentally investigated the morphologies of nonfrustrated ABC bottlebrush block terpolymers, based on two chemistries, poly(ethylene-alt-propylene)-b-polystyrene-b-poly(dl-lactic acid) (PEP-PS-PLA) and PEP-b-PS-b-poly(ethylene oxide) (PEP-PS-PEO), synthesized by ring-opening metathesis polymerization of norbornene-terminated macromonomers. Structural characterization based on small-angle X-ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy measurements revealed an unprecedented cylinders-in-undulating-lamellae (CUL) morphology with p2 symmetry for both systems. Additionally, automated liquid chromatography was employed to fractionate the PEP-PS-PLA bottlebrush polymer, leading to fractions with a spectrum of morphologies, including the CUL. These findings underscore the significance of macromolecular dispersity in nominally narrow dispersity bottlebrush polymers while demonstrating the power of this fractionation technique.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Elizabeth A Murphy
- Materials Research Laboratory and Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bao Y. Polymerization-Mediated Through-Space Charge Transfer: An Emerging Strategy for Light-Emitting Materials. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2024. [PMID: 38252874 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c03376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Through-space charge transfer (TSCT) has attracted increasing attention owing to its great potential in designing efficient light-emitting molecules and polymers. Complementary to through-bond charge transfer and Förster resonance energy transfer, TSCT offers an alternative approach for the manipulation of molecular fluorescence. Recently, the synergy between TSCT and polymer systems through polymerization-mediated charge transfer has fostered the advancements of innovative light-emitting functional materials featuring thermally activated delayed fluorescence and/or aggregation-induced emission. This perspective highlights the significant progress in tailoring emission properties through structural engineering of donor and acceptor groups within polymeric systems, leveraging the TSCT mechanism. This strategy has transcended the limitations of traditional charge transfer systems with its tolerance to extended donor-acceptor distance, paving the way for novel applications beyond organic light-emitting diodes. The discussion concludes with a forward-looking analysis of potential future research trajectories in the field of polymerization-mediated charge transfer for developing next-generation light-emitting materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yinyin Bao
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xue Y, Cao M, Chen C, Zhong M. Design of Microstructure-Engineered Polymers for Energy and Environmental Conservation. JACS AU 2023; 3:1284-1300. [PMID: 37234122 PMCID: PMC10207122 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.3c00081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
With the ever-growing demand for sustainability, designing polymeric materials using readily accessible feedstocks provides potential solutions to address the challenges in energy and environmental conservation. Complementing the prevailing strategy of varying chemical composition, engineering microstructures of polymer chains by precisely controlling their chain length distribution, main chain regio-/stereoregularity, monomer or segment sequence, and architecture creates a powerful toolbox to rapidly access diversified material properties. In this Perspective, we lay out recent advances in utilizing appropriately designed polymers in a wide range of applications such as plastic recycling, water purification, and solar energy storage and conversion. With decoupled structural parameters, these studies have established various microstructure-function relationships. Given the progress outlined here, we envision that the microstructure-engineering strategy will accelerate the design and optimization of polymeric materials to meet sustainability criteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yazhen Xue
- Department
of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Mengxue Cao
- Department
of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Charles Chen
- Department
of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Mingjiang Zhong
- Department
of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Terzioğlu İ, Ventura-Hunter C, Ulbrich J, Saldívar-Guerra E, Schubert US, Guerrero-Sánchez C. Automated Parallel Dialysis for Purification of Polymers. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14224835. [PMID: 36432962 PMCID: PMC9697721 DOI: 10.3390/polym14224835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The implementation of a dialysis method for the simultaneous purification of different polymer materials in a commercially available automated parallel synthesizer (APS) is discussed. The efficiency of this "unattended" automated parallel dialysis (APD) method was investigated by means of proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) measurements, which confirmed that the method enables the removal of up to 99% of the unreacted monomer derived from the synthesis of the corresponding polymers in the APS. Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) revealed that the molar mass and molar mass distribution of the investigated polymers did not undergo significant changes after the application of the APD method. The method discussed herein can be regarded as a good alternative to the "unattended" and reliable purification of polymer libraries prepared in APS. This method may be useful for overcoming current limitations of high-throughput/-output (HT/O) synthesis of polymer libraries, where purification of the generated materials currently represents a significant constraint for establishing fully automated experimental workflows necessary to advance towards a full digitalization of research and development of new polymers for diverse applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- İpek Terzioğlu
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Carolina Ventura-Hunter
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Polymerization Processes Department, Centro de Investigación en Química Aplicada (CIQA), Blvd. Enrique Reyna No. 140, Saltillo 25294, Coahuila, Mexico
| | - Jens Ulbrich
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Enrique Saldívar-Guerra
- Polymerization Processes Department, Centro de Investigación en Química Aplicada (CIQA), Blvd. Enrique Reyna No. 140, Saltillo 25294, Coahuila, Mexico
| | - Ulrich S. Schubert
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Carlos Guerrero-Sánchez
- Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry (IOMC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstrasse 10, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen J, Rizvi A, Patterson JP, Hawker CJ. Discrete Libraries of Amphiphilic Poly(ethylene glycol) Graft Copolymers: Synthesis, Assembly, and Bioactivity. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:19466-19474. [PMID: 36240519 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c07859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is an important and widely used polymer in biological and pharmaceutical applications for minimizing nonspecific binding while improving blood circulation for therapeutic/imaging agents. However, commercial PEG samples are polydisperse, which hampers detailed studies on chain length-dependent properties and potentially increases antibody responses in pharmaceutical applications. Here, we report a practical and scalable method to prepare libraries of discrete PEG analogues with a branched, nonlinear structure. These lipid-PEG derivatives have a monodisperse backbone with side chains containing a discrete number of ethylene glycol units (3 or 4) and unique functionalizable chain ends. Significantly, the branched, nonlinear structure is shown to allow for efficient nanoparticle assembly while reducing anti-PEG antibody recognition when compared to commercial polydisperse linear systems, such as DMG-PEG2000. By enabling the scalable synthesis of a broad library of graft copolymers, fundamental self-assembly properties can be understood and shown to directly correlate with the total number of PEG units, nature of the chain ends, and overall backbone length. These results illustrate the advantages of discrete macromolecules when compared to traditional disperse materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junfeng Chen
- Materials Department, Materials Research Laboratory, and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Aoon Rizvi
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Joseph P Patterson
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Craig J Hawker
- Materials Department, Materials Research Laboratory, and Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Murphy EA, Chen YQ, Albanese K, Blankenship JR, Abdilla A, Bates MW, Zhang C, Bates CM, Hawker CJ. Efficient Creation and Morphological Analysis of ABC Triblock Terpolymer Libraries. Macromolecules 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c01480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Murphy
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California, Santa Barbara, California93106, United States
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, California93106, United States
| | - Yan-Qiao Chen
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California, Santa Barbara, California93106, United States
| | - Kaitlin Albanese
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California, Santa Barbara, California93106, United States
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, California93106, United States
| | - Jacob R. Blankenship
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California, Santa Barbara, California93106, United States
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, California93106, United States
| | - Allison Abdilla
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California, Santa Barbara, California93106, United States
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, California93106, United States
| | - Morgan W. Bates
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California, Santa Barbara, California93106, United States
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California, Santa Barbara, California93106, United States
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland4072, Australia
| | - Christopher M. Bates
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California, Santa Barbara, California93106, United States
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, California93106, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering, and University of California, Santa Barbara, California93106, United States
- Materials Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, California93106, United States
| | - Craig J. Hawker
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California, Santa Barbara, California93106, United States
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, California93106, United States
- Materials Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, California93106, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
He J, Wang Q. Frank–Kasper Phases of Diblock Copolymer Melts Studied with the DPD Model: SCF Results. Macromolecules 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c00933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Juntong He
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Colorado State University, 1370 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523-1370, United States
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Colorado State University, 1370 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523-1370, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhou D, Xu M, Ma Z, Gan Z, Zheng J, Tan R, Dong XH. Discrete Diblock Copolymers with Tailored Conformational Asymmetry: A Precise Model Platform to Explore Complex Spherical Phases. Macromolecules 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c01202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Zhou
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - Miao Xu
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Zhuang Ma
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Zhanhui Gan
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Juncheng Zheng
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Rui Tan
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Xue-Hui Dong
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ma Z, Tan R, Gan Z, Zhou D, Yang Y, Zhang W, Dong XH. Modulation of the Complex Spherical Packings through Rationally Doping a Discrete Homopolymer into a Discrete Block Copolymer: A Quantitative Study. Macromolecules 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c00682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zhuang Ma
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Rui Tan
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Zhanhui Gan
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Dongdong Zhou
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Yida Yang
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Xue-Hui Dong
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ogbonna N, Dearman M, Cho CT, Bharti B, Peters AJ, Lawrence J. Topologically Precise and Discrete Bottlebrush Polymers: Synthesis, Characterization, and Structure-Property Relationships. JACS AU 2022; 2:898-905. [PMID: 35557765 PMCID: PMC9088296 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.2c00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
As the complexity of polymer structure grows, so do the challenges for developing an accurate understanding of their structure-property relationships. Here, the synthesis of bottlebrush polymers with topologically precise and fully discrete structures is reported. A key feature of the strategy is the synthesis of discrete macromonomer libraries for their polymerization into topologically precise bottlebrushes that can be separated into discrete bottlebrushes (Đ = 1.0). As the system becomes more discrete, packing efficiency increases, distinct three-phase Langmuir-Blodgett isotherms are observed, and its glass transition temperature becomes responsive to side-chain sequence. Overall, this work presents a versatile strategy to access a range of precision bottlebrush polymers and unravels the impact of side-chain topology on their macroscopic properties. Precise control over side chains opens a pathway for tailoring polymer properties without changing their chemical makeup.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nduka
D. Ogbonna
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State
University, Baton
Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Michael Dearman
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State
University, Baton
Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Cheng-Ta Cho
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State
University, Baton
Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Bhuvnesh Bharti
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State
University, Baton
Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Andrew J. Peters
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana Tech
University, Ruston, Louisiana 71272, United States
| | - Jimmy Lawrence
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State
University, Baton
Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhang C, Yan K, Fu C, Peng H, Hawker CJ, Whittaker AK. Biological Utility of Fluorinated Compounds: from Materials Design to Molecular Imaging, Therapeutics and Environmental Remediation. Chem Rev 2022; 122:167-208. [PMID: 34609131 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.1c00632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The applications of fluorinated molecules in bioengineering and nanotechnology are expanding rapidly with the controlled introduction of fluorine being broadly studied due to the unique properties of C-F bonds. This review will focus on the design and utility of C-F containing materials in imaging, therapeutics, and environmental applications with a central theme being the importance of controlling fluorine-fluorine interactions and understanding how such interactions impact biological behavior. Low natural abundance of fluorine is shown to provide sensitivity and background advantages for imaging and detection of a variety of diseases with 19F magnetic resonance imaging, 18F positron emission tomography and ultrasound discussed as illustrative examples. The presence of C-F bonds can also be used to tailor membrane permeability and pharmacokinetic properties of drugs and delivery agents for enhanced cell uptake and therapeutics. A key message of this review is that while the promise of C-F containing materials is significant, a subset of highly fluorinated compounds such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have been identified as posing a potential risk to human health. The unique properties of the C-F bond and the significant potential for fluorine-fluorine interactions in PFAS structures necessitate the development of new strategies for facile and efficient environmental removal and remediation. Recent progress in the development of fluorine-containing compounds as molecular imaging and therapeutic agents will be reviewed and their design features contrasted with environmental and health risks for PFAS systems. Finally, present challenges and future directions in the exploitation of the biological aspects of fluorinated systems will be described.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhang
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Kai Yan
- College of Bioresources Chemical and Materials Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Light Chemistry Engineering Education, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
- Xi'an Key Laboratory of Green Chemicals and Functional Materials, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an 710021, China
| | - Changkui Fu
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Hui Peng
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Craig J Hawker
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
- Materials Department, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Andrew K Whittaker
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhou D, Xu M, Ma Z, Gan Z, Tan R, Wang S, Zhang Z, Dong XH. Precisely Encoding Geometric Features into Discrete Linear Polymer Chains for Robust Structural Engineering. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:18744-18754. [PMID: 34714634 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c09575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Molecular shape is an essential parameter that regulates the self-organization and recognition process, which has not yet been well appreciated and exploited in block polymers due to the lack of precise and efficient modulation methods. This work (i) develops a robust approach to break the intrinsic symmetry of linear polymers by introducing geometric features into otherwise homogeneous chains and (ii) quantitatively highlights the critical contribution of molecular geometry/architecture to the self-assembly behaviors. Iteratively connecting homologous monomers of different side chains according to pre-designed sequences generates discrete polymers with exact chemical structure, uniform chain length, and programmable side-chain gradient along the backbone, which transcribes into diverse shapes. The precise chemistry eliminates all the defects and heterogeneities, providing a delicate platform for fundamental inquiries into the role of molecular geometry. A rich collection of unconventional complex phases, including Frank-Kasper A15 and σ phases, as well as a dodecagonal quasicrystal phase, were captured in these rigorous single-component systems. The self-assembly behaviors are strikingly sensitive to subtle variations of geometry, such that simply migrating a few methylene units among the side chains would generate substantial differences in lattice size or phase stability, or even trigger a phase transition toward distinct structures. The phenomena can be rationalized with a geometric argument that nonuniform side chain distribution leads to conformational mismatch between two immiscible blocks, resulting in varied interfacial curvatures and distinct lattice symmetries. The profound contribution demonstrates that molecular geometry is an effective and robust parameter for structural engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Zhou
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Molecular Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Miao Xu
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Molecular Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Zhuang Ma
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Molecular Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Zhanhui Gan
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Molecular Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Rui Tan
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Molecular Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Molecular Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Zhengbiao Zhang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Xue-Hui Dong
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Molecular Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
DeStefano A, Segalman RA, Davidson EC. Where Biology and Traditional Polymers Meet: The Potential of Associating Sequence-Defined Polymers for Materials Science. JACS AU 2021; 1:1556-1571. [PMID: 34723259 PMCID: PMC8549048 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.1c00297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Polymers with precisely defined monomeric sequences present an exquisite tool for controlling material properties by harnessing both the robustness of synthetic polymers and the ability to tailor the inter- and intramolecular interactions so crucial to many biological materials. While polymer scientists traditionally synthesized and studied the physics of long molecules best described by their statistical nature, many biological polymers derive their highly tailored functions from precisely controlled sequences. Therefore, significant effort has been applied toward developing new methods of synthesizing, characterizing, and understanding the physics of non-natural sequence-defined polymers. This perspective considers the synergistic advantages that can be achieved via tailoring both precise sequence control and attributes of traditional polymers in a single system. Here, we focus on the potential of sequence-defined polymers in highly associating systems, with a focus on the unique properties, such as enhanced proton conductivity, that can be attained by incorporating sequence. In particular, we examine these materials as key model systems for studying previously unresolvable questions in polymer physics including the role of chain shape near interfaces and how to tailor compatibilization between dissimilar polymer blocks. Finally, we discuss the critical challenges-in particular, truly scalable synthetic approaches, characterization and modeling tools, and robust control and understanding of assembly pathways-that must be overcome for sequence-defined polymers to attain their potential and achieve ubiquity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Audra
J. DeStefano
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Rachel A. Segalman
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
- Department
of Materials, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Emily C. Davidson
- Department
of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhang C, Vigil DL, Sun D, Bates MW, Loman T, Murphy EA, Barbon SM, Song JA, Yu B, Fredrickson GH, Whittaker AK, Hawker CJ, Bates CM. Emergence of Hexagonally Close-Packed Spheres in Linear Block Copolymer Melts. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:14106-14114. [PMID: 34448579 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c03647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The hexagonally close-packed (HCP) sphere phase is predicted to be stable across a narrow region of linear block copolymer phase space, but the small free energy difference separating it from face-centered cubic spheres usually results in phase coexistence. Here, we report the discovery of pure HCP spheres in linear block copolymer melts with A = poly(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl acrylate) ("F") and B = poly(2-dodecyl acrylate) ("2D") or poly(4-dodecyl acrylate) ("4D"). In 4DF diblocks and F4DF triblocks, the HCP phase emerges across a substantial range of A-block volume fractions (circa fA = 0.25-0.30), and in F4DF, it forms reversibly when subjected to various processing conditions which suggests an equilibrium state. The time scale associated with forming pure HCP upon quenching from a disordered liquid is intermediate to the ordering kinetics of the Frank-Kasper σ and A15 phases. However, unlike σ and A15, HCP nucleates directly from a supercooled liquid or soft solid without proceeding through an intermediate quasicrystal. Self-consistent field theory calculations indicate the stability of HCP is intimately tied to small amounts of molar mass dispersity (Đ); for example, an HCP-forming F4DF sample with fA = 0.27 has an experimentally measured Đ = 1.04. These insights challenge the conventional wisdom that pure HCP is difficult to access in linear block copolymer melts without the use of blending or other complex processing techniques.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhang
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Andrew K Whittaker
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Xie R, Mukherjee S, Levi AE, Self JL, Wang H, Chabinyc ML, Bates CM. Yielding Behavior of Bottlebrush and Linear Block Copolymers. Macromolecules 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.1c00557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Renxuan Xie
- Mitsubishi Chemical Center for Advanced Materials, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Sanjoy Mukherjee
- Mitsubishi Chemical Center for Advanced Materials, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Adam E. Levi
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry , University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Jeffrey L. Self
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry , University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Hengbin Wang
- Mitsubishi Chemical Center for Advanced Materials, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Michael L. Chabinyc
- Mitsubishi Chemical Center for Advanced Materials, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
- Materials Department , University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Christopher M. Bates
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry , University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
- Materials Department , University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
- Materials Research Laboratory , University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Lorandi F, Lathwal S, Martinez MR, Dadashi-Silab S, Szczepaniak G, Cuthbert J. Reflection on the Matyjaszewski Lab Webinar Series and the Rise of Webinars in Polymer Chemistry. ACS Macro Lett 2021; 10:54-59. [PMID: 35548988 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.0c00806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Webinar series are helping our community of polymer scientists to stay engaged and connected, despite the cancellation of in-person meetings and the periodic closure of laboratories to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. The sustainable and inclusive character of these virtual events make them valuable learning and networking opportunities. As organizers of the Matyjaszewski Lab Webinar Series, we share herein our experience, highlighting the benefits of virtual meetings and providing a short guide for webinar organizers. Researchers, particularly young scientists, are encouraged to organize such virtual events to broaden their skills and strengthen their professional network.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Lorandi
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Sushil Lathwal
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Michael R Martinez
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Sajjad Dadashi-Silab
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Grzegorz Szczepaniak
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Julia Cuthbert
- Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, 4400 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Lamers BG, van der Tol JJB, Vonk KM, de Waal BFM, Palmans ARA, Meijer EW, Vantomme G. Consequences of Molecular Architecture on the Supramolecular Assembly of Discrete Block Co-oligomers. Macromolecules 2020; 53:10289-10298. [PMID: 33250525 PMCID: PMC7690048 DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.0c02237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Supramolecular block copolymers composed of discrete blocks have promising properties for nanotechnology resulting from their ability to combine well-defined morphologies with good bulk material properties. Here, we present the impact of a well-defined siloxane block in either the main-chain or present as pendant grafts on the properties of supramolecular block copolymers that form ordered nanostructures with sub-5 nm domains. For this, two types of supramolecular block copolymers were synthesized based on the ureidopyrimidinone-urethane (UPy-UT) motif. In the first, oligodimethylsiloxanes (oDMS) of discrete length were end-capped with the UPy-UT motif, affording main-chain UPy-UT-Si n . In the second, the UPy-UT motif was grafted with discrete oDMS affording grafted UPy-UT- g -Si 7 . For the two systems, the compositions are similar; only the molecular architecture differs. In both cases, crystallization of the UPy-UT block is in synergy with phase segregation of the oDMS, resulting in the formation of lamellar morphologies. The grafted UPy-UT- g -Si 7 can form long-range ordered lamellae, resulting in the formation of micrometer-sized 2D sheets of supramolecular polymers which show brittle properties. In contrast, UPy-UT-Si n forms a ductile material. As the compositions of both BCOs are similar, the differences in morphology and mechanical properties are a direct consequence of the molecular architecture. These results showcase how molecular design of the building block capable of forming block copolymers translates into controlled nanostructures and material properties as a result of the supramolecular nature of the interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kasper M. Vonk
- Institute for Complex Molecular
Systems and Laboratory of Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Bas F. M. de Waal
- Institute for Complex Molecular
Systems and Laboratory of Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Anja R. A. Palmans
- Institute for Complex Molecular
Systems and Laboratory of Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - E. W. Meijer
- Institute for Complex Molecular
Systems and Laboratory of Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ghislaine Vantomme
- Institute for Complex Molecular
Systems and Laboratory of Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Sun Y, Tan R, Ma Z, Gan Z, Li G, Zhou D, Shao Y, Zhang WB, Zhang R, Dong XH. Discrete Block Copolymers with Diverse Architectures: Resolving Complex Spherical Phases with One Monomer Resolution. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2020; 6:1386-1393. [PMID: 32875079 PMCID: PMC7453564 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.0c00798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
This work describes the first rigorous example of a single-component block copolymer system forming unconventional spherical phases. A library of discrete block polymers with uniform chain length and diverse architectures were modularly prepared through a combination of a step-growth approach and highly efficient coupling reactions. The precise chemical structure eliminates all the molecular defects associated with molar weight, dispersity, and compositional ratio. Complex spherical phases, including the Frank-Kasper phase (A15 and σ) and quasicrystalline phase, were experimentally captured by meticulously tuning the composition and architectures. A phase portrait with unprecedented accuracy was mapped out (up to one monomer resolution), unraveling intriguing details of phase behaviors that have long been compromised by inherent molecular weight distribution. This study serves as a delicate model system to bridge the existing gaps between experimental observations and theoretical assessments and to provide insights into the formation and evolution of the unconventional spherical phases in soft matter systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanxiao Sun
- South
China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School
of Molecular Science and Engineering, South
China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Rui Tan
- South
China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School
of Molecular Science and Engineering, South
China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Zhuang Ma
- South
China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School
of Molecular Science and Engineering, South
China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Zhanhui Gan
- South
China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School
of Molecular Science and Engineering, South
China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Gang Li
- South
China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School
of Molecular Science and Engineering, South
China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Dongdong Zhou
- South
China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School
of Molecular Science and Engineering, South
China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Yu Shao
- Key
Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education,
Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry
and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Wen-Bin Zhang
- Key
Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry & Physics of Ministry of Education,
Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, College of Chemistry
and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- South
China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School
of Molecular Science and Engineering, South
China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Xue-Hui Dong
- South
China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School
of Molecular Science and Engineering, South
China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
- State
Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Zhang C, Liu T, Wang W, Bell CA, Han Y, Fu C, Peng H, Tan X, Král P, Gaus K, Gooding JJ, Whittaker AK. Tuning of the Aggregation Behavior of Fluorinated Polymeric Nanoparticles for Improved Therapeutic Efficacy. ACS NANO 2020; 14:7425-7434. [PMID: 32401485 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c02954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Incorporation of fluorinated moieties in polymeric nanoparticles has been shown in many instances to increase their uptake by living cells and, hence, has proven to be a useful approach to enhancing delivery to cells. However, it remains unclear how incorporation of fluorine affects critical transport processes, such as interactions with membranes, intracellular transport, and tumor penetration. In this study, we investigate the influence of fluorine on transport properties using a series of rationally designed poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate)-block-perfluoropolyether (poly(OEGA)m-PFPE) copolymers. Copolymers with different fluorine contents were prepared and exhibit aggregate in solution in a manner dependent on the fluorine content. Doxorubicin-conjugated poly(OEGA)20-PFPE nanoparticles with lower fluorine content exist in solution as unimers, leading to greater exposure of hydrophobic PFPE segments to the cell surface. This, in turn, results in greater cellular uptake, deeper tumor penetration, as well as enhanced therapeutic efficacy compared to that with the micelle-state nanoaggregates (poly(OEGA)10-PFPE and poly(OEGA)5-PFPE) with higher fluorine content but with less PFPE exposed to the cell membranes. Our results demonstrate that the aggregation behavior of these fluorinated polymers plays a critical role in internalization and transport in living cells and 3D spheroids, providing important design criteria for the preparation of highly effective delivery agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhang
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Tianqing Liu
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Qld 4006, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Petr Král
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60612, United States
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|