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Pardy JD, Tavsanli B, Sirianni QEA, Gillies ER. Self-immolative Polymer Hydrogels via In Situ Gelation. Chemistry 2024:e202401324. [PMID: 39031736 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202401324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
Hydrogels are of interest for a wide range of applications. The ability to control when the hydrogel degrades can provide beneficial properties such as controlled degradation in the environment or the stimulated release of drugs or cells. Self-immolative polymers are a class of degradable polymers that undergo complete end-to-end depolymerization upon the application of a stimulus. They have been explored for hydrogel development, but the ability to prepare and selectively degrade self-immolative hydrogels under neutral aqueous conditions has so far been limited. We describe here the preparation of water-soluble polyglyoxylamides with cross-linkable pendent azides and their cross-linking to form hydrogels with 4-arm poly(ethylene glycol)s having unstrained and strained alkynes using copper-assisted and strain-promoted azide-alkyne click chemistry respectively. The influence of pendent azide density and solution polymer content on the resulting hydrogels was evaluated. A polyglyoxylamide with a 70 : 30 ratio of pendent hydroxyl:azide successfully provided hydrogels with compressive moduli ranging from 1.3-6.3 kPa under copper-free conditions at 10-20 % (w/w) of polymer in phosphate-buffered saline. Selective depolymerization and degradation of the hydrogels upon irradiation with light was demonstrated, resulting in reductions in the compressive moduli and the release of depolymerization products that were detected by NMR spectroscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared D Pardy
- School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, N6A 5B9, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Burak Tavsanli
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St., N6A 5B7, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Quinton E A Sirianni
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St., N6A 5B7, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elizabeth R Gillies
- School of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, N6A 5B9, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St., N6A 5B7, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, The University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond St., N6A 5B9, London, Ontario, Canada
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2
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Choi G, Choi B, Darmawan BA, Jeong S, Jo J, Choi E, Kim H. Radiopaque, Self-Immolative Poly(benzyl ether) as a Functional X-ray Contrast Agent: Synthesis, Prolonged Visibility, and Controlled Degradation. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:2740-2748. [PMID: 38563478 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c01392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
A self-immolative radiocontrast polymer agent has been newly designed for this study. The polymer agent is composed of a degradable poly(benzyl ether)-based backbone that enables complete and spontaneous depolymerization upon exposure to a specific stimulus, with iodophenyl pendant groups that confer a radiodensity comparable to that of commercial agents. In particular, when incorporated into a biodegradable polycaprolactone matrix, the agent not only reinforces the matrix and provides prolonged radiopacity without leaching but also governs the overall degradation kinetics of the composite under basic aqueous conditions, allowing for X-ray tracking and exhibiting a predictable degradation until the end of its lifespan. Our design would be advanced with various other components to produce synergistic functions and extended for applications in implantable biodegradable devices and theragnostic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geunyoung Choi
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61186, Korea
| | - Byeongjun Choi
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61186, Korea
| | - Bobby Aditya Darmawan
- Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics (KIMIRo), 43-26, Cheomdangwagi-ro 208-beon-gil, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61011, Korea
| | - Songah Jeong
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61186, Korea
| | - Juyeong Jo
- Korea Institute of Medical Microrobotics (KIMIRo), 43-26, Cheomdangwagi-ro 208-beon-gil, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61011, Korea
| | - Eunpyo Choi
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61186, Korea
| | - Hyungwoo Kim
- School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61186, Korea
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Uva A, Michailovich S, Hsu NSY, Tran H. Degradable π-Conjugated Polymers. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:12271-12287. [PMID: 38656104 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c03194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The integration of next-generation electronics into society is rapidly reshaping our daily interactions and lifestyles, revolutionizing communication and engagement with the world. Future electronics promise stimuli-responsive features and enhanced biocompatibility, such as skin-like health monitors and sensors embedded in food packaging, transforming healthcare and reducing food waste. Imparting degradability may reduce the adverse environmental impact of next-generation electronics and lead to opportunities for environmental and health monitoring. While advancements have been made in producing degradable materials for encapsulants, substrates, and dielectrics, the availability of degradable conducting and semiconducting materials remains restricted. π-Conjugated polymers are promising candidates for the development of degradable conductors or semiconductors due to the ability to tune their stimuli-responsiveness, biocompatibility, and mechanical durability. This perspective highlights three design considerations: the selection of π-conjugated monomers, synthetic coupling strategies, and degradation of π-conjugated polymers, for generating π-conjugated materials for degradable electronics. We describe the current challenges with monomeric design and present options to circumvent these issues by highlighting biobased π-conjugated compounds with known degradation pathways and stable monomers that allow for chemically recyclable polymers. Next, we present coupling strategies that are compatible for the synthesis of degradable π-conjugated polymers, including direct arylation polymerization and enzymatic polymerization. Lastly, we discuss various modes of depolymerization and characterization techniques to enhance our comprehension of potential degradation byproducts formed during polymer cleavage. Our perspective considers these three design parameters in parallel rather than independently while having a targeted application in mind to accelerate the discovery of next-generation high-performance π-conjugated polymers for degradable organic electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azalea Uva
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Sofia Michailovich
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Nathan Sung Yuan Hsu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Helen Tran
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
- Acceleration Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada
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Zeng H, Liang X, Roberts DA, Gillies ER, Müllner M. Self-Assembly of Rod-Coil Bottlebrush Copolymers into Degradable Nanodiscs with a UV-Triggered Self-Immolation Process. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202318881. [PMID: 38320963 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202318881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Polymer nanodiscs, especially with stimuli-responsive features, represent an unexplored frontier in the nanomaterial landscape. Such 2D nanomaterials are considered highly promising for advanced biomedicine applications. Herein, we designed a rod-coil copolymer architecture based on an amphiphilic, tadpole-like bottlebrush copolymer, which can directly self-assemble into core-shell nanodiscs in an aqueous environment. As the bottlebrush side chains are made of amorphous, UV-responsive poly(ethyl glyoxylate) (PEtG) chains, they can undergo rapid end-to-end self-immolation upon light irradiation. This triggered nanodisc disassembly can be used to boost small molecule release from the nanodisc core, which is further aided by a morphological change from discs to spheres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoxiang Zeng
- Key Centre for Polymers and Colloids, School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, 2006, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Xiaoli Liang
- Department of Chemistry and Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, The University of Western Ontario, N6A 5B7, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Derrick A Roberts
- Key Centre for Polymers and Colloids, School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, 2006, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Elizabeth R Gillies
- Department of Chemistry and Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, The University of Western Ontario, N6A 5B7, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Markus Müllner
- Key Centre for Polymers and Colloids, School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, 2006, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- The University of Sydney Nano Institute (Sydney Nano), The University of Sydney, 2006, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Mountaki SA, Whitfield R, Parkatzidis K, Antonopoulou MN, Truong NP, Anastasaki A. Chemical recycling of bromine-terminated polymers synthesized by ATRP. RSC APPLIED POLYMERS 2024; 2:275-283. [PMID: 38525379 PMCID: PMC10955525 DOI: 10.1039/d3lp00279a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Chemical recycling of polymers is one of the biggest challenges in materials science. Recently, remarkable achievements have been made by utilizing polymers prepared by controlled radical polymerization to trigger low-temperature depolymerization. However, in the case of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), depolymerization has nearly exclusively focused on chlorine-terminated polymers, even though the overwhelming majority of polymeric materials synthesized with this method possess a bromine end-group. Herein, we report an efficient depolymerization strategy for bromine-terminated polymethacrylates which employs an inexpensive and environmentally friendly iron catalyst (FeBr2/L). The effect of various solvents and the concentration of metal salt and ligand on the depolymerization are judiciously explored and optimized, allowing for a depolymerization efficiency of up to 86% to be achieved in just 3 minutes. Notably, the versatility of this depolymerization is exemplified by its compatibility with chlorinated and non-chlorinated solvents, and both Fe(ii) and Fe(iii) salts. This work significantly expands the scope of ATRP materials compatible with depolymerization and creates many future opportunities in applications where the depolymerization of bromine-terminated polymers is desired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Afroditi Mountaki
- Laboratory of Polymeric Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg-5 8093 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Richard Whitfield
- Laboratory of Polymeric Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg-5 8093 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Kostas Parkatzidis
- Laboratory of Polymeric Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg-5 8093 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Maria-Nefeli Antonopoulou
- Laboratory of Polymeric Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg-5 8093 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Nghia P Truong
- Laboratory of Polymeric Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg-5 8093 Zurich Switzerland
| | - Athina Anastasaki
- Laboratory of Polymeric Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zurich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg-5 8093 Zurich Switzerland
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Lohmann V, Jones GR, Truong NP, Anastasaki A. The thermodynamics and kinetics of depolymerization: what makes vinyl monomer regeneration feasible? Chem Sci 2024; 15:832-853. [PMID: 38239674 PMCID: PMC10793647 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc05143a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Depolymerization is potentially a highly advantageous method of recycling plastic waste which could move the world closer towards a truly circular polymer economy. However, depolymerization remains challenging for many polymers with all-carbon backbones. Fundamental understanding and consideration of both the kinetics and thermodynamics are essential in order to develop effective new depolymerization systems that could overcome this problem, as the feasibility of monomer generation can be drastically altered by tuning the reaction conditions. This perspective explores the underlying thermodynamics and kinetics governing radical depolymerization of addition polymers by revisiting pioneering work started in the mid-20th century and demonstrates its connection to exciting recent advances which report depolymerization reaching near-quantitative monomer regeneration at much lower temperatures than seen previously. Recent catalytic approaches to monomer regeneration are also explored, highlighting that this nascent chemistry could potentially revolutionize depolymerization-based polymer recycling in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Lohmann
- Laboratory of Polymeric Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zürich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5 8093 Zürich Switzerland
| | - Glen R Jones
- Laboratory of Polymeric Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zürich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5 8093 Zürich Switzerland
| | - Nghia P Truong
- Laboratory of Polymeric Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zürich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5 8093 Zürich Switzerland
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University 399 Royal Parade Parkville VIC 3152 Australia
| | - Athina Anastasaki
- Laboratory of Polymeric Materials, Department of Materials, ETH Zürich Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 5 8093 Zürich Switzerland
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Deng Z, Liang X, Gillies ER. Click to Self-immolation: A "Click" Functionalization Strategy towards Triggerable Self-Immolative Homopolymers and Block Copolymers. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202317063. [PMID: 38029347 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202317063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Self-immolative polymers (SIPs) are a class of degradable macromolecules that undergo stimuli-triggered head-to-tail depolymerization. However, a general approach to readily end-functionalize SIP precursors for programmed degradation remains elusive, restricting access to complex, functional SIP-based materials. Here we present a "click to self-immolation" strategy based on aroyl azide-capped SIP precursors, enabling the facile construction of diverse SIPs with different trigger units through a Curtius rearrangement and alcohol/thiol-isocyanate "click" reaction. This strategy is also applied to polymer-polymer coupling to access fully depolymerizable block copolymer amphiphiles, even combining different SIP backbones. Our results demonstrate that the depolymerization can be actuated efficiently under physiologically-relevant conditions by the removal of the trigger units and ensuing self-immolation of the p-aminobenzyl carbonate linkage, indicating promise for controlled release applications involving nanoparticles and hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyu Deng
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Xiaoli Liang
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Elizabeth R Gillies
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada
- Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A 5B9, Canada
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