Influence of Hydrophobic Anion on Solution Properties of PDMAEMA

Fibrous Structures: An Overview of Their Responsiveness to External Stimuli towards Intended Application

In recent decades, the interest in responsive fibrous structures has surged, propelling them into diverse applications: from wearable textiles that adapt to their surroundings, to filtration membranes dynamically altering selectivity, these structures showcase remarkable versatility. Various stimuli, including temperature, light, pH, electricity, and chemical compounds, can serve as triggers to unleash physical or chemical changes in response. Processing methodologies such as weaving or knitting using responsive yarns, electrospinning, as well as coating procedures, enable the integration of responsive materials into fibrous structures. They can respond to these stimuli, and comprise shape memory materials, temperature-responsive polymers, chromic materials, phase change materials, photothermal materials, among others. The resulting effects can manifest in a variety of ways, from pore adjustments and altered permeability to shape changing, color changing, and thermal regulation. This review aims to explore the realm of fibrous structures, delving into their responsiveness to external stimuli, with a focus on temperature, light, and pH.

Solution and Film Self-Assembly Behavior of a Block Copolymer Composed of a Poly(ionic Liquid) and a Stimuli-Responsive Weak Polyelectrolyte

Cu(0)-mediated atom transfer radical polymerization was used to synthesize a poly(ionic liquid), poly[4-vinylbenzyl-3-butylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide] (PVBBImTf2N), a stimuli-responsive polyelectrolyte, poly[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate] (PDMAEMA), and a novel block copolymer formed from these two polymers. The synthesis of the block copolymer, poly[2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate]-block-[poly(4-vinylbenzyl-3-butylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide] (PDMAEMA-b-PVBBImTf2N), was examined to evaluate the control of "livingness" polymerization, as indicated by molecular weight, characterizations of degree of polymerization, and 1HNMR spectroscopy. 2D DOSY NMR measurements revealed the successful formation of block copolymer and the connection between the two polymer blocks. PDMAEMA-b-PVBBImTf2N was further characterized for supramolecular interactions in both the bulk and solution states through FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopies. While the block copolymer demonstrated similar intermolecular behavior to the PIL homopolymer in the bulk state as indicated by FTIR, hydrogen bonding and counterion interactions in solution were observed in polar organic solvent through 1H NMR measurements. The DLS characterization revealed that the PDMAEMA-b-PVBBImTf2N block copolymer forms a network-like aggregated structure due to a combination of hydrogen bonding between the PDMAEMA and PIL group and electrostatic repulsive interactions between PIL blocks. This structure was found to collapse upon the addition of KNO3 while still maintaining hydrogen bonding interactions. AFM-IR analysis demonstrated varied morphologies, with spherical PDMAEMA in PVBBImTf2N matrix morphology exhibited in the region approaching the film center. AFM-IR further revealed signals from silica nano-contaminates, which selectively interacted with the PDMAEMA spheres, demonstrating the potential for the PDMAEMA-b-PVBBImTf2N PIL block copolymer in polymer-inorganic nanoparticle composite applications.

Pre- and post-functionalization of thermoresponsive cationic microgels with ionic liquid moieties carrying different counterions

We investigate the effect of different anions on the temperature-dependent solution properties of poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) microgels carrying alkylated ionic liquid vinylimidazolium moieties synthesized by a pre- and post-functionalization approach.

All-Aqueous, Surfactant-Free, and pH-Driven Nanoformulation Methods of Dual-Responsive Polymer Nanoparticles and their Potential use as Nanocarriers of pH-Sensitive Drugs

All-aqueous, surfactant-free, and pH-driven nanoformulation methods to generate pH- and temperature-responsive polymer nanoparticles (NPs) are described. Copolymers comprising a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) backbone with a few units of 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) are solubilized in acidic buffer (pH 2.0) to produce pH-sensitive NPs. Copolymers of different molar mass (2.3-11.5 kg mol^-1 ) and DMAEMA composition (7.3-14.2 mol%) are evaluated using a "conventional" pH-driven nanoformulation method (i.e., adding an aqueous polymer solution (acidic buffer) into an aqueous non-solvent (basic buffer)) and a robotized method for pH adjustment of polymer dispersions. Dynamic light scattering, zeta-potential (ζ), and sedimentation-diffusion analyses suggest the formation of dual-responsive NPs of tunable size (from 20 to 110 nm) being stable for at least 28 days in the pH and temperature intervals from 2.0 to 6.0 and 25 to 50 °C, respectively. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopic experiments show that these NPs can act as nanocarriers for the pH-sensitive dipyridamole drug, expanding its bioavailability and potential controlled release as a function of pH and temperature. These approaches offer alternative strategies to prepare stimuli-responsive NPs, avoiding the use of harmful solvents and complex purification steps, and improving the availability of biocompatible polymer nanoformulations for specific controlled release of pH-sensitive cargos.

Phase Separation of Aqueous Poly(diisopropylaminoethyl methacrylate) upon Heating

Poly(diisopropylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDPA) is a pH- and thermally responsive water-soluble polymer. This study deepens the understanding of its phase separation behavior upon heating. Phase separation upon heating was investigated in salt solutions of varying pH and ionic strength. The effect of the counterion on the phase transition upon heating is clearly demonstrated for chloride-, phosphate-, and citrate-anions. Phase separation did not occur in pure water. The buffer solutions exhibited similar cloud points, but phase separation occurred in different pH ranges and with different mechanisms. The solution behavior of a block copolymer comprising poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) and PDPA was investigated. Since the PDMAEMA and PDPA blocks phase separate within different pH- and temperature ranges, the block copolymer forms micelle-like structures at high temperature or pH.

Antibacterial properties of poly (N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) obtained at different initiator concentrations in solution polymerization

The samples of poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) were synthesized by radical polymerization. The amount of monomer and solvent was constant as opposed to an amount of initiator which was changing. No clear relationship between polymerization conditions and the molecular weight of the polymer was found, probably due to the branched configuration of produced polymer. Bactericidal interactions in all samples against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria have been demonstrated. However, the observed effect has various intensities, depending on the type of bacteria and the type of sample.

Biocompatible poly(N-(ω-acryloyloxy-n-alkyl)-2-pyrrolidone)s with widely-tunable lower critical solution temperatures (LCSTs): a promising alternative to poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)

The biocompatible (co)polymers undergoes a thermal stimulus-driven liquid–liquid phase separation and form coacervates above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST). The LCSTs are able to be precisely controlled between 0 °C and 100 °C.

A Smart Patch with On-Demand Detachable Adhesion for Bioelectronics

A smart ionic skin patch with on-demand detachable adhesion has been developed as human-machine interface for physiological signal monitoring. In spite of the multifunctions demonstrated by existing ionic skin, it is still difficult to distinguish different signals simultaneously. Moreover, the secondary damages to the tissues are often overlooked when the adhesive materials are removing from the wound. Herein, a multifunctional biomimetic hydrogel with temperature, mechanical, electrical, and pH response is developed. This hydrogel is designed by in situ polymerizing of hydrophilic anion monomers in a natural cationic polysaccharide to construct multifunctional biomimetic ionic channel. Due to the reversible physical cross-linked network and thermosensitivity, the mechanical properties, adhesion, and visual effect of the hydrogel can be tuned by changing hydrogen bonding density via phase transition, thus making it an excellent biosafe material for wearable device. The hydrogel is utilized as skin patch intended for monitoring physiological signals stimulated by physical and chemical changes involving pressure, temperature, pH value, and electrocardiograph. Especially, this ionic skin patch can recognize temperature change signals precisely either in broad or extremely narrow temperature range. This smart skin patch can even recognize the pressure and temperature signals in real time and differentiate the signals simultaneously.

Upper Critical Solution Temperature Behavior of pH-Responsive Amphoteric Statistical Copolymers in Aqueous Solutions

Amphoteric statistical equivalent copolymers (P(2VP/NaSS) n ) composed of 2-vinylpyridine (2VP) and anionic sodium p-styrenesulfonate (NaSS) were prepared via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. The degrees of polymerization (n) were 19 and 95. The monomer reactivity ratio, time conversion profile, and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance diffusion-ordered spectra suggested that the copolymerization of 2VP and NaSS provided statistical or near to random copolymers. P(2VP/NaSS) n exhibited an upper critical solution temperature (UCST) in acidic aqueous solutions on the basis of the charge interactions between the protonated cationic 2VP and anionic NaSS units. With an increase in pH value, the interaction was weakened because of the deprotonation of the 2VP units, thus reducing the UCST. At high [NaCl], the electrostatic interactions among the polymers were weakened because of the screening effect, and again, the UCST was reduced. With an increase in polymer concentration, the intra- and interpolymer interactions increased because of some entanglement, and the UCST consequently increased. Electrostatic interactions among the polymer chains with high molecular weight occurred easier than those among the low-molecular-weight polymer chains, which increased the UCST. The UCST also increased when deuterium oxide was used instead of hydrogen oxide, which was due to the isotopic effect. Hence, the UCST of P(2VP/NaSS) n can be adjusted according to the desired application.

Detection and evaluation of polymer–polymer interactions in dilute solutions of associating polymers

An experimental tool for the evaluation of intramolecular associative/hydrophobic interactions in polymer/solvent systems was proposed and tested.

Immunogenic-cell-killing and immunosuppression-inhibiting nanomedicine

Combining chemo-therapeutics with immune checkpoint inhibitors facilitates killing cancer cells and activating the immune system through inhibiting immune escape. However, their treatment effects remain limited due to the compromised accumulation of both drugs and inhibitors in certain tumor tissues. Herein, a new poly (acrylamide-co-acrylonitrile-co-vinylimidazole-co-bis(2-methacryloyl) oxyethyl disulfide) (PAAVB) polymer-based intelligent platform with controllable upper critical solution temperature (UCST) was used for the simultaneous delivery of paclitaxel (PTX) and curcumin (CUR). Additionally, a hyaluronic acid (HA) layer was coated on the surface of PAAVB NPs to target the CD44-overexpressed tumor cells. The proposed nanomedicine demonstrated a gratifying accumulation in tumor tissue and uptake by cancer cells. Then, the acidic microenvironment and high level of glutathione (GSH) in cancer cells could spontaneously decrease the UCST of polymer, leading to the disassembly of the NPs and rapid drug release at body temperature without extra-stimuli. Significantly, the released PTX and CUR could induce the immunogenic cell death (ICD) to promote adaptive anti-tumor immunogenicity and inhibit immunosuppression through suppressing the activity of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) enzyme respectively. Therefore, the synergism of this intelligent nanomedicine can suppress primary breast tumor growth and inhibit their lung metastasis.

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A new copolymer PAAVB was prepared with pH- and GSH- controllable upper critical solution temperature (UCST) properties.

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A nano-platform with PAAVB copolymer core and HA shell was developed and showed the capability to deliver PTX and CUR.

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The antitumor immune response was synergistically stimulated by PTX-induced ICD and CUR induced IDO1activity suppression.

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The synergism of intelligent nanomedicine could suppress the primary breast tumor growth and inhibit their lung metastasis.

Insulin-induced conformational transition of fluorescent copolymers: a perspective of self-assembly between protein and micellar solutions of smart copolymers

Synthesizing and understanding phase transition behavior of novel block copolymers is very crucial for fabricating next generation of smart materials with foreseeable applications. In this regard, we synthesized three random (r) copolymers of poly(N-vinyl-caprolactam) (PVCL) and poly(2-dimethyl amino ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) with varying percentages of each block and characterized them using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Synthesized copolymers i.e. PVCL₃₀-PDMAEMA₇₀, PVCL₅₀-PDMAEMA₅₀ and PVCL₇₀-PDMAEMA₃₀ have fluorescence properties, which were confirmed by time-resolved fluorescence spectra and emission spectra, and emission bands were observed at ∼310, ∼435 and ∼424 nm, respectively. The fluorescence lifetime for PVCL₅₀-PDMAEMA₅₀ is larger than those of the other two copolymers suggesting a slow decay of the excited state. The copolymers have spherical geometry as micelles, which were confirmed by TEM. We observed patterned arrangement of micelles and the arranged micelles appear to be pentagon in shape, creating space in between the arranged micelles; however, for PVCL₅₀-PDMAEMA₅₀, the arranged micelles do not form any particular shape. The thermal phase transition of PVCL-r-PDMAEMA in aqueous solution was studied by differential scanning calorimetry and thermal fluorescence spectroscopy. In order to design a biomimetic polymer for bio-specific applications and to understand novel concepts towards polymer-protein interactions, we studied the effect of insulin on lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of PVCL-r-PDMAEMA using multiple sophisticated techniques. The LCST is finely tuned by incorporation of two blocks with various block compositions and the value falls within the range of human body temperature, making PVCL₅₀-PDMAEMA₅₀ a highly compatible material for bio-medical and bio-material applications. Insulin forms a self-assembly with the monomers of PVCL-r-PDMAEMA, which leads to enhancing the micellar aggregates and the eventual decrease in the LCST of the diblock copolymer aqueous solution. The present study provides new insights into insulin-copolymer interactions and can be used for self-assembling nanocarriers and designing protein resistance surfaces.

Thermoresponsive Diblock Copolymer Films with a Linear Shrinkage Behavior and Its Potential Application in Temperature Sensors

The linear shrinkage behavior in thermoresponsive diblock copolymer films and its potential application in temperature sensors are investigated. The copolymer is composed of two thermoresponsive blocks with different transition temperatures (TTs): di(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (MEO₂MA; TT₁ = 25 °C) and poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (OEGMA₃₀₀; TT₂ = 60 °C) with a molar ratio of 1:1. Aqueous solutions of PMEO₂MA-b-POEGMA₃₀₀ show a three-stage transition upon heating as seen with optical transmittance and small-angle X-ray scattering: dissolution (T < TT₁), self-assembled micelles with core-shell structure (TT₁ < T < TT₂), and aggregation of collapsed micelles (T > TT₂). Due to the restrictions in the polymer chain arrangement introduced by the solid Si substrate, spin-coated PMEO₂MA-b-POEGMA₃₀₀ films exhibit an entirely different internal structure and transition behavior. Neutron reflectivity shows the absence of an ordered structure normal to the Si substrate in as-prepared PMEO₂MA-b-POEGMA₃₀₀ films. After exposure to D₂O vapor for 3 h and then increasing the temperature above its TT₁ and TT₂, the ordered structure is still not observed. Only a D₂O enrichment layer is formed close to the hydrophilic Si substrate. Such PMEO₂MA-b-POEGMA₃₀₀ films show a linear shrinkage between TT₁ and TT₂ in a D₂O vapor atmosphere. This special behavior can be attributed to the synergistic effect between the restrained collapse of the PMEO₂MA blocks by the still swollen POEGMA₃₀₀ blocks and the impedance of chain arrangement by the Si substrate. Based on this unique behavior, spin-coated PMEO₂MA-b-POEGMA₃₀₀ films are further prepared into a temperature sensor by implementing Ag electrodes. Its resistance decreases linearly with temperature between TT₁ and TT₂.

Thermoresponsive behavior of poly[trialkyl-(4-vinylbenzyl)ammonium] based polyelectrolytes in aqueous salt solutions

A systematic method to induce thermoresponsive behavior for polycations with salts from the reversed Hofmeister series is introduced.

Thermal properties of poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate)

Poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) is a promising quite new polymer with very interesting properties. The thermal degradation process of PDMAEMA was investigated. The polymer was heated at specific time intervals, then heating was stopped, and infrared analysis was performed to obtain information on the structure of the solid residue. The thermal degradation process has a two-stage character. The limit temperature for the first decomposition step was about 390°C, after which the second stage of sample decomposition began. The order of disintegration of the macromolecules was determined. Activation energy values for the thermal decomposition process have been calculated; they are 89.8 kJ/mol for the first stage and 17.7 kJ/mol for the second stage of the degradation process.

Understanding the role of water in the aggregation of poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) in aqueous solution using temperature-dependent near-infrared spectroscopy

For understanding the role of water in the aggregation of polymers, the variation of water structures with the structural change of polymers in the process of aggregation was studied by temperature-dependent near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. The NIR spectra of the aqueous poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) solutions of different concentrations were measured at different temperatures. The spectral changes of the polymer and water with temperature were analyzed by N-way principal component analysis (NPCA). It was found that, at low concentration, the chains of the polymer tend to form a loose hydrophobic structure below 36 °C and then aggregate into a micelle at a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of around 39 °C. In the process of the aggregation, the water species with two hydrogen bonds (S2) increases gradually before 36 °C and then a sudden decrease occurs after that temperature. The results clearly indicate that water species S2 plays an important role in the formation of the intermediate, i.e., the loose hydrophobic structure of the polymer chains linked by the two hydrogen bonds of S2 water. When the temperature increases, the dissociation of the hydrogen bonds enables the intermediate to be destroyed to form a micelle structure. For the high concentration solution, however, the spectral information of S2 was not found in the aggregation, suggesting direct formation of the micelle from the dehydrated chains.

Artificial chaperones based on thermoresponsive polymers recognize the unfolded state of the protein

Stabilization of the enzymes under stress conditions is of special interest for modern biochemistry, bioengineering, as well as for formulation and target delivery of protein-based drugs. Aiming to achieve an efficient stabilization at elevated temperature with no influence on the enzyme under normal conditions, we studied chaperone-like activity of thermoresponsive polymers based on poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) toward two different proteins, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and chicken egg lysozyme. The polymers has been shown to do not interact with the folded protein at room temperature but form a complex upon heating to either protein unfolding or polymer phase transition temperature. A PDMAEMA-PEO block copolymer with a dodecyl end-group (d-PDMAEMA-PEO) as well as PDMAEMA-PEO without the dodecyl groups protected the denatured protein against aggregation in contrast to PDMAEMA homopolymer. No effect of the polymers on the enzymatic activity of the client protein was observed at room temperature. The polymers also partially protected the enzyme against inactivation at high temperature. The results provide a platform for creation of artificial chaperones with unfolded protein recognition which is a major feature of natural chaperones.

Stimuli-responsive polymers and their applications

Responsive polymer-based materials are capable of altering their chemical and/or physical properties upon exposure to external stimuli. This review highlights their use for sensing and biosensing, drug delivery, and artificial muscles/actuators.

Post-synthetic modification of polyvinyl alcohol with a series of N-alkyl-substituted carbamates towards thermo and CO2-responsive polymers

Intensive efforts have been devoted to the synthesis of thermoresponsive polymers with terminal N-alkyl-substituted groups.

A new thermoresponsive polymer of poly(N-acryloylsarcosine methyl ester) with a tunable LCST

A thermoresponsive polymer of the tertiary amide-based polyacrylamide, PNASME, was synthesized and its tunable thermoresponse was investigated.

How to manipulate the upper critical solution temperature (UCST)?

In this mini-review, we discuss multi-stimuli-responsive polymers, which exhibit upper critical solution temperature (UCST) behavior mainly in aqueous solutions, and focus on examples where counter ions, electricity, light, or pH influence the thermoresponsiveness of these polymers.

N-Ester-substituted polyacrylamides with a tunable lower critical solution temperature (LCST): the N-ester-substitute dependent thermoresponse

New thermoresponsive polymers ofN-ester-substituted polyacrylamides were discovered, and theN-ester-substitute exerting a great influence on the solution property was demonstrated.

Mussel-Inspired Photografting on Colloidal Spheres: A Generalized Self-Template Route to Stimuli-Responsive Hollow Spheres for Controlled Pesticide Release

A thermo-controlled pesticide release system composed of poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) thin film grafted polydopamine (PDA) (PDMAEMA-g-PDA) microcapsules is reported. SiO2 microparticles are used as a template to prepare PDA-coated SiO2 microparticles. The thermally-responsive PDMAEMA thin films are grafted on PDA surfaces using a metal-free surface-initiated photopolymerization approach without adding any photo-initiator or photosensitizer under UV light irradiation. The subsequent acid etching yields PDMAEMA-g-PDA hollow microcapsules. PDMAEMA-g-PDA microcapsules exhibit well-controlled release of avermectin (Av). The results show that the loading ability of PDMAEMA-g-PDA microcapsules of Av is up to 52.7% (w/w). The release kinetics of Av demonstrate that Av@PDMAEMA-g-PDA microcapsules exhibit temperature-controlled release performance. This work is significant for controlled release systems. This simple design is expected to be used in various applications, such as in controlled drug release and agriculture-related fields.

Structural mediation on polycation nanoparticles by sulfadiazine to enhance DNA transfection efficiency and reduce toxicity

Reducing the toxicity while maintaining high transfection efficiency is an important issue for cationic polymers as gene carriers in clinical application. In this paper, a new zwitterionic copolymer, polycaprolactone-g-poly(dimethylaminoethyl methyacrylate-co-sulfadiazine methacrylate) (PC-SDZ) with unique pH-sensitivity, was designed and prepared. The incorporation of sulfadiazine into poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) chains successfully mediates the surface properties including compacter shell structure, lower density of positive charges, stronger proton buffer capability, and enhanced hydrophobicity, which lead to reduction in toxicity and enhancements in stability, cellular uptake, endosome escape, and transfection efficiency for the PC-SDZ2 nanoparticles (NPs)/DNA complexes. Excellent transfection efficiency at the optimal N/P ratio of 10 was observed for PC-SDZ2 NPs/DNA complexes, which was higher than that of the commercial reagent-branched polyethylenimine (PEI). The cytotoxicity was evaluated by CCK8 measurement, and the results showed significant reduction in cytotoxicity even at high concentration of complexes after sulfadiazine modification. Therefore, this work may demonstrate a new way of structural mediation of cationic polymer carriers for gene delivery with high efficiency and low toxicity.

Facile synthesis of silica nanoparticles grafted with quaternized linear, comblike and toothbrushlike copolymers

The alkoxysilane–hydroxyl coupling reaction, quaternization and RAFT polymerization were combined to synthesize three types of quaternized copolymers grafted silica with thermo-dependent surface wettability.

Upper or lower critical solution temperature, or both? Studies on cationic copolymers of N-isopropylacrylamide

The solution properties of statistical copolymers of N-isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAm) and cationic (3-acrylamidopropyl) trimethylammonium chloride (AMPTMA) have been studied.