Main-Chain Phosphorus-Containing Polymers for Therapeutic Applications

Polymers in which phosphorus is an integral part of the main chain, including polyphosphazenes and polyphosphoesters, have been widely investigated in recent years for their potential in a number of therapeutic applications. Phosphorus, as the central feature of these polymers, endears the chemical functionalization, and in some cases (bio)degradability, to facilitate their use in such therapeutic formulations. Recent advances in the synthetic polymer chemistry have allowed for controlled synthesis methods in order to prepare the complex macromolecular structures required, alongside the control and reproducibility desired for such medical applications. While the main polymer families described herein, polyphosphazenes and polyphosphoesters and their analogues, as well as phosphorus-based dendrimers, have hitherto predominantly been investigated in isolation from one another, this review aims to highlight and bring together some of this research. In doing so, the focus is placed on the essential, and often mutual, design features and structure-property relationships that allow the preparation of such functional materials. The first part of the review details the relevant features of phosphorus-containing polymers in respect to their use in therapeutic applications, while the second part highlights some recent and innovative applications, offering insights into the most state-of-the-art research on phosphorus-based polymers in a therapeutic context.

Synthesis of three-dimensional porous hyper-crosslinked polymers via thiol-yne reaction

Herein we report the syntheses of two porous hyper-crosslinked polymers (HCPs) via thiol–yne reaction with rigid tetrahedral and pseudo-octahedral core structures. Sorption measurements with nitrogen gas at 77 K revealed BET-surface areas up to 650 m²/g. Those networks also showed a high thermal stability as well as insolubility in common organic solvents.

Preparation of polyphosphazenes: a tutorial review

Poly(organo)phosphazenes are a family of inorganic molecular hybrid polymers with very diverse properties due to the vast array of organic substituents possible. This tutorial review aims to introduce the basics of the synthetic chemistry of polyphosphazenes, detailing for readers outside the field the essential knowledge required to design and prepare polyphosphazenes with desired properties. A particular focus is given to some of the recent advances in their chemical synthesis which allows not only the preparation of polyphosphazenes with controlled molecular weights and polydispersities, but also novel branched architectures and block copolymers. We also discuss the preparation of supramolecular structures, bioconjugates and in situ forming gels from this diverse family of functional materials. This tutorial review aims to equip the reader to prepare defined polyphosphazenes with unique property combinations and in doing so we hope to stimulate further research and yet more innovative applications for these highly interesting multifaceted materials.

Facile synthesis of functional poly(vinylene sulfide)s containing donor–acceptor chromophores by a double click reaction

The new electronically active poly(vinylene sulfide)s containing dialkylaniline-substituted electron-rich alkynes in the side chains were designed and synthesized by the ‘thiol-click’ polymerization.

Preparation and UCST-type phase behavior of glycopolypeptides in alcoholic solvents

Glycopolypeptides with mannose pendants exhibited a reversible UCST-type phase behavior in various alcoholic solvents. The solution phase transition temperature was related to the solvent, concentration, main-chain length, and side-chain composition.