RAFT solution polymerisation of bio-based γ-methyl-α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone monomer in DMSO and Cyrene

Reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) solution polymerisation of the bio-based lactone monomer γ-methyl-α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone (γMeMBL) has been demonstrated in DMSO and Cyrene. RAFT control was evidenced by control over molecular weights, low disperisites, and kinetic evaluation. Purified P(γMeMBL) homopolymers exhibited high glass transition temperatures (206-221 °C) and excellent thermal stabilities. This work demonstrates the first RAFT solution polymerisation of γMeMBL and the first example of RAFT polymerisation in Cyrene.

Stimuli-sensitive polymer prodrug nanocarriers by reversible-deactivation radical polymerization

Polymer prodrugs are based on the covalent linkage of therapeutic molecules to a polymer structure which avoids the problems and limitations commonly encountered with traditional drug-loaded nanocarriers in which drugs are just physically entrapped (e.g., burst release, poor drug loadings). In the past few years, reversible-deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) techniques have been extensively used to design tailor-made polymer prodrug nanocarriers. This synthesis strategy has received a lot of attention due to the possibility of fine tuning their structural parameters (e.g., polymer nature and macromolecular characteristics, linker nature, physico-chemical properties, functionalization, etc.), to achieve optimized drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy. In particular, adjusting the nature of the drug-polymer linker has enabled the easy synthesis of stimuli-responsive polymer prodrugs for efficient spatiotemporal drug release. In this context, this review article will give an overview of the different stimuli-sensitive polymer prodrug structures designed by RDRP techniques, with a strong focus on the synthesis strategies, the macromolecular architectures and in particular the drug-polymer linker, which governs the drug release kinetics and eventually the therapeutic effect. Their biological evaluations will also be discussed.

Bio-Refinery of Oilseeds: Oil Extraction, Secondary Metabolites Separation towards Protein Meal Valorisation—A Review

Edible oil extraction is a large and well-developed sector based on solvent assisted extraction using volatile organic compounds such as hexane. The extraction of oil from oilseeds generates large volumes of oilseed by-products rich in proteins, fibres, minerals and secondary metabolites that can be valued. This work reviews the current status and the bio-macro-composition of oilseeds, namely soybean, rapeseed, sunflower and flaxseed, and the refining process, comprising the extraction of oil, the valorisation and separation of valuable secondary metabolites such as phenolic compounds, and the removal of anti-nutritional factors such as glucosinolates, while retaining the protein in the oilseed meal. It also provides an overview of alternative solvents and some of the unconventional processes used as a replacement to the conventional extraction of edible oil, as well as the solvents used for the extraction of secondary metabolites and anti-nutritional factors. These biologically active compounds, including oils, are primordial raw materials for several industries such as food, pharmaceutical or cosmetics.

Under pressure: electrochemically-mediated atom transfer radical polymerization of vinyl chloride

Electrochemically mediated ATRP (eATRP) of vinyl chloride (VC), a less activated monomer, was successfully achieved. It is the first report on eATRP of a gaseous monomer under pressure.

Thiourea Dioxide As a Green and Affordable Reducing Agent for the ARGET ATRP of Acrylates, Methacrylates, Styrene, Acrylonitrile, and Vinyl Chloride

Thiourea dioxide, a green and inexpensive compound used at industrial scale, was employed as reducing agent for the controlled polymerization of a wide range of monomer families, namely, acrylates (methyl acrylate, 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, methacrylates (2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate, 2-aminoethyl methacrylate hydrochloride, and methyl methacrylate), styrene, acrylonitrile, and vinyl chloride (nonactivated monomer) by ATRP. Mechanistic studies confirmed that the polymerizations are ruled by the activators regenerated by electron transfer (ARGET) mechanism. It is worth noting that vinyl chloride has never been polymerized by ARGET ATRP. The system proved to be very versatile and robust, working in organic solvents, organic/water mixtures, and aqueous medium at near room temperature with low metal catalyst concentration. Chain extension experiments confirmed the high chain-end functionality of the polymers, allowing the preparation of several well-defined block copolymers.

Computational design of pH-switchable control agents for nitroxide mediated polymerization

In the present work we use accurate quantum chemistry to evaluate several known and novel nitroxides bearing acid–base groups as pH-switchable control agents for room temperature NMP.