Functionalisation and stabilisation of polymeric arsenical nanoparticles prepared by sequential reductive and radical cross-linking

Functional and stable polymeric arsenical nanoparticles can be prepared by sequential reductive coupling and ring-collapse radical alternating copolymerisation (RCRAC).

Sulfonated Copolymers as Heparin-Mimicking Stabilizer of Fibroblast Growth Factor: Size, Architecture, and Monomer Distribution Effects

Fibroblast growth factors (FGF) are involved in a wide range of biological processes such as cell proliferation and differentiation. In living organisms, the binding of FGF to its receptors are mediated through electrostatic interactions between FGF and naturally occurring heparin. Despite its prevalent use in medicine, heparin carries notable limitations; namely, its extraction from natural sources (expensive, low yield and extensive purification), viral contamination, and batch-to-batch heterogeneity. In this work a range of synthetic homopolymers and copolymers of sodium 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonate were evaluated as potential FGF stabilizers. This was studied by measuring the proliferation of BaF3-FR1c cells, as a model assay, and the results will be compared with the natural stabilization and activation of FGF by heparin. This study explores the structure-activity relationship of these polysulfonated polymers with a focus on the effect of molecular weight, comonomer type, charge dispersion, and polymer architecture on protein stabilization.

Microscale synthesis of multiblock copolymers using ultrafast RAFT polymerisation

We demonstrate that ultrafast RAFT in the presence of air can be scaled down to 2 μL with good control using microvolume insert vials as the polymerisation vessel.

Alcohol mediated degenerate chain transfer controlled cationic polymerisation of para-alkoxystyrene

In this report we demonstrate methanol as an effective degenerative chain transfer agent to control the cationic polymerisation (initiated by triflic acid) of electron rich p-alkoxy-styrenes, such as p-methoxystyrene (p-MOS).

Strengths and limitations of size exclusion chromatography for investigating single chain folding – current status and future perspectives

Synthetic approaches for Single-Chain Nanoparticles (SCNPs) developed rapidly during the last decade, opening a multitude of avenues for the design of functional macromolecular chains able to collapse into defined nanoparticles. However, the analytical evaluation of the SCNP formation process still requires critical improvements.

Polymeric arsenicals as scaffolds for functional and responsive hydrogels

Here arsenohydrogels are introduced for the first time as functional, tuneable and responsive hydrogels.

RAFT Emulsion Polymerization as a Platform to Generate Well-Defined Biocompatible Latex Nanoparticles

Current approaches to generate core-shell nanoparticles for biomedical applications are limited by factors such as synthetic scalability and circulatory desorption of cytotoxic surfactants. Developments in controlled radical polymerization, particularly in dispersed states, represent a promising method of overcoming these challenges. In this work, well-defined PEGylated nanoparticles are synthesized using reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer emulsion polymerization to control particle size and surface composition and were further characterized with light scattering, electron microscopy, and size exclusion chromatography. Importantly, the nanoparticles are found to be tolerated both in vitro and in vivo, without the need for any purification after particle synthesis. Pharmacokinetic and biodistribution studies in mice, following intraperitoneal injection of the nanoparticles, reveal a long (>76 h) circulation time and accumulation in the liver.

Organic Arsenicals as Functional Motifs in Polymer and Biomaterials Science

Arsenic (As) exhibits diverse (bio)chemical reactivity and biological activity depending upon its oxidation state. However, this distinctive reactivity has been largely overlooked across many fields owing to concerns regarding the toxicity of arsenic. Recently, a clinical renaissance in the use of arsenicals, including organic arsenicals that are known to be less toxic than inorganic arsenicals, alludes to the possibility of broader acceptance and application in the field of polymer and biomaterials science. Here, current examples of polymeric/macromolecular arsenicals are reported to stimulate interest and highlight their potential as a novel platform for functional, responsive, and bioactive materials.