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Muthukumar M. Dipole Theory of Polyzwitterion Microgels and Gels. Gels 2024; 10:393. [PMID: 38920939 PMCID: PMC11202952 DOI: 10.3390/gels10060393] [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: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The behavior of polyzwitterions, constituted by dipole-like zwitterionic monomers, is significantly different from that of uniformly charged polyelectrolytes. The origin of this difference lies in the intrinsic capacity of polyzwitterions to self-associate intramolecularly and associate with interpenetrating chains driven by dominant dipolar interactions. Earlier attempts to treat polyzwitterions implicitly assume that the dipoles of zwitterion monomers are randomly oriented. At ambient temperatures, the dipolar zwitterion monomers can readily align with each other generating quadrupoles and other multipoles and thus generating heterogeneous structures even in homogeneous solutions. Towards an attempt to understand the role of such dipolar associations, we present a mean field theory of solutions of polyzwitterions. Generally, we delineate a high-temperature regime where the zwitterion dipoles are randomly oriented from a low-temperature regime where quadrupole formation is significantly prevalent. We present closed-form formulas for: (1) Coil-globule transition in the low-temperature regime, the anti-polyelectrolyte effect of chain expansion upon addition of low molar mass salt, and chain relaxation times in dilute solutions. (2) Spontaneous formation of a mesomorphic state at the borderline between the high-temperature and low-temperature regimes and its characteristics. A universal law is presented for the radius of gyration of the microgel, as a proportionality to one-sixth power of the polymer concentration. (3) Swelling equilibrium of chemically cross-linked polyzwitterion gels in both the high temperature and low-temperature regimes. Addressing the hierarchical internal dynamics of polyzwitterion gels, we present a general stretched exponential law for the time-correlation function of gel displacement vector, that can be measured in dynamic light scattering experiments. The present theory is of direct experimental relevance and additional theoretical developments to all polyzwitterion systems, and generally to biological macromolecular systems such as intrinsically disordered proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murugappan Muthukumar
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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Pickett PD, Ma Y, Prabhu VM. Polyzwitterion fast and slow mode behavior are coupled to phase separation as observed by dynamic laser light scattering. J Chem Phys 2023; 159:104902. [PMID: 37694748 DOI: 10.1063/5.0162376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
A model zwitterionic polysulfobetaine, poly(3-(acrylamidopropyl-dimethyl-ammonium) propyl-1-sulfonate) (pAPAPS), phase separates upon cooling and exhibits an upper critical solution temperature (UCST) behavior with no added salt in deuterium oxide solutions. Dynamic light scattering measurements indicate the presence of distinct fast and slow diffusive modes, where the fast mode is interpreted as a collective diffusion coefficient and the slow mode is attributed to the diffusion of multi-chain dynamic clusters. The relative population of fast and slow modes varies systematically with temperature and concentration. A clustering temperature (T*) was assigned when the slow mode first appeared upon cooling. The slow mode then increases in relative scattering amplitude as the phase boundary is approached. The fast mode exhibits a concentration dependence above T* consistent with the virial expansion in the collective diffusion. The sign of the virial coefficient (kd) is negative, even in the good solvent region above the expected Flory temperature (Θ ≈ 39 °C), a behavior distinct from synthetic neutral polymers in organic solvents. The onset of multi-chain clustering at T < T* coincides with the poor solvent regime (T < Θ). Attractive dipolar interactions due to the zwitterionic sulfobetaine groups in pAPAPS are suggested as the origin of the multi-chain clusters with no salt. Upon the addition of 100 mM NaCl, the slow mode is suppressed, and the hydrodynamic radius is consistent with polyzwitterion chain dimensions in a dilute solution. We find that concentration dependent diffusion is highly linked to the theta temperature and the emergence of dynamic clusters as the polymer goes from good to poor solvent on approach to the UCST. The slow mode in the semidilute regime is reported along with preliminary small-angle neutron scattering data that show salt reduces clustering and leads to predominantly chain scattering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip D Pickett
- Materials Science and Engineering Division, Material Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, USA
| | - Yuanchi Ma
- Materials Science and Engineering Division, Material Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, USA
| | - Vivek M Prabhu
- Materials Science and Engineering Division, Material Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, USA
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Javan Nikkhah S, Vandichel M. Modeling Polyzwitterion-Based Drug Delivery Platforms: A Perspective of the Current State-of-the-Art and Beyond. ACS ENGINEERING AU 2022; 2:274-294. [PMID: 35996394 PMCID: PMC9389590 DOI: 10.1021/acsengineeringau.2c00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Drug delivery platforms are anticipated to have biocompatible and bioinert surfaces. PEGylation of drug carriers is the most approved method since it improves water solubility and colloid stability and decreases the drug vehicles' interactions with blood components. Although this approach extends their biocompatibility, biorecognition mechanisms prevent them from biodistribution and thus efficient drug transfer. Recent studies have shown (poly)zwitterions to be alternatives for PEG with superior biocompatibility. (Poly)zwitterions are super hydrophilic, mainly stimuli-responsive, easy to functionalize and they display an extremely low protein adsorption and long biodistribution time. These unique characteristics make them already promising candidates as drug delivery carriers. Furthermore, since they have highly dense charged groups with opposite signs, (poly)zwitterions are intensely hydrated under physiological conditions. This exceptional hydration potential makes them ideal for the design of therapeutic vehicles with antifouling capability, i.e., preventing undesired sorption of biologics from the human body in the drug delivery vehicle. Therefore, (poly)zwitterionic materials have been broadly applied in stimuli-responsive "intelligent" drug delivery systems as well as tumor-targeting carriers because of their excellent biocompatibility, low cytotoxicity, insignificant immunogenicity, high stability, and long circulation time. To tailor (poly)zwitterionic drug vehicles, an interpretation of the structural and stimuli-responsive behavior of this type of polymer is essential. To this end, a direct study of molecular-level interactions, orientations, configurations, and physicochemical properties of (poly)zwitterions is required, which can be achieved via molecular modeling, which has become an influential tool for discovering new materials and understanding diverse material phenomena. As the essential bridge between science and engineering, molecular simulations enable the fundamental understanding of the encapsulation and release behavior of intelligent drug-loaded (poly)zwitterion nanoparticles and can help us to systematically design their next generations. When combined with experiments, modeling can make quantitative predictions. This perspective article aims to illustrate key recent developments in (poly)zwitterion-based drug delivery systems. We summarize how to use predictive multiscale molecular modeling techniques to successfully boost the development of intelligent multifunctional (poly)zwitterions-based systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sousa Javan Nikkhah
- Department
of Chemical Sciences, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Republic of Ireland
| | - Matthias Vandichel
- Department
of Chemical Sciences, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Republic of Ireland
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Zhang W, Ma Y, Posey ND, Lueckheide MJ, Prabhu VM, Douglas JF. Combined Simulation and Experimental Study of Polyampholyte Solution Properties: Effects of Charge Ratio, Hydrophobic Groups, and Polymer Concentration. Macromolecules 2022. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c00977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wengang Zhang
- Materials Science and Engineering Division, Material Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
- Department of Physics, Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut 06459, United States
| | - Yuanchi Ma
- Materials Science and Engineering Division, Material Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Nicholas D. Posey
- Materials Science and Engineering Division, Material Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Michael J. Lueckheide
- Materials Science and Engineering Division, Material Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Vivek M. Prabhu
- Materials Science and Engineering Division, Material Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Jack F. Douglas
- Materials Science and Engineering Division, Material Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
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Bairagi U, Jacob J. Macroporous Polyzwitterionic Gels As Versatile Intermediates for the Fixation and Release of Anions. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2021; 37:5424-5435. [PMID: 33891417 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c00888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
A new stable and functional polyzwitterion poly[1-(carboxymethyl)-4-methacrylamidopyridin-1-ium] was synthesized. The zwitterionic polymer shows its isoelectric point at a pH of 4.2, bidirectional pH responsiveness, and formation of dendritic fractal self-aggregated structures. Using this as a common intermediate, a simple, direct, and scalable single-step protocol was established to introduce various elementary anions like NO3-, HSO4-, H2PO4-, F-, Cl-, Br-, I-, CH3COO-, and HCOO- in their salt forms by reaction with the corresponding acids. FESEM studies on cross-linked polymeric hydrogels established the macroporous nature of these materials with their pore size in the range of 10-15 μm. Bidirectional swelling behavior was observed in these hydrogels from gel swelling kinetics and pH studies. Anion release studies in deionized water and buffer solutions showed ∼82 and ∼95% cumulative release for nitrate and phosphate anions, respectively, in 72 h. Our studies suggest that multifunctional polyzwitterionic gels are promising intermediates in the fixation and release of anions like nitrate and phosphate with potential applications in agriculture and healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ujjawal Bairagi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Josemon Jacob
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
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Li M, Zhuang B, Yu J. Functional Zwitterionic Polymers on Surface: Structures and Applications. Chem Asian J 2020; 15:2060-2075. [DOI: 10.1002/asia.202000547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Minglun Li
- School of Materials Science and EngineeringNanyang Technological University Singapore 639798 Singapore
| | - Bilin Zhuang
- Division of ScienceYale-NUS College Singapore 138527 Singapore
| | - Jing Yu
- School of Materials Science and EngineeringNanyang Technological University Singapore 639798 Singapore
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Lazutin A, Vasilevskaya VV. Lamellae-Parking Garage Structure-Lamellae Transition in Densely Grafted Layers of Amphiphilic Homopolymers: Impact of Polymerization Degree. ACS OMEGA 2018; 3:12967-12974. [PMID: 31458020 PMCID: PMC6709779 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.8b01643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
By means of computer modeling, the self-organization of densely grafted macromolecules with amphiphilic monomer units as a function of macromolecular polymerization degree and solvent quality was studied and a diagram of state was constructed. The diagram contains fields of disordered distribution of monomer units and of prolonged aggregates, regions of lamellae with small and big domain spacing, and transition region. Within the transition region, the lamellae with different spacing coexist: the lamellae with big domain spacing are on the top of the grafting layer and the lamellae with small domain spacing are close to the grafting surface. The lamellae are connected with each other and form bicontinuous parking garage structure joining all side groups into a single cluster. The domain spacing of lamellae does not depend on the macromolecular length, but the width of the transition region decreases with the decrease of polymerization degree until total vanishing at relatively short macromolecules. The sharp switch between lamellae and bicontinuous structure opens the perspective for practical applications of densely grafted layers with amphiphilic monomer units.
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Glagoleva AA, Vasilevskaya VV. Macromolecules with amphiphilic monomer units at interface of two immiscible liquids. J Chem Phys 2017; 147:184902. [DOI: 10.1063/1.5001880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A. A. Glagoleva
- A. N. Nesmeyanov Institute of Organoelement Compounds of Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova ul. 28, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - V. V. Vasilevskaya
- A. N. Nesmeyanov Institute of Organoelement Compounds of Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilova ul. 28, Moscow 119991, Russia
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