High temperature thermoplastic elastomers synthesized by living anionic polymerization in hydrocarbon solvent at room temperature

DOE PAGES

Schlegel, Ralf; Williams, Katherine; Voyloy, Dimitry; ...

2016-03-30

We present the synthesis and characterization of a new class of high temperature thermoplastic elastomers composed of polybenzofulvene–polyisoprene–polybenzofulvene (FIF) triblock copolymers. All copolymers were prepared by living anionic polymerization in benzene at room temperature. Homopolymerization and effects of additives on the glass transition temperature (T g) of polybenzofulvene (PBF) were also investigated. Among all triblock copolymers studied, FIF with 14 vol % of PBF exhibited a maximum stress of 14.3 ± 1.3 MPa and strain at break of 1390 ± 66% from tensile tests. The stress–strain curves of FIF-10 and 14 were analyzed by a statistical molecular approach using amore » nonaffine tube model to estimate the thermoplastic elastomer behavior. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed that the softening temperature of PBF in FIF was 145 °C, much higher than that of thermoplastic elastomers with polystyrene hard blocks. Microphase separation of FIF triblock copolymers was observed by small-angle X-ray scattering, even though long-range order was not achieved under the annealing conditions employed. Additionally, the microphase separation of the resulting triblock copolymers was examined by atomic force microscopy.« less

High temperature thermoplastic elastomers synthesized by living anionic polymerization in hydrocarbon solvent at room temperature

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schlegel, Ralf; Williams, Katherine; Voyloy, Dimitry

We present the synthesis and characterization of a new class of high temperature thermoplastic elastomers composed of polybenzofulvene–polyisoprene–polybenzofulvene (FIF) triblock copolymers. All copolymers were prepared by living anionic polymerization in benzene at room temperature. Homopolymerization and effects of additives on the glass transition temperature (T g) of polybenzofulvene (PBF) were also investigated. Among all triblock copolymers studied, FIF with 14 vol % of PBF exhibited a maximum stress of 14.3 ± 1.3 MPa and strain at break of 1390 ± 66% from tensile tests. The stress–strain curves of FIF-10 and 14 were analyzed by a statistical molecular approach using amore » nonaffine tube model to estimate the thermoplastic elastomer behavior. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed that the softening temperature of PBF in FIF was 145 °C, much higher than that of thermoplastic elastomers with polystyrene hard blocks. Microphase separation of FIF triblock copolymers was observed by small-angle X-ray scattering, even though long-range order was not achieved under the annealing conditions employed. Additionally, the microphase separation of the resulting triblock copolymers was examined by atomic force microscopy.« less

Anionic Photopolymerization of Methyl-2-Cyanoacrylate and Simultaneous Color Formation

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-11-15

Anionic polymerization of methyl 2-cyanoacrylate initiated by photoinduced heterolysis of crystal violet leuconitrile (CVCN) and of malachite green leucohydroxide (MGOH) is demonstrated. Polymerization is accompanied by color formation.

Chain Reaction Polymerization.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McGrath, James E.

1981-01-01

The salient features and importance of chain-reaction polymerization are discussed, including such topics as the thermodynamics of polymerization, free-radical polymerization kinetics, radical polymerization processes, copolymers, and free-radical chain, anionic, cationic, coordination, and ring-opening polymerizations. (JN)

Pressure induced polymerization of acetylide anions in CaC2 and 107 fold enhancement of electrical conductivity.

PubMed

Zheng, Haiyan; Wang, Lijuan; Li, Kuo; Yang, Youyou; Wang, Yajie; Wu, Jiajia; Dong, Xiao; Wang, Chun-Hai; Tulk, Christopher A; Molaison, Jamie J; Ivanov, Ilia N; Feygenson, Mikhail; Yang, Wenge; Guthrie, Malcolm; Zhao, Yusheng; Mao, Ho-Kwang; Jin, Changqing

2017-01-01

Transformation between different types of carbon-carbon bonding in carbides often results in a dramatic change of physical and chemical properties. Under external pressure, unsaturated carbon atoms form new covalent bonds regardless of the electrostatic repulsion. It was predicted that calcium acetylide (also known as calcium carbide, CaC 2 ) polymerizes to form calcium polyacetylide, calcium polyacenide and calcium graphenide under high pressure. In this work, the phase transitions of CaC 2 under external pressure were systematically investigated, and the amorphous phase was studied in detail for the first time. Polycarbide anions like C 6 6- are identified with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and several other techniques, which evidences the pressure induced polymerization of the acetylide anions and suggests the existence of the polyacenide fragment. Additionally, the process of polymerization is accompanied with a 10 7 fold enhancement of the electrical conductivity. The polymerization of acetylide anions demonstrates that high pressure compression is a viable route to synthesize novel metal polycarbides and materials with extended carbon networks, while shedding light on the synthesis of more complicated metal organics.

Formation of Polymer Particles by Direct Polymerization on the Surface of a Supramolecular Template.

PubMed

Schmuck, Carsten; Li, Mao; Zellermann, Elio

2018-04-06

Formation of polymeric materials on the surface of supramolecular assemblies is rather challenging due to the often weak non-covalent interactions between the self-assembled template and the monomers before polymerization. We herein describe that the introduction of a supramolecular anion recognition motif, the guanidiniocarbonyl pyrrole cation (GCP), into a short Fmoc-dipeptide 1 leads to self-assembled spherical nanoparticles in aqueous solution. Onto the surface of these nanoparticles negatively charged diacetylene monomers can be attached which after UV polymerization lead to the formation of a polymer shell around the self-assembled template. The hybrid supramolecular and polymeric nanoparticles demonstrated intriguing thermal hysteresis phenomenon. The template nanoparticle could be disassembled through the treatment with organic base which cleaved the Fmoc moiety on 1. This strategy thus showed that a supramolecular anion recognition motif allows the post-assembly formation of polymeric nanomaterials from anionic monomers around a cationic self-assembled template. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Polymerization of anionic wormlike micelles.

PubMed

Zhu, Zhiyuan; González, Yamaira I; Xu, Hangxun; Kaler, Eric W; Liu, Shiyong

2006-01-31

Polymerizable anionic wormlike micelles are obtained upon mixing the hydrotropic salt p-toluidine hydrochloride (PTHC) with the reactive anionic surfactant sodium 4-(8-methacryloyloxyoctyl)oxybenzene sulfonate (MOBS). Polymerization captures the cross-sectional radius of the micelles (approximately 2 nm), induces micellar growth, and leads to the formation of a stable single-phase dispersion of wormlike micellar polymers. The unpolymerized and polymerized micelles were characterized using static and dynamic laser light scattering, small-angle neutron scattering, 1H NMR, and stopped-flow light scattering. Stopped-flow light scattering was also used to measure the average lifetime of the unpolymerized wormlike micelles. A comparison of the average lifetime of unpolymerized wormlike micelles with the surfactant monomer propagation rate was used to elucidate the mechanism of polymerization. There is a significant correlation between the ratio of the average lifetime to the monomer propagation rate and the average aggregation number of the polymerized wormlike micelles.

Pressure induced polymerization of acetylide anions in CaC 2 and 10 7 fold enhancement of electrical conductivity

DOE PAGES

Zheng, Haiyan; Wang, Lijuan; Li, Kuo; ...

2016-08-17

Transformation between different types of carbon–carbon bonding in carbides often results in a dramatic change of physical and chemical properties. Under external pressure, unsaturated carbon atoms form new covalent bonds regardless of the electrostatic repulsion. It was predicted that calcium acetylide (also known as calcium carbide, CaC 2) polymerizes to form calcium polyacetylide, calcium polyacenide and calcium graphenide under high pressure. In this work, the phase transitions of CaC 2 under external pressure were systematically investigated, and the amorphous phase was studied in detail for the first time. Polycarbide anions like C 6 6– are identified with gas chromatography-mass spectrometrymore » and several other techniques, which evidences the pressure induced polymerization of the acetylide anions and suggests the existence of the polyacenide fragment. Additionally, the process of polymerization is accompanied with a 10 7 fold enhancement of the electrical conductivity. As a result, the polymerization of acetylide anions demonstrates that high pressure compression is a viable route to synthesize novel metal polycarbides and materials with extended carbon networks, while shedding light on the synthesis of more complicated metal organics.« less

Sterically shielded diboron-containing metallocene olefin polymerization catalysts

DOEpatents

Marks, Tobin J.; Ja, Li; Yang, Xinmin

1995-09-05

A non-coordinating anion, preferably containing a sterically shielded diboron hydride, if combined with a cyclopenta-dienyl-substituted metallocene cation component, such as a zirconocene metallocene, is a useful olefin polymerization catalyst component. The anion preferably has the formula ##STR1## where R is branched lower alkyl, such as t-butyl.

Synthesis and polymerization of vinyl triazolium ionic liquids

DOEpatents

Luebke, David; Nulwala, Hunaid; Matyjaszewski, Krzysztof; Adzima, Brian

2018-05-15

Herein, we describe polymerized ionic liquids, demonstrate the synthesis of polymerized ionic liquids, and demonstrate the polymerization of triazolium monomers. One embodiment shows the polymeriazation of the triazolium monomers with bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide anions. In another embodiment we show the feasibility of copolymerizing with commodity monomers such as styrene using free radical polymerization techniques.

Anion permselective membrane

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hodgdon, R. B.; Waite, W. A.

1982-01-01

The synthesis and fabrication of polymeric anion permselective membranes for redox systems are discussed. Variations of the prime candidate anion membrane formulation to achieve better resistance and/or lower permeability were explored. Processing parameters were evaluated to lower cost and fabricate larger sizes. The processing techniques to produce more membranes per batch were successfully integrated with the fabrication of larger membranes. Membranes of about 107 cm x 51 cm were made in excellent yield. Several measurements were made on the larger sample membranes. Among the data developed were water transport and transference numbers for these prime candidate membranes at 20 C. Other work done on this system included characterization of a number of specimens of candidate membranes which had been returned after service lives of up to sixteen months. Work with new polymer constituents, with new N.P.'s, catalysts and backing fabrics is discussed. Some work was also done to evaluate other proportions of the ingredients of the prime candidate system. The adoption of a flow selectivity test at elevated temperature was explored.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zheng, Haiyan; Wang, Lijuan; Li, Kuo

Transformation between different types of carbon–carbon bonding in carbides often results in a dramatic change of physical and chemical properties. Under external pressure, unsaturated carbon atoms form new covalent bonds regardless of the electrostatic repulsion. It was predicted that calcium acetylide (also known as calcium carbide, CaC2) polymerizes to form calcium polyacetylide, calcium polyacenide and calcium graphenide under high pressure. In this work, the phase transitions of CaC2 under external pressure were systematically investigated, and the amorphous phase was studied in detail for the first time. Polycarbide anions like C 6 6- are identified with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and severalmore » other techniques, which evidences the pressure induced polymerization of the acetylide anions and suggests the existence of the polyacenide fragment. Additionally, the process of polymerization is accompanied with a 107 fold enhancement of the electrical conductivity. The polymerization of acetylide anions demonstrates that high pressure compression is a viable route to synthesize novel metal polycarbides and materials with extended carbon networks, while shedding light on the synthesis of more complicated metal organics.« less

Functional Materials from Polymeric Ionic Liquids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Segalman, Rachel; Sanoja, Gabriel; Michenfelder-Schauser, Nicole; Mitragotri, Samir; Seshadri, Ram

Ionic liquids (IL's) have been suggested for applications as diverse as solubilizing cellulose, antimicrobial treatments, and electrolytes in batteries due to their molten salt properties. A polymeric cation (such as imidazolium) is an excellent host for any associated anion. As a result, polymerized ionic liquids are not just solid counterparts to IL's, but are shown to be vectors for the inclusion of a wide variety of functionalities ranging from multi-valent ions to magnetic anions. Moreover, PIL block copolymers allow orthogonal control over mechanical and morphological properties, ultimately leading to a conceptual framework for processable, tunable, multifunctional materials.

Polymerization Initiated at the Sidewalls of Carbon Nanotubes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tour, James M.; Hudson, Jared L.

2011-01-01

A process has been developed for growing polymer chains via anionic, cationic, or radical polymerization from the side walls of functionalized carbon nanotubes, which will facilitate greater dispersion in polymer matrices, and will greatly enhance reinforcement ability in polymeric material.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zheng, Haiyan; Wang, Lijuan; Li, Kuo

Transformation between different types of carbon–carbon bonding in carbides often results in a dramatic change of physical and chemical properties. Under external pressure, unsaturated carbon atoms form new covalent bonds regardless of the electrostatic repulsion. It was predicted that calcium acetylide (also known as calcium carbide, CaC 2) polymerizes to form calcium polyacetylide, calcium polyacenide and calcium graphenide under high pressure. In this work, the phase transitions of CaC 2 under external pressure were systematically investigated, and the amorphous phase was studied in detail for the first time. Polycarbide anions like C 6 6– are identified with gas chromatography-mass spectrometrymore » and several other techniques, which evidences the pressure induced polymerization of the acetylide anions and suggests the existence of the polyacenide fragment. Additionally, the process of polymerization is accompanied with a 10 7 fold enhancement of the electrical conductivity. As a result, the polymerization of acetylide anions demonstrates that high pressure compression is a viable route to synthesize novel metal polycarbides and materials with extended carbon networks, while shedding light on the synthesis of more complicated metal organics.« less

Nanodusty plasma chemistry: a mechanistic and variational transition state theory study of the initial steps of silyl anion-silane and silylene anion-silane polymerization reactions.

PubMed

Bao, Junwei Lucas; Seal, Prasenjit; Truhlar, Donald G

2015-06-28

The growth of nanodusty particles, which is critical in plasma chemistry, physics, and engineering. The aim of the present work is to understand the detailed reaction mechanisms of early steps in this growth. The polymerization of neutral silane with the silylene or silyl anion, which eliminates molecular hydrogen with the formation of their higher homologues, governs the silicon hydride clustering in nanodusty plasma chemistry. The detailed mechanisms of these important polymerization reactions in terms of elementary reactions have not been proposed yet. In the present work, we investigated the initial steps of these polymerization reactions, i.e., the SiH4 + Si2H4(-)/Si2H5(-) reactions, and we propose a three-step mechanism, which is also applicable to the following polymerization steps. CM5 charges of all the silicon-containing species were computed in order to analyze the character of the species in the proposed reaction mechanisms. We also calculated thermal rate constant of each step using multi-structural canonical variational transition state theory (MS-CVT) with the small-curvature tunneling (SCT) approximation, based on the minimum energy path computed using M08-HX/MG3S electronic structure method.

Bis(1,3-di-tert-butylimidazolin-2-iminato) titanium complexes as effective catalysts for the monodisperse polymerization of propylene.

PubMed

Sharma, Manab; Yameen, Haneen Simaan; Tumanskii, Boris; Filimon, Sabina-Alexandra; Tamm, Matthias; Eisen, Moris S

2012-10-17

The use of bis(1,3-di-tert-butylimidazolin-2-iminato) titanium dichloride (1) and dimethyl (2) complexes in the polymerization of propylene is presented. The complexes were activated using different amounts of methylalumoxane (MAO), giving in each case a very active catalytic mixture and producing polymers with a narrow molecular weight distribution (polydispersity = 1.10). The use of the cocatalyst triphenylcarbenium (trityl) tetra(pentafluorophenyl)borate totally inhibits the reaction, producing the corresponding bis(1,3-di-tert-butylimidazolin-2-iminato) titanium(III) methyl complex, the trityl radical ((•)CPh(3)), the anionic MeB(C(6)F(5))(4)(-), B(C(6)F(5))(3), and the bis(1,3-di-tert-butylimidazolin-2-iminato) titanium(IV) dimethyl·B(C(6)F(5))(3) complex. The use of a combination of physical methods such as NMR, ESR-C(60), and MALDI-TOF analyses enabled us to propose a plausible mechanism for the polymerization of propylene, presenting that the polymerization is mainly carried out in a living fashion. In addition, we present a slow equilibrium toward a small amount of a dormant species responsible for 2,1-misinsertions and chain transfer processes.

Polymerization as a Model Chain Reaction

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morton, Maurice

1973-01-01

Describes the features of the free radical, anionic, and cationic mechanisms of chain addition polymerization. Indicates that the nature of chain reactions can be best taught through the study of macromolecules. (CC)

Ion-Molecule Association in Acrylonitrile

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, Paul F.; Milligan, Daniel B.; McEwan, Murray J.

1997-01-01

Acrylonitrile (propernenitrile or vinyl cyanide) polymerizes readily via a radical mechanism in solution at room temparature. The propensity to polymerize is sufficiently strong that it is usual to add a radical scavenger to the solution to prevent polymerization when oxygen (an inhibitor) is removed. Polymerization of acrylonitrile is also know to occur via nucleophilic addition of an anion by a michael-type reaction.

Determination of Inorganic Cations and Anions in Chitooligosaccharides by Ion Chromatography with Conductivity Detection.

PubMed

Cao, Lidong; Li, Xiuhuan; Fan, Li; Zheng, Li; Wu, Miaomiao; Zhang, Shanxue; Huang, Qiliang

2017-02-22

Chitooligosaccharides (COSs) are a promising drug candidate and food ingredient because they are innately biocompatible, non-toxic, and non-allergenic to living tissues. Therefore, the impurities in COSs must be clearly elucidated and precisely determined. As for COSs, most analytical methods focus on the determination of the average degrees of polymerization (DPs) and deacetylation (DD), as well as separation and analysis of the single COSs with different DPs. However, little is known about the concentrations of inorganic cations and anions in COSs. In the present study, an efficient and sensitive ion chromatography coupled with conductivity detection (IC-CD) for the determination of inorganic cations Na⁺, NH₄⁺, K⁺, Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ , and chloride, acetate and lactate anions was developed. Detection limits were 0.01-0.05 μM for cations and 0.5-0.6 μM for anions. The linear range was 0.001-0.8 mM. The optimized analysis was carried out on IonPac CS12A and IonPac AS12A analytical column for cations and anions, respectively, using isocratic elution with 20 mM methanesulfonic acid and 4 mM sodium hydroxide aqueous solution as the mobile phase at a 1.0 mL/min flow rate. Quality parameters, including precision and accuracy, were fully validated and found to be satisfactory. The fully validated IC-CD method was readily applied for the quantification of various cations and anions in commercial COS technical concentrate.

Determination of Inorganic Cations and Anions in Chitooligosaccharides by Ion Chromatography with Conductivity Detection

PubMed Central

Cao, Lidong; Li, Xiuhuan; Fan, Li; Zheng, Li; Wu, Miaomiao; Zhang, Shanxue; Huang, Qiliang

2017-01-01

Chitooligosaccharides (COSs) are a promising drug candidate and food ingredient because they are innately biocompatible, non-toxic, and non-allergenic to living tissues. Therefore, the impurities in COSs must be clearly elucidated and precisely determined. As for COSs, most analytical methods focus on the determination of the average degrees of polymerization (DPs) and deacetylation (DD), as well as separation and analysis of the single COSs with different DPs. However, little is known about the concentrations of inorganic cations and anions in COSs. In the present study, an efficient and sensitive ion chromatography coupled with conductivity detection (IC-CD) for the determination of inorganic cations Na+, NH4+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, and chloride, acetate and lactate anions was developed. Detection limits were 0.01–0.05 μM for cations and 0.5–0.6 μM for anions. The linear range was 0.001–0.8 mM. The optimized analysis was carried out on IonPac CS12A and IonPac AS12A analytical column for cations and anions, respectively, using isocratic elution with 20 mM methanesulfonic acid and 4 mM sodium hydroxide aqueous solution as the mobile phase at a 1.0 mL/min flow rate. Quality parameters, including precision and accuracy, were fully validated and found to be satisfactory. The fully validated IC-CD method was readily applied for the quantification of various cations and anions in commercial COS technical concentrate. PMID:28241416

Untemplated nonenzymatic polymerization of 3',5'cGMP: a plausible route to 3',5'-linked oligonucleotides in primordia.

PubMed

Šponer, Judit E; Šponer, Jiří; Giorgi, Alessandra; Di Mauro, Ernesto; Pino, Samanta; Costanzo, Giovanna

2015-02-19

The high-energy 3',5' phosphodiester linkages conserved in 3',5' cyclic GMPs offer a genuine solution for monomer activation required by the transphosphorylation reactions that could lead to the emergence of the first simple oligonucleotide sequences on the early Earth. In this work we provide an in-depth characterization of the effect of the reaction conditions on the yield of the polymerization reaction of 3',5' cyclic GMPs both in aqueous environment as well as under dehydrating conditions. We show that the threshold temperature of the polymerization is about 30 °C lower under dehydrating conditions than in solution. In addition, we present a plausible exergonic reaction pathway for the polymerization reaction, which involves transient formation of anionic centers at the O3' positions of the participating riboses. We suggest that excess Na(+) cations inhibit the polymerization reaction because they block the anionic mechanism via neutralizing the negatively charged O3'. Our experimental findings are compatible with a prebiotic scenario, where gradual desiccation of the environment could induce polymerization of 3',5' cyclic GMPs synthesized in liquid.

Glomerular disease augments kidney accumulation of synthetic anionic polymers.

PubMed

Liu, Gary W; Prossnitz, Alexander N; Eng, Diana G; Cheng, Yilong; Subrahmanyam, Nithya; Pippin, Jeffrey W; Lamm, Robert J; Ngambenjawong, Chayanon; Ghandehari, Hamidreza; Shankland, Stuart J; Pun, Suzie H

2018-06-02

Polymeric drug carriers can alter the pharmacokinetics of their drug cargoes, thereby improving drug therapeutic index and reducing side effects. Understanding and controlling polymer properties that drive tissue-specific accumulation is critical in engineering targeted drug delivery systems. For kidney disease applications, targeted drug delivery to renal cells that reside beyond the charge- and size-selective glomerular filtration barrier could have clinical potential. However, there are limited reports on polymer properties that might enhance kidney accumulation. Here, we studied the effects of molecular weight and charge on the in vivo kidney accumulation of polymers in health and disease. We synthesized a panel of well-defined polymers by atom transfer radical polymerization to answer several questions. First, the biodistribution of low molecular weight (23-27 kDa) polymers composed of various ratios of neutral:anionic monomers (1:0, 1:1, 1:4) in normal mice was determined. Then, highly anionic (1:4 monomer ratio) low molecular and high molecular weight (47 kDa) polymers were tested in both normal and experimental focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) mice, a model that results in loss of glomerular filtration selectivity. Through these studies, we observed that kidney-specific polymer accumulation increases with anionic monomer content, but not molecular weight; experimental FSGS increases kidney accumulation of anionic polymers; and anionic polymers accumulate predominantly in proximal tubule cells, with some distribution in kidney glomeruli. These findings can be applied to the design of polymeric drug carriers to enhance or mitigate kidney accumulation. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effects of non-ionic polymeric surfactants on the cleaning of biofouled hydrogel materials.

PubMed

Guan, Allan; Li, Zhenyu; Phillips, K Scott

2015-01-01

Block co-polymer surfactants have been used for cleaning hydrogel medical devices that contact the body (e.g., contact lenses) because of their biocompatibility. This work examined the relationship between concentration and detergency of two non-ionic polymeric surfactants (Pluronic F127 and Triton X-100) for cleaning protein soil, with anionic surfactants (sodium dodecyl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate) as positive controls. Surface plasmon resonance was used to quantify removal of simulated tear soil from self-assembled monolayer surfaces, and a microplate format was used to study the removal of fluorescently labeled soil proteins from contact lenses. While detergency increased as a function of concentration for anionic surfactants, it decreased with concentration for the two polymeric surfactants. The fact that the protein detergency of some non-ionic polymeric surfactants did not increase with concentration above the critical micelle concentration could have implications for optimizing the tradeoff between detergency and biocompatibility.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kim, Sang-Woo; Seong, Dong Gi; Yi, Jin-Woo

In order to manufacture carbon fiber-reinforced polyamide-6 (PA-6) composite, we optimized the reactive processing system. The in-situ anionic ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactam was utilized with proper catalyst and initiator for PA-6 matrix. The mechanical properties such as tensile strength, inter-laminar shear strength and compressive strength of the produced carbon fiber-reinforced PA-6 composite were measured, which were compared with the corresponding scanning electron microscope (SEM) images to investigate the polymer properties as well as the interfacial interaction between fiber and polymer matrix. Furthermore, kinetics of in-situ anionic ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactam will be discussed in the viewpoint of increasing manufacturing speedmore » and interfacial bonding between PA-6 matrix and carbon fiber during polymerization.« less

Screening of anionic-modified polymers in terms of stability, disintegration, and swelling behavior.

PubMed

Laffleur, Flavia; Ijaz, Muhammad; Menzel, Claudia

2017-11-01

This study aimed to screen the stability, disintegration, and swelling behavior of chemically modified anionic polymers. Investigated polymers were well-known and widely used staples of the pharmaceutical and medical field, namely, alginate (AL), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), polycarbophil (PC), and hyaluronic acid (HA). On the basis of amide bond formation between the carboxylic acid moieties of anionic polymers and the primary amino group of the modification ligand cysteine (CYS), the modified polymers were obtained. Unmodified polymers served as controls throughout all studies. With the Ellman's assay, modification degrees were determined of synthesized polymeric excipients. Stability assay in terms of erosion study at physiological conditions were performed. Moreover, water uptake of compressed polymeric discs were evaluated and further disintegration studies according to the USP were carried out to define the potential ranking. Results ranking figured out PCCYS > CMCCYS > HACYS > ALCYS in terms of water uptake capacity compared to respective controls. Cell viability assays on Caco-2 cell line as well as on RPMI 2650 (ATTC CCL30) proved modification not being harmful to those. Due to the results of this study, an intense screening of prominent anionic polymer derivate was performed in order to help the pharmaceutical research for the best choice of polymeric excipients for developments of controlled drug release systems.

[Roles of additives and surface control in slurry atomization

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tsai, S.C.

1992-06-01

As reported in the quarterly report of March of 1992, the relative viscosity of a Newtonian Coal Water Slurry (CWS) in the presence of an anionic polymeric dispersant is an order of magnitude higher than the prediction of the well established Krieger-Dougherty Equation which describes the relative viscosity of a non-aggregated Newtonian suspension as a function of particle volume fraction. Note that the anionic dispersant is used in such a quantity that the resulting interparticle electrostatic repulsion counter-balances the interparticle van der Waals attraction. Investigation continues to determine the mechanisms of such excess energy dissipation under shear. New experimental resultsmore » are presented in this report to verify the role of the anionic polymeric dispersant in such excess energy dissipation of CWS.« less

[Roles of additives and surface control in slurry atomization]. Quarterly report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tsai, S.C.

1992-06-01

As reported in the quarterly report of March of 1992, the relative viscosity of a Newtonian Coal Water Slurry (CWS) in the presence of an anionic polymeric dispersant is an order of magnitude higher than the prediction of the well established Krieger-Dougherty Equation which describes the relative viscosity of a non-aggregated Newtonian suspension as a function of particle volume fraction. Note that the anionic dispersant is used in such a quantity that the resulting interparticle electrostatic repulsion counter-balances the interparticle van der Waals attraction. Investigation continues to determine the mechanisms of such excess energy dissipation under shear. New experimental resultsmore » are presented in this report to verify the role of the anionic polymeric dispersant in such excess energy dissipation of CWS.« less

Lymphatic trafficking kinetics and near-infrared imaging using star polymer architectures with controlled anionic character

PubMed Central

Bagby, Taryn R.; Cai, Shuang; Duan, Shaofeng; Yang, Qiuhong; Thati, Sharadvi; Berkland, Cory; Aires, Daniel J.; Forrest, M. Laird

2015-01-01

Targeted lymphatic delivery of nanoparticles for drug delivery and imaging is primarily dependent on size and charge. Prior studies have observed increased lymphatic uptake and retentions of over 48 hrs for negatively charged particles compared to neutral and positively charged particles. We have developed new polymeric materials that extend retention over a more pharmaceutically relevant 7-day period. We used whole body fluorescence imaging to observe in mice the lymphatic trafficking of a series of anionic star poly-(6-O-methacryloyl-D-galactose) polymer-NIR dye (IR820) conjugates. The anionic charge of polymers was increased by modifying galactose moieties in the star polymers with succinic anhydride. Increasing anionic nature was associated with enhanced lymphatic uptake up to a zeta potential of ca. -40 mV; further negative charge did not affect lymphatic uptake. Compared to the 20% acid-conjugate, the 40 to 90% acid-star-polymer conjugates exhibited a 2.5- to 3.5-fold increase in lymphatic uptake in both the popliteal and iliac nodes. The polymer conjugates exhibited node half-lives of 2 to 20 hrs in the popliteal nodes and 19 to 114 hrs in the deeper iliac nodes. These polymer conjugates can deliver drugs or imaging agents with rapid lymphatic uptake and prolonged deep-nodal retention; thus they may provide a useful vehicle for sustained intralymphatic drug delivery with low toxicity. PMID:22546180

New Gel-Like Polymers as Selective Weak-Base Anion Exchangers

PubMed Central

Gierczyk, Błażej; Cegłowski, Michał; Zalas, Maciej

2015-01-01

A group of new anion exchangers, based on polyamine podands and of excellent ion-binding capacity, were synthesized. The materials were obtained in reactions between various poly(ethyleneamines) with glycidyl derivatives of cyclotetrasiloxane. The final polymeric, strongly cross-linked materials form gel-like solids. Their structures and interactions with anions adsorbed were studied by spectroscopic methods (CP-MAS NMR, FR-IR, UV-Vis). The sorption isotherms and kinetic parameters were determined for 29 anions. Materials studied show high ion capacity and selectivity towards some important anions, e.g., selenate(VI) or perrhenate. PMID:25946220

Preparation of a surface-grafted imprinted ceramic membrane for selective separation of molybdate anion from water solutions.

PubMed

Zeng, Jianxian; Dong, Zhihui; Zhang, Zhe; Liu, Yuan

2017-07-05

A surface-grafted imprinted ceramic membrane (IIP-PVI/CM) for recognizing molybdate (Mo(VI)) anion was prepared by surface-initiated graft-polymerization. Firstly, raw alumina ceramic membrane (CM) was deposited with SiO 2 active layer by situ hydrolysis deposition method. Subsequently, γ-methacryloxy propyl trimethoxyl silane (MPS) was used as a coupling agent to introduce double bonds onto the SiO 2 layer (MPS-CM). Then, 1-vinylimidazole (VI) was employed as a functional monomer to graft-polymerization onto the MPS-CM (PVI-CM). During the graft-polymerization, the influence factors of grafting degree of PVI were investigated in detail. Under optimum conditions (monomer concentration 20wt%, temperature 70°C, initiator amount 1.1wt% and reaction time 8h), the grafting degree of 20.39g/100g was obtained. Further, Mo(VI) anion was used as a template to imprint in the PVI-CM by employing 1,6-dibromohexane as a cross-linking agent, and then Mo(VI) was removed, obtaining the IIP-PVI/CM with many imprinted cavities for Mo(VI). Thereafter, static adsorption and dynamic separation properties of IIP-PVI/CM for Mo(VI) were studied. Results indicate that IIP-PVI/CM shows a specific selectivity for Mo(VI) with the adsorption capacity of 0.69mmol/100g, and the selectivity coefficient of IIP-PVI/CM is 7.48 for molybdate to tungstate anions. During the dynamic separation, IIP-PVI/CM has also good selectivity for separation of Mo(VI) and W(VI) anions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Preparation a new sorbent based on polymeric ionic liquid for stir cake sorptive extraction of organic compounds and inorganic anions.

PubMed

Huang, Xiaojia; Wang, Yulei; Hong, Qiuyun; Liu, Yi; Yuan, Dongxing

2013-11-01

A new multi-interaction sorbent (MIS) based on polymeric ionic liquid was prepared and used as extractive medium of stir cake sorptive extraction (SCSE). In the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide, an ionic liquid, 1-vinylbenzyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride was used as monomer to copolymerize in situ with divinylbenzene to form the MIS. The influences of the content of monomer and the porogen solvent in the polymerization mixture on the extraction performance were investigated thoroughly. The MIS was characterized by infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry. Parabens and aromatic amines were used to investigate the extraction performance of MIS-SCSE for apolar and strongly polar analytes, respectively. The extraction parameters for parabens and aromatic amines were optimized. At the same time, simple and sensitive analytical methods for parabens and aromatic amines in real samples were developed by the combination of MIS-SCSE and HPLC/DAD. Some inorganic anions, such as F(-), Br(-), NO3(-), PO4(3-) and SO4(2-), were used to test the extraction performance of MIS-SCSE for anions. Results indicated that mechanism involved in the extraction of MIS is the multi-interaction modes including π-π, hydrophobic, hydrogen-bonding, dipole-dipole and anion-exchange interactions. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nucleophilically assisted and cationic ring-opening polymerization of tin-bridged [1]ferrocenophanes.

PubMed

Baumgartner, Thomas; Jäkle, Frieder; Rulkens, Ron; Zech, Gernot; Lough, Alan J; Manners, Ian

2002-08-28

To obtain mechanistic insight, detailed studies of the intriguing "spontaneous" ambient temperature ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of tin-bridged [1]ferrocenophanes Fe(eta-C(5)H(4))(2)SnR(2) 3a (R = t-Bu) and 3b (R = Mes) in solution have been performed. The investigations explored the influence of non-nucleophilic additives such as radicals and radical traps, neutral and anionic nucleophiles, Lewis acids, protic species, and other cationic electrophiles. Significantly, two novel methodologies and mechanisms for the ROP of strained [1]ferrocenophanes are proposed based on this study. First, as the addition of amine nucleophiles such as pyridine was found to strongly accelerate the polymerization rate in solution, a new nucleophilicallyassisted ROP methodology was proposed. This operates at ambient temperature in solution even in the presence of chlorosilanes but, unlike the anionic polymerization of ferrocenophanes, does not involve cyclopentadienyl anions. Second, the addition of small quantities of the electrophilic species H(+) and Bu(3)Sn(+) was found to lead to a cationic ROP process. These studies suggest that the "spontaneous" ROP of tin-bridged [1]ferrocenophanes may be a consequence of the presence of spurious, trace quantities of Lewis basic or acidic impurities. The new ROP mechanisms reported are likely to be of general significance for the ROP of other metallocenophanes (e.g., for thermal ROP in the melt) and for other metallacycles containing group 14 elements.

Synthesis and Characterization of Comb and Centipede Multigraft Copolymers P nBA- g-PS with High Molecular Weight Using Miniemulsion Polymerization

DOE PAGES

Wang, Wenwen; Wang, Weiyu; Lu, Xinyi; ...

2014-10-23

For this study, comb and centipede multigraft copolymers, poly(n-butyl acrylate)-g-polystyrene (PnBA-g-PS) with PnBA backbones and PS side chains, were synthesized via high-vacuum anionic polymerization and miniemulsion polymerization. Single-tailed and double-tailed PS macromonomers were synthesized by anionic polymerization and Steglich esterification. Subsequently, the copolymerization of each macromonomer and nBA was carried out in miniemulsion, and multigraft copolymers were obtained. The latex particles of multigraft copolymers were characterized using dynamic light scattering. The molecular weights of macromonomers and multigraft copolymers were analyzed by size exclusion chromatography. Moreover, the molecular weights and structures of macromonomers were investigated by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight massmore » spectrometry and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The weight contents of PS in comb and centipede multigraft copolymers were calculated by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The thermal properties of multigraft copolymers were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The microphase separation of multigraft copolymers was observed by atomic force microscopy and transmission electronic microscopy. Rheological measurements showed that comb and centipede multigraft copolymers have elastic properties when the weight content of PS side chains is 26–32 wt %. Centipede multigraft copolymers possess better elastic properties than comb multigraft copolymers with the similar weight content of PS. In conclusion, these findings are similar to previous results on poly(isoprene-g-polystyrene) comb and centipede copolymers made by anionic polymerization.« less

Mechanism-Based Enhanced Delivery of Drug-Loaded Targeted Nanoparticles for Breast Cancer Therapy

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-02-01

the chemotherapeutics on the normal tissue. Anti-ErbB2 antibody- conjugated polymeric nanoparticles with a capacity to load multiple drugs at high...copolymers containing anionic and nonionic hydrophilic polymeric segments (block ionomers) were used for the synthesis of nanogels. Polymethacrylic...where x and y represent the degree of polymerization of the PEO segment and PMA or PGA segment, respectively. Nanogels were synthesized using the

Nucleation of polystyrene latex particles in the presence of gamma-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane: functionalized silica particles.

PubMed

Bourgeat-Lami, Elodie; Insulaire, Mickaelle; Reculusa, Stéphane; Perro, Adeline; Ravaine, Serge; Duguet, Etienne

2006-02-01

Silica/polystyrene nanocomposite particles with different morphologies were synthesized through emulsion polymerization of styrene in the presence of silica particles previously modified by gamma-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS). Grafting of the silane molecule was performed by direct addition of MPS to the aqueous silica suspension in the presence of an anionic surfactant under basic conditions. The MPS grafting density on the silica surface was determined using the depletion method and plotted against the initial MPS concentration. The influence of the MPS grafting density, the silica particles size and concentration and the nature of the surfactant on the polymerization kinetics and the particles morphology was investigated. When the polymerization was performed in the presence of an anionic surfactant, transmission electron microscopy images showed the formation of polymer spheres around silica for MPS grafting densities lower than typically 1 micromole x m(-2) while the conversion versus time curves indicated a strong acceleration effect under such conditions. In contrast, polymerizations performed in the presence of a larger amount of MPS moieties or in the presence of a non ionic emulsifier resulted in the formation of "excentered" core-shell morphologies and lower polymerization rates. The paper identifies the parameters that allow to control particles morphology and polymerization kinetics and describes the mechanism of formation of the nanocomposite colloids.

Covalent Polymers Containing Discrete Heterocyclic Anion Receptors

PubMed Central

Rambo, Brett M.; Silver, Eric S.; Bielawski, Christopher W.; Sessler, Jonathan L.

2010-01-01

This chapter covers recent advances in the development of polymeric materials containing discrete heterocyclic anion receptors, and focuses on advances in anion binding and chemosensor chemistry. The development of polymers specific for anionic species is a relatively new and flourishing area of materials chemistry. The incorporation of heterocyclic receptors capable of complexing anions through non-covalent interactions (e.g., hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions) provides a route to not only sensitive but also selective polymer materials. Furthermore, these systems have been utilized in the development of polymers capable of extracting anionic species from aqueous environments. These latter materials may lead to advances in water purification and treatment of diseases resulting from surplus ions. PMID:20871791

Conductive polymeric compositions for lithium batteries

DOEpatents

Angell, Charles A [Mesa, AZ; Xu, Wu [Tempe, AZ

2009-03-17

Novel chain polymers comprising weakly basic anionic moieties chemically bound into a polyether backbone at controllable anionic separations are presented. Preferred polymers comprise orthoborate anions capped with dibasic acid residues, preferably oxalato or malonato acid residues. The conductivity of these polymers is found to be high relative to that of most conventional salt-in-polymer electrolytes. The conductivity at high temperatures and wide electrochemical window make these materials especially suitable as electrolytes for rechargeable lithium batteries.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kennemur, Justin G.; Bates, Frank S.; Hillmyer, Marc A.

Synthesis of poly(methyl ethacrylate), (PMEA), in tetrahydrofuran at -78 °C using anionic polymerization techniques results in high molar mass (>30 kg mol-1), low dispersity (1.3), and high conversion (>81%). The molar masses of a series of samples are consistent with values anticipated by the monomer-to-initiator ratio and conversion. These results represent a significant improvement to earlier reported attempts to prepare PMEA using anionic methods. Successful diblock polymerization of polystyrene-block-PMEA, (PS-PMEA), and poly(4-tert-butylstyrene)-block-PMEA, (PtBS-PMEA), is achieved through sequential anionic polymerization techniques with dispersities as low as 1.06 and segment molar fractions close to those targeted. Broad principal scattering peaks observed bymore » small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) for symmetric PS-PMEA at relatively high molar mass (39 kg mol-1) suggests an effective interaction parameter (χeff) that is smaller than for PS-block-poly(methyl methacrylate). On the other hand, PtBS-PMEA block polymers form a well-ordered morphology based on SAXS measurements and is attributable to the more hydrophobic PtBS segment. These results confirm the viability of PMEA as a new constituent in the expanding suite of polymers suitable for preparing nanostructured block polymers.« less

Polymerized Paired Ions as Polymeric Ionic Liquid-Proton Conductivity.

PubMed

Gu, Hong; Yan, Feng; Texter, John

2016-07-01

A new polymerized ionic liquid has been derived by photopolymerization of a stimuli-responsive ionic liquid surfactant, ILAMPS, which is composed of polymerizable, paired ions. The cation is 1-methyl-3-[11-(acryloyloxy)undecyl] imidazolium (IL), and the anion is 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonate (AMPS). This ion combination is a new ionic liquid. The resulting hygroscopic resins are highly polarizable, suitable for sensor design and for ultracapacitor fabrication and proton conducting. Interactions of imidazolium with anions provide basis for stimuli-responsiveness, and are used to promote proton transport. Doping with one equivalent of HPF6 at 0% relative humidity produces a 100-fold increase in proton conductivity at 100-125 °C and activation energies for proton transport lower than those of Nafion at water loadings less than 5 per sulfonate. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

K4[Fe(CN)6] immobilized anion sensitive protonated amine functionalized polysilsesquioxane films for ultra-low electrochemical detection of dsDNA.

PubMed

Silambarasan, Krishnamoorthy; Narendra Kumar, Alam Venugopal; Joseph, James

2016-03-14

Charge transport in polymeric films bound by redox reagents is a topic of current interest. The dynamics of electroinactive ions across the interface is studied by immobilizing ferrocyanide anion in a polysilsesquioxanes (PSQs) modified electrode. Redox reagents can stay in the polymeric film by either physical forces or electrostatic binding. The present work describes the immobilization of ferro/ferricyanide redox couples in PSQ films possessing protonated amine functional groups by electrostatic interactions. Charge transport in [Fe(CN)6](4-)-PSQs film was found to be anion dependent, and its formal potential value varied with the relative hydrophilic or hydrophobic nature of the anion used in the supporting electrolyte, unlike the observed dependence on solution cation for electrodes modified with metal hexacyanoferrates (Prussian Blue analogues). The [Fe(CN)6](4-) bound PSQs films were extensively characterized by varying different supporting electrolytes anions using cyclic voltammetry. The redox peak currents were linearly proportional to the square root of the scan rate, implying that the transport of charge carriers is accompanied with redox ion diffusion and electron hopping in a confined space. dsDNA molecules were found to interact with this polymer matrix through anionic phosphate groups. Both voltammetry and A.C. impedance spectroscopy studies revealed that these interactions could be exploited for the determination of ultra-low level (0.5 attomolar) of dsDNA present in aqueous solution.

Lipase-catalyzed ring-opening polymerization of lactones to polyesters and its mechanistic aspects.

PubMed

Namekawa, S; Suda, S; Uyama, H; Kobayashi, S

1999-01-01

Lipase catalysis induced a ring-opening polymerization of lactones with different ring-sizes. Small-size (four-membered) and medium-size lactones (six- and seven-membered) as well as macrolides (12-, 13-, 16-, and 17-membered) were subjected to lipase-catalyzed polymerization. The polymerization behaviors depended primarily on the lipase origin and the monomer structure. The macrolides showing much lower anionic polymerizability were enzymatically polymerized faster than epsilon-caprolactone. The granular immobilized lipase derived from Candida antartica showed extremely efficient catalysis in the polymerization of epsilon-caprolactone. Single-step terminal functionalization of the polyester was achieved by initiator and terminator methods. The enzymatic polymerizability of lactones was quantitatively evaluated by Michaelis-Menten kinetics.

Synthesis and Characterization of Graft Copolymers Poly(isoprene-g-styrene) of High Molecular Weight by a Combination of Anionic Polymerization and Emulsion Polymerization

DOE PAGES

Wang, Wenwen; Wang, Weiyu; Li, Hui; ...

2015-01-14

In this study, high molecular weight “comb-shaped” graft copolymers, poly(isoprene-g-styrene), with polyisoprene as the backbone and polystyrene as side chains, were synthesized via free radical emulsion polymerization by copolymerization of isoprene with a polystyrene macromonomer synthesized using anionic polymerization. A small amount of toluene was used in order to successfully disperse the macromonomer. Both a redox and thermal initiation system were used in the emulsion polymerization, and the latex particle size and distribution were investigated by dynamic light scattering. The structural characteristics of the macromonomer and comb graft copolymers were investigated through use of size exclusion chromatography, spectroscopy, microscopy, thermalmore » analysis, and rheology. While the macromonomer was successfully copolymerized to obtain the desired multigraft copolymers, small amounts of unreacted macromonomer remained in the products, reflecting its reduced reactivity due to steric effects. Nevertheless, the multigraft copolymers obtained were very high in molecular weight (5–12 × 10 5 g/mol) and up to 10 branches per chain, on average, could be incorporated. A material incorporating 29 wt% polystyrene exhibits a disordered microphase separated morphology and elastomeric properties. As a result, these materials show promise as new, highly tunable, and potentially low cost thermoplastic elastomers.« less

Covalent bonding of polycations to small polymeric particles

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rembaum, A.

1975-01-01

Process produces small spherical polymeric particles which have polycations bound to them. In emulsion form, particles present large positively charged surface which is available to absorb polyanions. This properly can be used in removing heparin from blood or bile acids from the digestive tract. Other anions, such as DNA and RNA, can also be removed from aqueous solutions.

Occlusion of Sulfate-Based Diblock Copolymer Nanoparticles within Calcite: Effect of Varying the Surface Density of Anionic Stabilizer Chains.

PubMed

Ning, Yin; Fielding, Lee A; Ratcliffe, Liam P D; Wang, Yun-Wei; Meldrum, Fiona C; Armes, Steven P

2016-09-14

Polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) offers a highly versatile and efficient route to a wide range of organic nanoparticles. In this article, we demonstrate for the first time that poly(ammonium 2-sulfatoethyl methacrylate)-poly(benzyl methacrylate) [PSEM-PBzMA] diblock copolymer nanoparticles can be prepared with either a high or low PSEM stabilizer surface density using either RAFT dispersion polymerization in a 2:1 v/v ethanol/water mixture or RAFT aqueous emulsion polymerization, respectively. We then use these model nanoparticles to gain new insight into a key topic in materials chemistry: the occlusion of organic additives into inorganic crystals. Substantial differences are observed for the extent of occlusion of these two types of anionic nanoparticles into calcite (CaCO3), which serves as a suitable model host crystal. A low PSEM stabilizer surface density leads to uniform nanoparticle occlusion within calcite at up to 7.5% w/w (16% v/v), while minimal occlusion occurs when using nanoparticles with a high PSEM stabilizer surface density. This counter-intuitive observation suggests that an optimum anionic surface density is required for efficient occlusion, which provides a hitherto unexpected design rule for the incorporation of nanoparticles within crystals.

Non-Surface Activity of Cationic Amphiphilic Diblock Copolymers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ranjan Nayak, Rati; Yamada, Tasuku; Matsuoka, Hideki

2011-09-01

Cationic amphiphilic diblock copolymers containing quaternized poly (2-vinylpyridine) chain as a hydrophilic segment (PIp-b-PNMe2VP) were synthesized by living anionic polymerization. By IR measurement, we confirmed the quaternization of the polymer (PIp-b-PNMe2VP), and determined the degree of quaternization by conductometric titration. The surface tension experiment showed that the polymers are non-surface active in nature. The foam formation of the polymer solutions was also investigated with or without added salt. Almost no foam formation behavior was observed without added salt, while a little foam was observed in the presence of 1M NaCl. The critical micelle concentration (cmc) of the diblock copolymers with 3 different chain lengths was measured by the static light scattering method. The cmc values obtained in this study were much lower than the values obtained for anionic non-surface active diblock polymers studied previously. The hydrodynamic radii of the polymer micelle increased slightly in the presence of 1 M NaCl. The transmission electron microscopic images revealed spherical micelles in pure water. In the presence of salt, the cmc values increased as was the case for anionic polymers, which is unlike conventional surfactant systems but consistent with non-surface active anionic block copolymers. The microviscosity of the micelle core was evaluated using Coumarin-153 as a fluorescent anisotropy probe using steady-sate fluorescence depolarization. Non-surface activity has been proved to be universal for ionic amphiphilic block copolymers both for anionic and cationic. Hence, the origin of non-surface activity is not the charged state of water surface itself, but should be an image charge repulsion at the air/water interface.

Nucleation and growth kinetics of electrodeposited sulfate-doped polypyrrole: determination of the diffusion coefficient of SO(4)(2-) in the polymeric membrane.

PubMed

Licona-Sánchez, T de J; Alvarez-Romero, G A; Mendoza-Huizar, L H; Galán-Vidal, C A; Palomar-Pardavé, M; Romero-Romo, M; Herrera-Hernández, H; Uruchurtu, J; Juárez-García, J M

2010-08-05

A kinetic study for the electrosynthesis of polypyrrole (Ppy) doped with SO(4)(2-) ions is presented. Ppy films were electrochemically polymerized onto a graphite-epoxy resin electrode. Experimental current density transients (j-t) were obtained for three different potentiometric behaviors: anionic, cationic, and a combination. Theoretical models were used to fit the experimental j-t data to determine the nucleation and growth processes controlling the polymer synthesis. It was encountered that, in all cases, pyrrole electropolimerization involves two concomitant processes, namely, a Ppy diffusion limited multiple 3D nucleation and growth and pyrrole electro-oxidation on the growing surface of the Ppy nuclei. SEM analysis of the electrodes surfaces reveals that Ppy deposition occurred over most of the electrode surface by multiple nucleation of hemispheres, as the theoretical model used for the analysis of the current transients required. Hemispherical particles formed the polymeric film displaying different sizes. The order for the particle size was as follows: anionic > anionic-cationic > cationic. These results are congruent with those obtained by theoretical analysis of the corresponding current transients. Analysis of the impedance measurements recorded on the anionic Ppy film, immersed in an aqueous solution with different sulfate ion concentrations evidenced that SO(4)(2-) ions diffuse through the Ppy film provoking a decrease of its electrical resistance and an increase of its dielectric constant. From the Warburg impedance coefficient, the sulfate coefficient of diffusion in the Ppy film was 1.38 x 10(-9) cm(2) s(-1).

A new method based on the Butler-Volmer formalism to evaluate voltammetric cation and anion sensors.

PubMed

Cano, Manuel; Rodríguez-Amaro, Rafael; Fernández Romero, Antonio J

2008-12-11

A new method based on the Butler-Volmer formalism is applied to assess the capability of two voltammetric ion sensors based on polypyrrole films: PPy/DBS and PPy/ClO4 modified electrodes were studied as voltammetric cation and anion sensors, respectively. The reversible potential versus electrolyte concentrations semilogarithm plots provided positive calibration slopes for PPy/DBS and negative ones for PPy/ClO4, as was expected from the proposed method and that based on the Nernst equation. The slope expressions deduced from Butler-Volmer include the electron-transfer coefficient, which allows slope values different from the ideal Nernstian value to be explained. Both polymeric films exhibited a degree of ion-selectivity when they were immersed in mixed-analyte solutions. Selectivity coefficients for the two proposed voltammetric cation and anion sensors were obtained by several experimental methods, including the separated solution method (SSM) and matched potential method (MPM). The K values acquired by the different methods were very close for both polymeric sensors.

Reactive phosphorus removal from aquaculture and poultry productions systems using polymeric hydrogels.

PubMed

Kofinas, Peter; Kioussis, Dimitri R

2003-01-15

This work reports on the features of a sorption processes for the ultimate removal and recovery of reactive phosphorus from aquaculture and poultry production wastewater effluents. The sorbent used was a cross-linked polyamine (PAA-HCl) polymeric hydrogel. The PAA-HCl hydrogels were prepared by chemically cross-linking aqueous solutions of linear PAA-HCl chains with epichlorohydrin (EPI). The phosphorus binding capacity of the gels was measured in standard aqueous solutions as a function of ionic strength. Equilibrium PO4(3-), loadings of 100 mg anion/g gel were obtained. The regeneration ability of the gels was demonstrated by release of the bound phosphorus anions upon washing with 1-2 M NaOH solution, providing opportunities to recover and reuse the gel over multiple cycles. The ionic polyamine gels have been demonstrated to be appropriate materials for treating poultry and aquaculture wastewater effluents. Upon treatment phosphorus anion concentrations were reduced to levels suitable for discharge into natural surface waters.

Bimetallic complexes and polymerization catalysts therefrom

DOEpatents

Patton, Jasson T.; Marks, Tobin J.; Li, Liting

2000-11-28

Group 3-6 or Lanthanide metal complexes possessing two metal centers, catalysts derived therefrom by combining the same with strong Lewis acids, Bronsted acid salts, salts containing a cationic oxidizing agent or subjected to bulk electrolysis in the presence of compatible, inert non-coordinating anions and the use of such catalysts for polymerizing olefins, diolefins and/or acetylenically unsaturated monomers are disclosed.

Polymerization initated at sidewalls of carbon nanotubes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tour, James M. (Inventor); Hudson, Jared L. (Inventor); Krishnamoorti, Ramanan (Inventor); Yurekli, Koray (Inventor); Mitchell, Cynthia A. (Inventor)

2011-01-01

The present invention is directed to aryl halide (such as aryl bromide) functionalized carbon nanotubes that can be utilized in anionic polymerization processes to form polymer-carbon nanotube materials with improved dispersion ability in polymer matrices. In this process the aryl halide is reacted with an alkyllithium species or is reacted with a metal to replace the aryl-bromine bond with an aryl-lithium or aryl-metal bond, respectively. It has further been discovered that other functionalized carbon nanotubes, after deprotonation with a deprotonation agent, can similarly be utilized in anionic polymerization processes to form polymer-carbon nanotube materials. Additionally or alternatively, a ring opening polymerization process can be performed. The resultant materials can be used by themselves due to their enhanced strength and reinforcement ability when compared to their unbound polymer analogs. Additionally, these materials can also be blended with pre-formed polymers to establish compatibility and enhanced dispersion of nanotubes in otherwise hard to disperse matrices resulting in significantly improved material properties. The resultant polymer-carbon nanotube materials can also be used in drug delivery processes due to their improved dispersion ability and biodegradability, and can also be used for scaffolding to promote cellular growth of tissue.

Elucidating the correlation between morphology and ion dynamics in polymerized ionic liquids.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heres, Maximilian; Cosby, Tyler; Iacob, Ciprian; Runt, James; Benson, Roberto; Liu, Hongjun; Paddison, Stephen; Sangoro, Joshua

Charge transport and dynamics are investigated for a series of poly-ammonium and poly-imidazolium-based polymerized ionic liquids (polyIL) with a common bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anion using broadband dielectric spectroscopy and temperature modulated differential scanning calorimetry. A significant enhancement of the Tg independent ionic conductivity is observed for ammonium based polyIL with shorter pendant groups, in comparison to imidazolium based systems. These results emphasize the importance of polymer backbone spacing as well as counter-ion size on ionic conductivity in polymerized ionic liquids. NSF DMR 1508394.

Ring-opening polymerization of 19-electron [2]cobaltocenophanes: a route to high-molecular-weight, water-soluble polycobaltocenium polyelectrolytes.

PubMed

Mayer, Ulrich F J; Gilroy, Joe B; O'Hare, Dermot; Manners, Ian

2009-08-05

Water-soluble, high-molecular-weight polycobaltocenium polyelectrolytes have been prepared by ring-opening polymerization (ROP) techniques. Anionic polymerization of a strained 19-electron dicarba[2]cobaltocenophane followed by oxidation in the presence of ammonium chloride resulted in the formation of oligomers with up to nine repeat units. Thermal ROP of dicarba[2]cobaltocenophane followed by oxidation in the presence of ammonium nitrate resulted in the formation of high-molecular-weight polycobaltocenium nitrate, a redox-active cobalt-containing polyelectrolyte.

Towards Well-Defined Polysilylenes and Polyphosphazenes

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-05-25

distribution), non - controlled degrees of polymerization and unknown end cyclopentasilanes 2 8 . The anionic intermediates have been observed groups. Some... control in polysilanes will be presented: ring-opening polymerization, and polymer modications.. Block and graft copolymers based on polysilanes will be...34sticks" to the surface of alkali metal and continues to grow to high possible to prepare polymers with controlled molecular weight, with low m"m

Solid polymeric electrolytes for lithium batteries

DOEpatents

Angell, Charles A.; Xu, Wu; Sun, Xiaoguang

2006-03-14

Novel conductive polyanionic polymers and methods for their preparion are provided. The polyanionic polymers comprise repeating units of weakly-coordinating anionic groups chemically linked to polymer chains. The polymer chains in turn comprise repeating spacer groups. Spacer groups can be chosen to be of length and structure to impart desired electrochemical and physical properties to the polymers. Preferred embodiments are prepared from precursor polymers comprising the Lewis acid borate tri-coordinated to a selected ligand and repeating spacer groups to form repeating polymer chain units. These precursor polymers are reacted with a chosen Lewis base to form a polyanionic polymer comprising weakly coordinating anionic groups spaced at chosen intervals along the polymer chain. The polyanionic polymers exhibit high conductivity and physical properties which make them suitable as solid polymeric electrolytes in lithium batteries, especially secondary lithium batteries.

Kinetic Analysis for Macrocyclizations Involving Anionic Template at the Transition State

PubMed Central

Martí-Centelles, Vicente; Burguete, M. Isabel; Luis, Santiago V.

2012-01-01

Several kinetic models for the macrocyclization of a C2 pseudopeptide with a dihalide through a SN2 reaction have been developed. These models not only focus on the kinetic analysis of the main macrocyclization reaction, but also consider the competitive oligomerization/polymerization processes yielding undesired oligomeric/polymeric byproducts. The effect of anions has also been included in the kinetic models, as they can act as catalytic templates in the transition state reducing and stabilizing the transition state. The corresponding differential equation systems for each kinetic model can be solved numerically. Through a comprehensive analysis of these results, it is possible to obtain a better understanding of the different parameters that are involved in the macrocyclization reaction mechanism and to develop strategies for the optimization of the desired processes. PMID:22666148

A new heterometallic hybrid based on polymeric iodoplumbate and lanthanide metal-carboxylic coordination polycation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gong, An-Weng; Wu, Hong-Yan; Lian, Zhao-Xun; Dong, Hai-Jun; Li, Hao-Hong; Chen, Zhi-Rong

2013-03-01

A 3-D supramolecular hybrid {[La(EPC)3(H2O)3]2(Pb6I18)}n (EPC+ = N-ethyl-pyridium-4-carboxylate) (1) has been structurally determined, which assume significance for its incorporating lanthanide metal-carboxylic coordination polycation into polymeric iodoplumbate to get heterometallics. 1 consists of 1-D (PbI)n6n- zigzag-like anion chains with lanthanide metalcarboxylic [La(EPC)3(HO)3]n3n+ polycations, which arrange in a criss-cross configuration. C-H⋯I and C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds among inorganic anions and polycations contribute to the formation of a 3-D supramolecular framework. Moreover, the framework displays an absorption edge at 2.46 eV which is comparable to PbI2's absorption edge.

Polymerization and photochromism of ammonium molybdate in porous glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pak, V. N.; Borisov, A. N.

2016-08-01

Modification of porous glass (PG) plates is carried out by impregnation with aqueous solutions of ammonium molybdate (NH4)2MoO4 with subsequent removal of water at 120°C. A long-wavelength shift of absorption spectra upon accumulation of the salt in PG indicates polymerization of MoO 4 2- anions at low concentrations of the encapsulated salt. Photochromism manifests itself as the anionic forms in PG become larger. UV irradiation of the modified plates causes enhancement of continuous absorption in the visible range. The proposed mechanism of photoreduction of the polianions in PG involves the removal of oxygen atoms from the bridging-Mo-O-Mo-bonds and stabilization of the colored forms by means of conjugation of the electrons released from the 4 d-levels of pentavalent molybdenum.

Rechargeable Lithium/Polymer Cathode Batteries

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-06-15

rechargeable lithium batteries. PPy films prepared with P-anion and/or t.substrate precoated with niLrile butadieve rubber ( NBR ) were excellent cathode...in the polymerization and with NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber )-guided- solution gives beautiful reversibility of anion grown method(4,5). Since an...Tokyo, Japan 169 density of 2.5 mA cm- 2 (3). Moreover, PPy prepa- ration through the host polymer of NBR insulat- SCorrosion Research Center, ing film

Thin Robust Anion Exchange Membranes for Fuel Cell Applications

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-01-01

water diffsuion. Here we use a Polyphenylene Oxide dibock polymer co-polymerized with polyvinyl benzyl trimethyl ammonium blocks ( PPO -b-PVBTMA[F...in PPO -b-PVBTMA[F-] AEM under saturated humidity environment ECS Transactions, 64 (3) 1185-1194 (2014) 1191 Conductivity of this membrane was...makes it a promising material for applications in anion exchange membrane fuel cells. Figure 5: Conductivity of PPO -b-PVBTMA[F-] under 95% Relative

Pu Anion Exchange Process Intensification

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Taylor-Pashow, Kathryn M. L.

This research is focused on improving the efficiency of the anion exchange process for purifying plutonium. While initially focused on plutonium, the technology could also be applied to other ion-exchange processes. Work in FY17 focused on the improvement and optimization of porous foam columns that were initially developed in FY16. These foam columns were surface functionalized with poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PVP) to provide the Pu specific anion-exchange sites. Two different polymerization methods were explored for maximizing the surface functionalization with the PVP. The open-celled polymeric foams have large open pores and large surface areas available for sorption. The fluid passes through themore » large open pores of this material, allowing convection to be the dominant mechanism by which mass transport takes place. These materials generally have very low densities, open-celled structures with high cell interconnectivity, small cell sizes, uniform cell size distributions, and high structural integrity. These porous foam columns provide advantages over the typical porous resin beads by eliminating the slow diffusion through resin beads, making the anion-exchange sites easily accessible on the foam surfaces. The best performing samples exceeded the Pu capacity of the commercially available resin, and also offered the advantage of sharper elution profiles, resulting in a more concentrated product, with less loss of material to the dilute heads and tails cuts. An alternate approach to improving the efficiency of this process was also explored through the development of a microchannel array system for performing the anion exchange.« less

A fluorescent molecular sensor for pH windows in traditional and polymeric biocompatible micelles: comicellization of anionic species to shift and reshape the ON window.

PubMed

Cavallaro, Gennara; Giammona, Gaetano; Pasotti, Luca; Pallavicini, Piersandro

2011-09-12

A new approach is presented to obtain fluorescent sensors for pH windows that work in water and under biomimetic conditions. A single molecule that features all-covalently linked components is used, thus making it capable of working as a fluorescent sensor with an OFF/ON/OFF response to pH value. The components are a tertiary amine, a pyridine, and a fluorophore (pyrene). The forms with both protonated bases or both neutral bases quench the pyrene fluorescence, whereas the form with the neutral pyridine and protonated amine groups is fluorescent. The molecular sensor is also equipped with a long alkyl chain to make it highly hydrophobic in all its protonated and unprotonated forms, that is, either when neutral or charged. Accordingly, it can be confined at any pH value either in traditional (i.e., low-molecular-weight) nonionic surfactant micelles or inside polymeric, biocompatible micellar containers. Relevant for future applications in vivo, thanks to its strong hydrophobicity, no leakage of the molecular sensor is observed from the polymeric biocompatible micelles. Due to the proximity of the pyridine and amine functions in the molecular structure and the poor hydration inside the micelles, the observed pK(a) values are low so that the ON window is positioned at very low pH values. However, the window can be shifted to biologically relevant values by comicellization of anionic species. In particular, in the micelles of the nonionic surfactant TritonX-100, a shift of the ON window to pH 4-6 is obtained by addition of the anionic sodium dodecyl sulphate surfactant, whose negative charge promotes the stability of the protonated forms of the pyridine and amine fragments. In the case of the polymeric micelles, we introduce the use of the amphiphilic polystyrene sulfonate anionic polyelectrolyte, the comicellization of which induces a shift and sharpening of the ON window that is centered at pH 4. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Crystal structure of catena-poly[[[tetra-aqua-zinc(II)]-μ-1,4-bis-[4-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)benzo-yl]piperazine] dinitrate monohydrate].

PubMed

Hou, Chen; Gan, Hong-Mei; Liu, Jia-Cheng

2015-05-01

In the title polymeric complex, {[Zn(C24H22N6O2)(H2O)4](NO3)2·2H2O} n , the Zn(II) cation, located about a twofold rotation axis, is coordinated by two imidazole groups and four water mol-ecules in a distorted N2O4 octa-hedral geometry; among the four coordinate water mol-ecules, two are located on the same twofold rotation axis. The 1,4-bis-[4-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)benzo-yl]piperazine] ligand is centro-symmetric, with the centroid of the piperazine ring located on an inversion center, and bridges the Zn(II) cations, forming polymeric chains propagating along [201]. In the crystal, O-H⋯O and weak C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the polymeric chains, nitrate anions and solvent water mol-ecules into a three-dimensional supra-molecular architecture. A short O⋯O contact of 2.823 (13) Å is observed between neighboring nitrate anions.

Supramolecular hydrogen-bonding networks in bis(adeninium) phthalate phthalic acid 1.45-hydrate.

PubMed

Sridhar, Balasubramanian; Ravikumar, Krishnan

2007-04-01

In the title compound, 2C(5)H(6)N(5)(+).C(8)H(4)O(4)(2-).C(8)H(6)O(4).1.45H(2)O, the asymmetric unit comprises two adeninium cations, two half phthalate anions with crystallographic C(2) symmetry, one neutral phthalic acid molecule, and one fully occupied and one partially occupied site (0.45) for water molecules. The adeninium cations form N-H...O hydrogen bonds with the phthalate anions. The cations also form infinite one-dimensional polymeric ribbons via N-H...N interactions. In the crystal packing, hydrogen-bonded columns of cations, anions and phthalate anions extend parallel to the c axis. The water molecules crosslink adjacent columns into hydrogen-bonded layers.

Layered double hydroxide/polyethylene terephthalate nanocomposites. Influence of the intercalated LDH anion and the type of polymerization heating method

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Herrero, M.; Martinez-Gallegos, S.; Labajos, F.M.

2011-11-15

Conventional and microwave heating routes have been used to prepare PET-LDH (polyethylene terephthalate-layered double hydroxide) composites with 1-10 wt% LDH by in situ polymerization. To enhance the compatibility between PET and the LDH, terephthalate or dodecyl sulphate had been previously intercalated in the LDH. PXRD and TEM were used to detect the degree of dispersion of the filler and the type of the polymeric composites obtained, and FTIR spectroscopy confirmed that the polymerization process had taken place. The thermal stability of these composites, as studied by thermogravimetric analysis, was enhanced when the microwave heating method was applied. Dodecyl sulphate wasmore » more effective than terephthalate to exfoliate the samples, which only occurred for the terephthalate ones under microwave irradiation. - Graphical abstract: Conventional and microwave heating routes were used to prepare PET-LDH (polyethylene terephthalate-layered double hydroxide) composites with 1-10 wt% LDH by in situ polymerization. To enhance the compatibility between PET and the LDH, terephthalate or dodecyl sulphate was previously intercalated into the LDH. The microwave process improves the dispersion and the thermal stability of nanocomposites due to the interaction of the microwave radiation and the dipolar properties of EG and the homogeneous heating. Highlights: > LDH-PET compatibility is enhanced by preintercalation of organic anions. > Dodecylsulphate performance is much better than that of terephthalate. > Microwave heating improves the thermal stability of the composites. > Microwave heating improves as well the dispersion of the inorganic phase.« less

Synthesis and use of (perfluoroaryl) fluoro-aluminate anion

DOEpatents

Marks, T.J.; Chen, Y.X.

1998-12-29

A trityl perfluorophenyl alumninate such as tris(2,2{prime},2{double_prime}nonafluorobiphenyl) fluoroaluminate (PBA{sup {minus}}) and its role as a cocatalyst in metallocene-mediated olefin polymerization is disclosed. 4 figs.

Methods development for separation of inorganic anions, organic acids and bases, and neutral organic compounds by ion chromatography and capillary electrophoresis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Jie

1999-04-01

A novel anion-exchange resin containing three amine groups was prepared by reaction of a chloromethylated polystyrene-divinylbenzene (PS-DVB) resin with diethylenetriamine. After being protonated by contact with an aqueous acid, this resin can be used for ion chromatographic separation of anions. The charge on the resins can be varied from +1 to +3 by changing the mobile phase pH. The selectivity of the new ion exchangers for various inorganic anions was quite different from that of conventional anion exchangers. The performance of this new anion exchanger was studied by changing the pH and the concentration of the eluent, and several differentmore » eluents were used with some common anions as testing analytes. Conductivity detection and UV-visible detection were applied to detect the anions after separation. The new resin can also be used for HPLC separation of neutral organic compounds. Alkylphenols and alkylbenzenes were separated with this new polymeric resin, and excellent separations were obtained under simple conditions. This report contains Chapter 1: General introduction and Chapter 6: General conclusions.« less

Achieving Continuous Anion Transport Domains Using Block Copolymers Containing Phosphonium Cations

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Wenxu; Liu, Ye; Jackson, Aaron C.; ...

2016-06-22

Triblock and diblock copolymers based on isoprene (Ip) and chloromethylstyrene (CMS) were synthesized in this paper by sequential polymerization using reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer radical polymerization (RAFT). The block copolymers were quaternized with tris(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)phosphine (Ar 3P) to prepare soluble ionomers. The ionomers were cast from chloroform to form anion exchange membranes (AEMs) with highly ordered morphologies. At low volume fractions of ionic blocks, the ionomers formed lamellar morphologies, while at moderate volume fractions (≥30% for triblock and ≥22% for diblock copolymers) hexagonal phases with an ionic matrix were observed. Ion conductivities were higher through the hexagonal phase matrix than inmore » the lamellar phases. Finally, promising chloride conductivities (20 mS/cm) were achieved at elevated temperatures and humidified conditions.« less

Fast annealing DSA materials designed for sub-5 nm resolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Hai; Li, Xuemiao; Peng, Yu; Zhou, Jianuo

2018-03-01

In recent years, high-χ block copolymers (BCPs) have been reported to achieve sub-5 nm resolution. These BCPs always require long annealing time at high annealing temperature, which may limit their implementation into semiconductor process. Since hot baking time in conventional semiconductor process is normally less than 3 minutes, how to shorter the thermal annealing time at lower temperature becomes a new topic for the sub-5 nm high-χ BCPs. In this manuscript, various fluoro-containing BCPs are synthesized by living anionic polymerization or atom transfer radical polymerization. The best BCP formed thermal equilibrium sub-5 nm nano domains after mere 1 min annealing at temperature lower than 100 °C, which is the fastest thermal annealing process reported so far. BCPs with various morphology and domain size are obtained by precise control of both the length and the molar ratio of the two blocks. The resulted smallest half-pitch of the BCPs are less than 5 nm in lamella and hexagonal morphologies. Linear and starshaped BCPs containing PMMA and fluoro-block are also synthesized, which also shows best phase separation into ca. 6 nm half-pitch, however, the annealing time is 1 hour at 180 °C.

Chain-Growth Methods for the Synthesis of High Molecular Weight Conducting and Semiconducting Polymers

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-08-25

to produce the desired polymerization in analogy to the well-known “super glue ” anionic polymerization. Although there are abundant examples of...light (a) and UV light (b). 5 are further functionalized and block polymers formed with polynorborene have elastomeric properties. The...top) and UV (bottom) light show the evolution of the band gap of the polymer with increasing molecular weight. The plot on the right shows the

Ionic Liquids as a Medium for Ionic Chain Polymerizations: An Environmentally Responsible Approach to Macromolecular Synthesis with Controlled Architecture

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-09-16

published in non peer-reviewed journals: 1. Gross, SM, Hamilton JL. "Polymer Gels for Use in Lithium Polymer Batteries", Nebraska Academy of Science...a process for the anionic polymerization of styrene and methyl methacrylate in the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ...Current polymer electrolyte composites used for these applications typically comprise polyethers with ethylene carbonate solvents containing lithium

Palladium (Ii) Catalyzed Polymerization Of Norbornene And Acrylates

DOEpatents

Sen, Ayusman; Kacker, Smita; Hennis, April; Polley, Jennifer D.

2001-10-09

Homopolymers or copolymers of acrylates, homopolymers or copolymers of norbornenes, and copolymers of acrylates with norbornenes, may be prepared by contacting acrylate and/or norbornene monomer reactant under polymerization conditions and in the presence of a solvent with a catalyst system consisting essentially of a Pd(II) dimer component having the formula: where L is a monodentate phosphorus or nitrogen ligand, X is an anionic group, and R is an alkyl or aryl group.

Acrylate intercalation and in situ polymerization in iron-, cobalt-, or manganese-substituted nickel hydroxides.

PubMed

Vaysse, C; Guerlou-Demourgues, L; Duguet, E; Delmas, C

2003-07-28

A chimie douce route based on successive redox and exchange reactions has allowed us to prepare new hybrid organic-inorganic materials, composed of polyacrylate macromolecules intercalated into layered double hydroxides (LDHs), deriving from Ni(OH)(2). Monomer intercalation and in situ polymerization mechanisms have appeared to be strongly dependent upon the nature of the substituting cation in the slabs. In the case of iron-based LDHs, a phase containing acrylate monomeric intercalates has been isolated and identified by X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. Second, interslab free-radical polymerization of acrylate anions has been successfully initiated using potassium persulfate. In cobalt- or manganese-based LDHs, one-step polymerization has been observed, leading directly to a material containing polyacrylate intercalate.

XPS Studies of Doped Polypyrrole Films

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-01-25

XP11 and polymeric, poly(vinylsulfonate) and poly(4- styrensulfonate) anions. Electrostatic interaction between the polymer and the incorporated anions...verbaily, submitted for publication,o3 3S mm ( 2 x2 knjlliep oetor 4w published? "Overhead prolecter Elyes 0 Ne end~~~~~~~ elc oavlblt f te answer Is yes...at characterization with various surface analysis techniques 2 . In the present paper, the authors will describe thL micro- scopic structure of

Effects of Hofmeister salt series on gluten network formation: Part II. Anion series.

PubMed

Tuhumury, H C D; Small, D M; Day, L

2016-12-01

Different anion salts from the Hofmeister series were used to investigate their effects on gluten network formation. The effects of these anion salts on the mixing properties of the dough and the rheological and chemical properties of gluten samples extracted from the dough with these respective salts were compared. The aim of this work was to determine how different anion salts influence the formation of the gluten structure during dough mixing. It was found that the Hofmeister anion salts affected the gluten network formation by interacting directly with specific amino acid residues that resulted in changes in gluten protein composition, specifically the percentage of the unextractable polymeric protein fractions (%UPP). These changes consequently led to remarkable differences in the mixing profiles and microstructural features of the dough, small deformation rheological properties of the gluten and a strain hardening behaviour of both dough and gluten samples. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Acid generation mechanism in anion-bound chemically amplified resists used for extreme ultraviolet lithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Komuro, Yoshitaka; Yamamoto, Hiroki; Kobayashi, Kazuo; Ohomori, Katsumi; Kozawa, Takahiro

2015-03-01

Extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography is the most promising candidate for the high-volume production of semiconductor devices with half-pitches of sub 10nm. An anion-bound polymer(ABP), in which at the anion part of onium salts is polymerized, has attracted much attention from the viewpoint of the control of acid diffusion. In this study, the acid generation mechanism in ABP films was investigated using γ and EUV radiolysis. On the basis of experimental results, the acid generation mechanism in anion-bound chemically amplified resists was proposed. The protons of acids are considered to be mainly generated through the reaction of phenyl radicals with diphenylsulfide radical cations that are produced through the hole transfer to the decomposition products of onium salts.

Acid generation mechanism in anion-bound chemically amplified resists used for extreme ultraviolet lithography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Komuro, Yoshitaka; Yamamoto, Hiroki; Kobayashi, Kazuo; Utsumi, Yoshiyuki; Ohomori, Katsumi; Kozawa, Takahiro

2014-11-01

Extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography is the most promising candidate for the high-volume production of semiconductor devices with half-pitches of sub-10 nm. An anion-bound polymer (ABP), in which the anion part of onium salts is polymerized, has attracted much attention from the viewpoint of the control of acid diffusion. In this study, the acid generation mechanism in ABP films was investigated using electron (pulse), γ, and EUV radiolyses. On the basis of experimental results, the acid generation mechanism in anion-bound chemically amplified resists was proposed. The major path for proton generation in the absence of effective proton sources is considered to be the reaction of phenyl radicals with diphenylsulfide radical cations that are produced through hole transfer to the decomposition products of onium salts.

Polar-Nonpolar Radical Copolymerization under Li+ Catalysis

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-09-21

bonds or aromatic rings. Thus, we propose that a transfer of a methyl radical from CB11Me12C to IB triggers a radical polymerization chain that yields ...b-PIB and the resulting CB11Me11 byproduct concurrently triggers a cationic polymerization chain that yields l-PIB terminated with a carborate anion...tetrahydrofuran and passed through a column of alumina about five times to remove the bulk of the catalyst. A Soxhlet apparatus was used to recover

Ion Transport and Structural Properties of Polymeric Electrolytes and Ionic Liquids from Molecular Dynamics Simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borodin, Oleg

2010-03-01

Molecular dynamics simulations are well suited for exploring electrolyte structure and ion transport mechanisms on the nanometer length scale and the nanosecond time scales. In this presentation we will describe how MD simulations assist in answering fundamental questions about the lithium transport mechanisms in polymeric electrolytes and ionic liquids. In particular, in the first part of the presentation the extent of ion aggregation, the structure of ion aggregates and the lithium cation diffusion in binary polymeric electrolytes will be compared with that of single-ion conducting polymers. In the second part of the talk, the lithium transport in polymeric electrolytes will be compared with that of three ionic liquids ( [emim][FSI] doped with LiFSI , [pyr13][FSI] doped with LiFSI, [emim][BF4] doped with LiBF4). The relation between ionic liquid self-diffusion, conductivity and thermodynamic properties will be discussed in details. A number of correlations between heat of vaporization Hvap, cation-anion binding energy (E+/-), molar volume (Vm), self-diffusion coefficient (D) and ionic conductivity for 29 ionic liquids have been investigated using MD simulations. A significant correlation between D and Hvap has been found, while best correlation was found for -log((D Vm)) vs. Hvap+0.28E+/-. A combination of enthalpy of vaporization and a fraction of the cation-anion binding energy was suggested as a measure of the effective cohesive energy for ionic liquids.

Synthesis of new solid polymer electrolyte and actuator based on PEDOT/NBR/ionic liquid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, M. S.; Seo, H. J.; Nam, J. D.; Choi, H. R.; Koo, J. C.; Lee, Y.

2006-03-01

The conducting polymer actuator was presented. The solid polymer electrolyte based on nitrile rubber (NBR) activated with different ionic liquids was prepared. The three different grades of NBR films were synthesized by emulsion polymerization with different amount of acrylonitrile, 23, 35, and 40 mol. %, respectively. The effect of acrylonitrile content on the ionic conductivity and dielectric constant of solid polymer electrolytes was characterized. A conducting polymer, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), was synthesized on the surface of the NBR layer by using a chemical oxidation polymerization technique, and room temperature ionic liquids (RTIL) based on imidazolium salts, e.g. 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium X [where X= BF 4 -, PF 6 -, (CF 3SO II) IIN -], were absorbed into the composite film. The effects of the anion size of the ionic liquids on the displacement of the actuator were examined. The displacement increased with increasing the anion-size of the ionic liquids.

In situ AFM investigation of electrochemically induced surface-initiated atom-transfer radical polymerization.

PubMed

Li, Bin; Yu, Bo; Zhou, Feng

2013-02-12

Electrochemically induced surface-initiated atom-transfer radical polymerization is traced by in situ AFM technology for the first time, which allows visualization of the polymer growth process. It affords a fundamental insight into the surface morphology and growth mechanism simultaneously. Using this technique, the polymerization kinetics of two model monomers were studied, namely the anionic 3-sulfopropyl methacrylate potassium salt (SPMA) and the cationic 2-(metharyloyloxy)ethyltrimethylammonium chloride (METAC). The growth of METAC is significantly improved by screening the ammonium cations by the addition of ionic liquid electrolyte in aqueous solution. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Advanced Synthesis of Conductive Polyaniline Using Laccase as Biocatalyst.

PubMed

de Salas, Felipe; Pardo, Isabel; Salavagione, Horacio J; Aza, Pablo; Amougi, Eleni; Vind, Jesper; Martínez, Angel T; Camarero, Susana

2016-01-01

Polyaniline is a conductive polymer with distinctive optical and electrical properties. Its enzymatic synthesis is an environmentally friendly alternative to the use of harsh oxidants and extremely acidic conditions. 7D5L, a high-redox potential laccase developed in our lab, is the biocatalyst of choice for the synthesis of green polyaniline (emeraldine salt) due to its superior ability to oxidize aniline and kinetic stability at the required polymerization conditions (pH 3 and presence of anionic surfactants) as compared with other fungal laccases. Doses as low as 7.6 nM of 7D5L catalyze the polymerization of 15 mM aniline (in 24 h, room temperature, 7% yield) in the presence of different anionic surfactants used as doping templates to provide linear and water-soluble polymers. Aniline polymerization was monitored by the increase of the polaron absorption band at 800 nm (typical for emeraldine salt). Best polymerization results were obtained with 5 mM sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) as template. At fixed conditions (15 mM aniline and 5mM SDBS), polymerization rates obtained with 7D5L were 2.5-fold the rates obtained with commercial Trametes villosa laccase. Moreover, polyaniline yield was notably boosted to 75% by rising 7D5L amount to 0.15 μM, obtaining 1g of green polyaniline in 1L-reaction volume. The green polymer obtained with the selected system (7D5L/SDBS) holds excellent electrochemical and electro-conductive properties displayed in water-dispersible nanofibers, which is advantageous for the nanomaterial to be readily cast into uniform films for different applications.

Advanced Synthesis of Conductive Polyaniline Using Laccase as Biocatalyst

PubMed Central

de Salas, Felipe; Pardo, Isabel; Salavagione, Horacio J.; Aza, Pablo; Amougi, Eleni; Vind, Jesper; Martínez, Angel T.; Camarero, Susana

2016-01-01

Polyaniline is a conductive polymer with distinctive optical and electrical properties. Its enzymatic synthesis is an environmentally friendly alternative to the use of harsh oxidants and extremely acidic conditions. 7D5L, a high-redox potential laccase developed in our lab, is the biocatalyst of choice for the synthesis of green polyaniline (emeraldine salt) due to its superior ability to oxidize aniline and kinetic stability at the required polymerization conditions (pH 3 and presence of anionic surfactants) as compared with other fungal laccases. Doses as low as 7.6 nM of 7D5L catalyze the polymerization of 15 mM aniline (in 24 h, room temperature, 7% yield) in the presence of different anionic surfactants used as doping templates to provide linear and water-soluble polymers. Aniline polymerization was monitored by the increase of the polaron absorption band at 800 nm (typical for emeraldine salt). Best polymerization results were obtained with 5 mM sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) as template. At fixed conditions (15 mM aniline and 5mM SDBS), polymerization rates obtained with 7D5L were 2.5-fold the rates obtained with commercial Trametes villosa laccase. Moreover, polyaniline yield was notably boosted to 75% by rising 7D5L amount to 0.15 μM, obtaining 1g of green polyaniline in 1L-reaction volume. The green polymer obtained with the selected system (7D5L/SDBS) holds excellent electrochemical and electro-conductive properties displayed in water-dispersible nanofibers, which is advantageous for the nanomaterial to be readily cast into uniform films for different applications. PMID:27741301

Poly-amido-saccharides: Synthesis via Anionic Polymerization of a β-Lactam Sugar Monomer

PubMed Central

Dane, Eric L.; Grinstaff, Mark W.

2013-01-01

Chiral poly-amido-saccharides (PASs) with a defined molecular weight and narrow polydispersity are synthesized using an anionic ring-opening polymerization of a β-lactam sugar monomer. The PASs have a previously unreported main chain structure that is composed of pyranose rings linked through the 1- and 2-positions by an amide bond with α-stereochemistry. The monomer is synthesized in one-step from benzyl-protected d-glucal and polymerized using mild reaction conditions to give degrees of polymerization ranging from 25 to >150 in high yield. Computational modeling reveals how the monomer’s structure and steric bulk affect the thermodynamics and kinetics of polymerization. Protected and deprotected polymers and model compounds are characterized using a variety of methods (NMR, GPC, IR, DLS, etc.). Reductive debenzylation provides the deprotected, hydrophilic polymers in high yield. Based on circular dichroism, the deprotected polymers possess a regular secondary structure in aqueous solution, which agrees favorably with the prediction of a helical structure using molecular modeling. Furthermore, we provide evidence suggesting that the polymers bind the lectin concanavalin A at the same site as natural carbohydrates, showing the potential of these polymers to mimic natural polysaccharides. PASs offer the advantages associated with synthetic polymers, such as greater control over structure and derivitization, and less batch-to-batch variation. At the same time, they preserve many of the structural features of natural polysaccharides, such as a stereochemically regular, rigid pyranose backbone, that make natural carbohydrate polymers important materials both for their unique properties and useful applications. PMID:22937875

Crystal structure of catena-poly[[[tetra­aqua­zinc(II)]-μ-1,4-bis­[4-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)benzo­yl]piperazine] dinitrate monohydrate

PubMed Central

Hou, Chen; Gan, Hong-Mei; Liu, Jia-Cheng

2015-01-01

In the title polymeric complex, {[Zn(C24H22N6O2)(H2O)4](NO3)2·2H2O}n, the ZnII cation, located about a twofold rotation axis, is coordinated by two imidazole groups and four water mol­ecules in a distorted N2O4 octa­hedral geometry; among the four coordinate water mol­ecules, two are located on the same twofold rotation axis. The 1,4-bis­[4-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)benzo­yl]piperazine] ligand is centro-symmetric, with the centroid of the piperazine ring located on an inversion center, and bridges the ZnII cations, forming polymeric chains propagating along [201]. In the crystal, O—H⋯O and weak C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the polymeric chains, nitrate anions and solvent water mol­ecules into a three-dimensional supra­molecular architecture. A short O⋯O contact of 2.823 (13) Å is observed between neighboring nitrate anions. PMID:25995894

Imidazolium-Based Polymeric Materials as Alkaline Anion-Exchange Fuel Cell Membranes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Narayan, Sri R.; Yen, Shiao-Ping S.; Reddy, Prakash V.; Nair, Nanditha

2012-01-01

Polymer electrolyte membranes that conduct hydroxide ions have potential use in fuel cells. A variety of polystyrene-based quaternary ammonium hydroxides have been reported as anion exchange fuel cell membranes. However, the hydrolytic stability and conductivity of the commercially available membranes are not adequate to meet the requirements of fuel cell applications. When compared with commercially available membranes, polystyrene-imidazolium alkaline membrane electrolytes are more stable and more highly conducting. At the time of this reporting, this has been the first such usage for imidazolium-based polymeric materials for fuel cells. Imidazolium salts are known to be electrochemically stable over wide potential ranges. By controlling the relative ratio of imidazolium groups in polystyrene-imidazolium salts, their physiochemical properties could be modulated. Alkaline anion exchange membranes based on polystyrene-imidazolium hydroxide materials have been developed. The first step was to synthesize the poly(styrene-co-(1-((4-vinyl)methyl)-3- methylimidazolium) chloride through a free-radical polymerization. Casting of this material followed by in situ treatment of the membranes with sodium hydroxide solutions provided the corresponding hydroxide salts. Various ratios of the monomers 4-chloromoethylvinylbenzine (CMVB) and vinylbenzine (VB) provided various compositions of the polymer. The preferred material, due to the relative ease of casting the film, and its relatively low hygroscopic nature, was a 2:1 ratio of CMVB to VB. Testing confirmed that at room temperature, the new membranes outperformed commercially available membranes by a large margin. With fuel cells now in use at NASA and in transportation, and with defense potential, any improvement to fuel cell efficiency is a significant development.

Palladium (II) catalyized polymerization of norbornene and acrylates

DOEpatents

Sen, Ayusman; Kacker, Smita; Hennis, April; Polley, Jennifer D.

2000-08-29

Homopolymers or copolymers of acrylates, homopolymers or copolymers of norbornenes, and copolymers of acrylates with norbornenes, may be prepared by contacting acrylate and/or norbornene monomer reactant under polymerization conditions and in the presence of a solvent with a catalyst system consisting essentially of a Pd(II) dimer component having the formula: [(L)Pd(R)(X)].sub.2, where L is a monodentate phosphorus or nitrogen ligand, X is an anionic group, and R is an alkyl or aryl group.

A multifunctional azobenzene-based polymeric adsorbent for effective water remediation

PubMed Central

Wan, Decheng; Chen, Feng; Geng, Qingrui; Lu, Hang; Willcock, Helen; Liu, Qiuming; Wang, Fangyingkai; Zou, Kaidian; Jin, Ming; Pu, Hongting; Du, Jianzhong

2014-01-01

The efficient removal of trace carcinogenic organic pollutants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and ionic dyes, from water is an important technical challenge. We report a highly effective recyclable multifunctional azobenzene (AZ)-based silica-supported polymeric adsorbent which can simultaneously remove both PAHs and anionic dyes from water to below parts per billion (ppb) level based on multiple interactions such as the hydrophobic effect, π–π stacking and electrostatic interactions, thus providing a new strategy for designer water remediation materials. PMID:25465671

Colloidal polyaniline

DOEpatents

Armes, Steven P.; Aldissi, Mahmoud

1990-01-01

Processable electrically conductive latex polymer compositions including colloidal particles of an oxidized, polymerized amino-substituted aromatic monomer, a stabilizing effective amount of a random copolymer containing amino-benzene type moieties as side chain constituents, and dopant anions, and a method of preparing such polymer compositions are provided.

Ion Transport via Structural Relaxations in Polymerized Ionic Liquids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ganesan, Venkat; Mogurampelly, Santosh

We study the mechanisms underlying ion transport in poly(1-butyl-3-vinylimidazolium-hexafluorophosphate) polymer electrolytes. We consider polymer electrolytes of varying polymerized ionic liquid to ionic liquid (polyIL:IL) ratios and use atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to probe the dynamical and structural characteristics of the electrolyte. Our results reveal that anion diffusion along polymer backbone occurs primarily viathe formation and breaking of ion-pairs involving threepolymerized cationic monomers of twodifferent polymer chains. Moreover, we observe that the ionic diffusivities exhibit a direct correlation with the structural relaxation times of the ion-pairs and hydrogen bonds (H-bonds). These results provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying ion transport in polymerized ionic liquid electrolytes.

Development of mass production technology for block copolymer lithographic materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Himi, Toshiyuki; Matsuki, Ryota; Kosaka, Terumasa; Ogaki, Ryosuke; Kawaguchi, Yukio; Shimizu, Tetsuo

2017-03-01

We have successfully synthesized various and over wide range molecular weight block copolymers (BCPs): these are polystyrene(PS)-polymethylmethacrylate(PMMA) as general components and poly(4-trimethylsilylstyrene)(PTMSS)- poly(4-hydroxystyrene)(PHS) system as very strong segregated components (high chi) and multiblock type of those copolymers which form the microphase-separated structure pattern using living anionic polymerizing method by which the size of polymer can be precisely controlled. In addition, we were able to observe alternating lamellar and cylinder structures which were formed by our various BCPs using small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Moreover, we have successfully developed new apparatus for high volume manufacturing including our original technologies such as purification of monomer, improvement of wetted surface, and mechanical technology for high vacuum. And we have successfully synthesized all the BCPs with narrow molecular weight distribution (PDI <1.1) with large-scale apparatus.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lu, Wei; Wang, Yangyang; Wang, Weiyu

All acrylic-based thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) offer potential alternatives to the widely-used styrenic TPEs. However, the high entanglement molecular weight ( M e) of polyacrylates, as compared to polydienes, leads to “disappointing” mechanical performance as compared to styrenic TPEs. In this study, triblock copolymers composed of alkyl acrylates with different pendant groups and different glass transition temperatures ( T gs), i.e. 1-adamatyl acrylate (AdA) and tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate (THFA), were synthesized via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Thermal characterization of the resulting polymers was performed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and the T gs of both segments were observed for themore » block copolymers. This indication of microphase separation behavior was further demonstrated using atomic-force microscopy (AFM) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) showed that the softening temperature of the PAdA domains is 123 °C, which is higher than that of both styrenic TPEs and commercial acrylic based TPEs with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) hard block. Here, the resulting triblock copolymers also exhibited stress–strain behavior superior to that of conventional all acrylic-based TPEs composed of PMMA and poly( n-butyl acrylate) (PBA) made by controlled radical processes, while the tensile strength was lower than for products made by living anionic polymerization.« less

Thermochromic platinum complexes

DOEpatents

Kostic, Nenad M.; Zhou, Xia-Ying

1990-05-29

Thermochromic compounds containing the [Pt(dipic)Cl].sup.- anion. These compounds are yellow and monomeric at high temperatures or in low concentrations and abruptly change to red and polymeric at low temperatures or higher solution concentrations. This unusual property allows them to be used as temperature sensors.

Thermochromic platinum complexes

DOEpatents

Kostic, Nenad M.; Zhou, Xia-Ying

1989-08-15

Thermochromic compounds containing the [Pt(dipic)Cl].sup.- anion. These compounds are yellow and monomeric at high temperatures or in low concentrations and abruptly change to red and polymeric at low temperatures or higher solution concentrations. This unusual property allows them to be used as temperature sensors.

Determination of UV filters in high ionic strength sample solutions using matrix-compatible coatings for solid-phase microextraction.

PubMed

An, Jiwoo; Anderson, Jared L

2018-05-15

A double-confined polymeric ionic liquid (PIL) sorbent coating was fabricated for the determination of nine ultraviolet (UV) filters in sample solutions containing high salt content by direct immersion solid-phase microextraction (DI-SPME) coupled to high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The IL monomer and crosslinker cations and anions, namely, 1-vinyl-3-decylimidazolium styrenesulfonate ([VImC 10 ][SS]) and 1,12-di(3-vinylbenzylimidazolium) dodecane distyrenesulfonate ([(VBIm) 2 C 12 ] 2[SS]), were co-polymerized to create a highly stable sorbent coating which allowed for up to 120 direct-immersion extractions in 25% NaCl (w/v) solution without a decrease in its extraction capability. Extraction and desorption parameters such as desorption solvent, agitation rate, extraction time, desorption solvent volume, and desorption time were evaluated and optimized. The analytical performance of the styrenesulfonate anion-based PIL fiber, PIL fiber containing chloride anions, and a commercially available polydimethylsiloxane/divinylbenzene (PDMS/DVB) fiber were compared. Coefficients of determination (R 2 ) for the styrenesulfonate anion-based PIL fiber ranged from 0.995 to 0.999 and the limits of detection (LODs) varied from 0.1 to 5 µg L -1 . The developed method was successfully applied in real water samples including tap, pool, and lake water, and acceptable relative recovery values were obtained. The lifetime of the PIL fiber containing chloride anions as well as the PDMS/DVB fiber were considerably shorter than the PIL fiber containing the styrenesulfonate anion, with both fibers showing a notable decrease in reproducibility and significant damage to the sorbent coating surface after 40 and 70 extractions, respectively. The R 2 values for the chloride anion containing PIL fiber were at or higher than 0.991 with LODs ranging from 0.5 to 5 µg L -1 . For the PDMS/DVB fiber, R 2 values ranged from 0.992 to 0.999 and LODs were found to be as low as 0.2 µg L -1 and as high as 5 µg L -1 . Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Poly(1-Vinyl-1,2,4-triazolium) Poly(Ionic Liquid)s: Synthesis and the Unique Behavior in Loading Metal Ions.

PubMed

Zhang, Weiyi; Yuan, Jiayin

2016-07-01

Herein, the synthesis of a series of poly(4-alkyl-1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazolium) poly(ionic liquid)s is reported either via straightforward free radical polymerization of their corresponding ionic liquid monomers or via anion metathesis of the polymer precursors bearing halide as counter anion. The ionic liquid monomers are first prepared via N-alkylation reaction of commercially available 1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazole with alkyl iodides, followed by anion metathesis with targeted fluorinated anions. The thermal properties and solubilities of these poly(ionic liquid)s have been systematically investigated. Interestingly, it is found that the poly(4-ethyl-1-vinyl-1,2,4-triazolium) poly(ionic liquid) exhibited an improved loading capacity of transition metal ions in comparison with its imidazolium counterpart. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Novel double-confined polymeric ionic liquids as sorbents for solid-phase microextraction with enhanced stability and durability in high-ionic-strength solution.

PubMed

Feng, Juanjuan; Sun, Min; Xu, Lili; Wang, Shuai; Liu, Xia; Jiang, Shengxiang

2012-12-14

Because of the occurrence of ion exchange between high-ionic-strength solution and anions of polymeric ionic liquids (PILs), PILs based solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fibers were rarely used in direct immersion mode to high-salt-added samples. In this work, a novel double-confined PIL sorbent was prepared by co-polymerization of cation and anion of 1-vinyl-3-octylimidzaolium p-styrenesulfonate (VOIm(+)SS(-)). The poly(VOIm(+)-SS(-)) was chemically bonded onto functionalized stainless steel wire via surface radical chain-transfer reaction. Stability of poly(VOIm(+)-SS(-)) in high-ionic-strength solution was investigated and compared with that of poly(1-vinyl-3-octylimidzaolium benzenesulfonate) (poly(VOIm(+)BS(-))) by elemental analysis of sulfur element, and results turned out that the poly(VOIm(+)-SS(-)) was more stable. Coupled to gas chromatography (GC), the poly(VOIm(+)-SS(-)) fiber was used to extract three sorts of compounds including anilines, phenols and phthalate esters in aqueous solution. The as-established method showed good linearity, low detection limits, and acceptable repeatability. The direct immersion SPME-GC method was applied to determine the model phthalate esters in bottled mineral water. The determination results were satisfactory. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Correlating morphology to dc conductivity in polymerized ionic liquids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iacob, Ciprian; Matusmoto, Atsushi; Inoue, Tadashi; Runt, James

Polymerized ionic liquids (PILs) combine the attractive mechanical characteristics of polymers and unique physico-chemical properties of low molecular weight ionic liquids in the same material. PILs have shown remarkable advantages when employed in electrochemical devices such as dye-sensitized solar cells and lithium batteries, among others. Understanding their ionic transport mechanism is the key for designing highly conductive PILs. In the current study, the correlation between morphology and charge transport in two homologous series of PILs with systematic variation of the alkyl chain length and anions is investigated using broadband dielectric spectroscopy, rheology, differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray scattering. As the alkyl chain length increases, the backbone-to-backbone separation increases, and dc-conductivity consequently decreases. The cations dominate structural dynamics since they are attached to the polymer chains, while the anions are smaller and more mobile ionic species thereby controlling the ionic conductivity. Further interpretation of decoupling of dc conductivity from the segmental relaxation enabled the correlation between polymer morphology and dc conductivity. Supported by the National Science Foundation, Polymers Program.

Electron-deficient triarylborane block copolymers: synthesis by controlled free radical polymerization and application in the detection of fluoride ions.

PubMed

Cheng, Fei; Bonder, Edward M; Jäkle, Frieder

2013-11-20

Luminescent triarylborane homo and block copolymers with well-defined chain architectures were synthesized via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization of a vinyl-functionalized borane monomer. The Lewis acid properties of the polymers were exploited in the luminescent detection of fluoride ions. A dual-responsive fluoride sensor was developed by taking advantage of the reversible self-assembly of a PNIPAM-based amphiphilic block copolymer. Anion detection in aqueous solution was realized by introducing positively charged pyridinium moieties along the polymer chain.

Methods for the synthesis and polymerization of .alpha.,.alpha.'-dihalo-p-xylenes

DOEpatents

Ferraris, John P.; Neef, Charles J.

2002-07-30

The present invention describes an improved method for the polymerization of .alpha.,.alpha.-dihalo-p-xylene's such as the .alpha.,.alpha.'-dihalo-2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-xylene's. The procedure for synthesis is based on the specific order of addition of reagents and the use of an anionic initiator that allows control of the molecular weight of the polymer. The molecular weight control allows processability of the polymer which is important for its utility in applications including in light-emitting-diodes, field effect transistors and photovoltaic devices.

Facile and Reliable in Situ Polymerization of Poly(Ethyl Cyanoacrylate)-Based Polymer Electrolytes toward Flexible Lithium Batteries.

PubMed

Cui, Yanyan; Chai, Jingchao; Du, Huiping; Duan, Yulong; Xie, Guangwen; Liu, Zhihong; Cui, Guanglei

2017-03-15

Polycyanoacrylate is a very promising matrix for polymer electrolyte, which possesses advantages of strong binding and high electrochemical stability owing to the functional nitrile groups. Herein, a facile and reliable in situ polymerization strategy of poly(ethyl cyanoacrylate) (PECA) based gel polymer electrolytes (GPE) via a high efficient anionic polymerization was introduced consisting of PECA and 4 M LiClO 4 in carbonate solvents. The in situ polymerized PECA gel polymer electrolyte achieved an excellent ionic conductivity (2.7 × 10 -3 S cm -1 ) at room temperature, and exhibited a considerable electrochemical stability window up to 4.8 V vs Li/Li + . The LiFePO 4 /PECA-GPE/Li and LiNi 1.5 Mn 0.5 O 4 /PECA-GPE/Li batteries using this in-situ-polymerized GPE delivered stable charge/discharge profiles, considerable rate capability, and excellent cycling performance. These results demonstrated this reliable in situ polymerization process is a very promising strategy to prepare high performance polymer electrolytes for flexible thin-film batteries, micropower lithium batteries, and deformable lithium batteries for special purpose.

Nonaqueous polypyrrole colloids

DOEpatents

Armes, Steven P.; Aldissi, Mahmoud

1991-01-01

Processable conductive polymers including an oxidized, polymerized aromatic heterocyclic monomer, e.g., pyrrole, an stabilizing effective amount of a poly(vinyl acetate) and dopant anions, and a process of preparing said processable conductive polymers directly in a nonaqueous medium such as methyl acetate, methyl formate, ethyl formate, and propyl formate are disclosed.

Methods for preparation of cyclopentadienyliron (II) arenes

DOEpatents

Keipert, Steven J.

1991-01-01

Two improved methods for preparation of compounds with the structure shown in equation X [(Cp)--Fe--(Ar)].sup.+.sub.b X.sup.b- (X) where Cp is an eta.sup.5 complexed, substituted or unsubstituted, cyclopentadienyl or indenyl anion, Ar is an eta.sup.6 complexed substituted or unsubstituted, pi-arene ligand anad X is a b-valent anion where b is an integer between 1 and 3. The two methods, which differ in the source of the cyclopentadienyl anion - Lewis acid complex, utilize a Lewis acid assisted ligand transfer reaction. The cyclopentadienyl anion ligand, assisted by a Lewis acid is transferred to ferrous ion in the presence of an arene. In the first method, the cyclopentadienyl anion is derived from ferrocene and ferrous chloride. In this reaction, the cyclopentadienyliron (II) arene product is derived partially from ferrocene and partially from the ferrous salt. In the second method, the cyclopentadienyl anion - Lewis acid complex is formed by direct reaction of the Lewis acid with an inorganic cyclopentadienide salt. The cyclopentadienyliron (II) arene product of this reaction is derived entirely from the ferrous salt. Cyclopentadienyliron (II) arene cations are of great interest due to their utility as photoactivatable catalysts for a variety of polymerization reactions.

Synthesis and use of (perfluoroaryl) fluoro-aluminate anion

DOEpatents

Marks, Tobin J.; Chen, You-Xian

2001-01-01

A trityl perfluorophenyl alumninate such as tris(2,2',2"-nonafluorobiphenyl)-fluoroaluminate (PBA.sup..crclbar.) and its role as a cocatalyst in metallocene-mediated olefin polymerization is disclosed. Gallium and indium analogs are also disclosed, as are analogs with different anyl groups or different numbers of flourine atoms thereon.

EFFECT OF (PSEUDO)HALIDE INITIATORS AND COPPER COMPLEXES WITH NON-HALOGEN ANIONS ON THE ATOM TRANSFER RADICAL POLYMERIZATION. (R829580)

EPA Science Inventory

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Concl...

Surfactants, not size or zeta-potential influence blood-brain barrier passage of polymeric nanoparticles.

PubMed

Voigt, Nadine; Henrich-Noack, Petra; Kockentiedt, Sarah; Hintz, Werner; Tomas, Jürgen; Sabel, Bernhard A

2014-05-01

Nanoparticles (NP) can deliver drugs across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), but little is known which of the factors surfactant, size and zeta-potential are essential for allowing BBB passage. To this end we designed purpose-built fluorescent polybutylcyanoacrylate (PBCA) NP and imaged the NP's passage over the blood-retina barrier - which is a model of the BBB - in live animals. Rats received intravenous injections of fluorescent PBCA-NP fabricated by mini-emulsion polymerisation to obtain various NP's compositions that varied in surfactants (non-ionic, anionic, cationic), size (67-464nm) and zeta-potential. Real-time imaging of retinal blood vessels and retinal tissue was carried out with in vivo confocal neuroimaging (ICON) before, during and after NP's injection. Successful BBB passage with subsequent cellular labelling was achieved if NP were fabricated with non-ionic surfactants or cationic stabilizers but not when anionic compounds were added. NP's size and charge had no influence on BBB passage and cell labelling. This transport was not caused by an unspecific opening of the BBB because control experiments with injections of unlabelled NP and fluorescent dye (to test a "door-opener" effect) did not lead to parenchymal labelling. Thus, neither NP's size nor chemo-electric charge, but particle surface is the key factor determining BBB passage. This result has important implications for NP engineering in medicine: depending on the surfactant, NP can serve one of two opposite functions: while non-ionic tensides enhance brain up-take, addition of anionic tensides prevents it. NP can now be designed to specifically enhance drug delivery to the brain or, alternatively, to prevent brain penetration so to reduce unwanted psychoactive effects of drugs or prevent environmental nanoparticles from entering tissue of the central nervous system. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Quaternized polymeric microgels as metal free catalyst for H2 production from the methanolysis of sodium borohydride

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sahiner, Nurettin; Sengel, Sultan Butun

2016-12-01

Polymeric microgels derived from tris(2-amino ethyl)amine (TAEA) and glycerol diglycidyl ether as p(TAEA-co-GDE) via microemulsion polymerization techniques are protonated by 0.5 M HCl treatment as p(TAEA-co-GDE)-HCl). These microgels are then exposed to anion exchange reactions with differ ionic liquid forming salts, such as potassium thiocyanate (PTC), sodium dicyanamide (SDCA), ammonium hexafluorophosphate (AHFP), and sodium tetrafluoroborate (STFB) in aqueous medium for the preparation of p(TAEA-co-GDE) based ionic liquid colloidal microgels. These anions exchanged p(TAEA-co-GDE) ionic liquid colloids (ILCs) are directly used as catalyst for hydrogen (H2) generation from the methanol solution of sodium borohydride (NaBH4). Various parameters affecting the H2 production rate such as the catalyst types, NaBH4 amount, and the temperature are investigated. It is found that the methanolysis of NaBH4 catalyzed by p(TAEA-co-GDE)-HCl obeys the first order reaction kinetic. The activation energy, enthalpy and entropy of the protonated p(TAEA-co-GDE) microgels are calculated and found as the 30.37 kJ mol-1, 27.96 kJ mol-1, and -148.08 J mol-1 K-1, respectively. Furthermore, the hydrogen generation rate of 3018 mL min-1 g-1 catalyzed by p(TAEA-co-GDE)-HCl catalyst is attained.

Adsorption properties of the nanozirconia/anionic polyacrylamide system-Effects of surfactant presence, solution pH and polymer carboxyl groups content

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wiśniewska, Małgorzata; Chibowski, Stanisław; Urban, Teresa

2016-05-01

The adsorption mechanism of anionic polyacrylamide (PAM) on the nanozirconia surface was examined. The effects of solution pH, carboxyl groups content in macromolecules and anionic surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulfate-SDS) addition were determined. The more probable structure of polymer adsorption layer was characterized based on the data obtained from spectrophotometry, viscosimetry and potentiometric titration methods. The adsorbed amount of polymer, size of macromolecules in the solution and surface charge density of ZrO2 particles in the absence and presence of PAM were assessed, respectively. Analysis of these results indicated that the increase of solution pH and content of carboxyl groups in the polymeric chains lead to more expanded conformations of adsorbing macromolecules. As a result, the adsorption of anionic polyacrylamide decreased. The SDS presence caused the significant increase of PAM adsorbed amount at pH 3, whereas at pH 6 and 9 the surfactant addition resulted in reduction of polymer adsorption level.

Encapsulation of curcumin in polymeric nanoparticles for antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy

PubMed Central

Trigo Gutierrez, Jeffersson Krishan; Zanatta, Gabriela Cristina; Ortega, Ana Laura Mira; Balastegui, Maria Isabella Cuba; Sanitá, Paula Volpato; Pavarina, Ana Cláudia; Barbugli, Paula Aboud

2017-01-01

Curcumin (CUR) has been used as photosensitizer in antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT). However its poor water solubility, instability, and scarce bioavalibility hinder its in vivo application. The aim of this study was to synthesize curcumin in polymeric nanoparticles (NP) and to evaluate their antimicrobial photodynamic effect and cytoxicity. CUR in anionic and cationic NP was synthesized using polylactic acid and dextran sulfate by the nanoprecipitation method. For cationic NP, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide was added. CUR-NP were characterized by physicochemical properties, photodegradation, encapsulation efficiency and release of curcumin from nanoparticles. CUR-NP was compared with free CUR in 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a photosensitizer for aPDT against planktonic and biofilms (mono-, dual- and triple-species) cultures of Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The cytotoxicity effect of formulations was evaluated on keratinocytes. Data were analysed by parametric (ANOVA) and non-parametric (Kruskal-Wallis) tests (α = 0.05). CUR-NP showed alteration in the physicochemical properties along time, photodegradation similar to free curcumin, encapsulation efficiency up to 67%, and 96% of release after 48h. After aPDT planktonic cultures showed reductions from 0.78 log10 to complete eradication, while biofilms showed no antimicrobial effect or reductions up to 4.44 log10. Anionic CUR-NP showed reduced photoinactivation of biofilms. Cationic CUR-NP showed microbicidal effect even in absence of light. Anionic formulations showed no cytotoxic effect compared with free CUR and cationic CUR-NP and NP. The synthesized formulations improved the water solubility of CUR, showed higher antimicrobial photodynamic effect for planktonic cultures than for biofilms, and the encapsulation of CUR in anionic NP reduced the cytotoxicity of 10% DMSO used for free CUR. PMID:29107978

All acrylic-based thermoplastic elastomers with high upper service temperature and superior mechanical properties

DOE PAGES

Lu, Wei; Wang, Yangyang; Wang, Weiyu; ...

2017-08-25

All acrylic-based thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) offer potential alternatives to the widely-used styrenic TPEs. However, the high entanglement molecular weight ( M e) of polyacrylates, as compared to polydienes, leads to “disappointing” mechanical performance as compared to styrenic TPEs. In this study, triblock copolymers composed of alkyl acrylates with different pendant groups and different glass transition temperatures ( T gs), i.e. 1-adamatyl acrylate (AdA) and tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate (THFA), were synthesized via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Thermal characterization of the resulting polymers was performed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and the T gs of both segments were observed for themore » block copolymers. This indication of microphase separation behavior was further demonstrated using atomic-force microscopy (AFM) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) showed that the softening temperature of the PAdA domains is 123 °C, which is higher than that of both styrenic TPEs and commercial acrylic based TPEs with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) hard block. Here, the resulting triblock copolymers also exhibited stress–strain behavior superior to that of conventional all acrylic-based TPEs composed of PMMA and poly( n-butyl acrylate) (PBA) made by controlled radical processes, while the tensile strength was lower than for products made by living anionic polymerization.« less

Polymeric Optical Sensors for Selective and Sensitive Nitrite Detection Using Cobalt(III) Corrole and Rh(III) Porphyrin as Ionophores

PubMed Central

Yang, Si; Wo, Yaqi; Meyerhoff, Mark E.

2014-01-01

Cobalt(III) 5, 10, 15-tris(4-tert-butylphenyl) corrole with a triphenylphosphine axial ligand and rhodium(III) 5,10,15,20-tetra(p-tert-butylphenyl)porphyrin are incorporated into plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) films to fabricate nitrite-selective bulk optodes via absorbance measurements. The resulting films yield sensitive, fast and fully reversible response toward nitrite with significantly enhanced nitrite selectivity over other anions including lipophilic anions such as thiocyanate and perchlorate. The selectivity patterns differ greatly from the Hofmeister series based on anion lipophilicity and are consistent with selectivity obtained with potentiometric sensors based on the same ionophores. The optical nitrite sensors are shown to be useful for detecting rates of emission of nitric oxide (NO) from NO releasing polymers containing S-nitroso-N-acetyl-penicillamine. PMID:25150700

Methods for the separation of rhenium, osmium and molybdenum applicable to isotope geochemistry

USGS Publications Warehouse

Morgan, J.W.; Golightly, D.W.; Dorrzapf, A.F.

1991-01-01

Effective methods are described for the chemical separation of rhenium, osmium and molybdenum. The methods are based on distillation and anion-exchange chromatography, and have been the basis for rhenium-osmium isotope studies of ore deposits and meteorites. Successful anion-exchange separation of osmium requires both recognition and careful control of the osmium species in solution; thus, distillation of osmium tetroxide from a mixture of sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide is preferred to anion-exchange. Distribution coefficients measured for perrhenate in sulfuric acid media are sufficiently high (Kd > 500) for rhenium to be directly loaded onto an ion-exchange column from a distillation residue and subsequently eluted with nitric acid. Polymerization of molybdenum species during elution is prevented by use of a solution that is 1M in hydrochloric acid and 1M in sodium chloride. ?? 1991.

Living supramolecular polymerization realized through a biomimetic approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ogi, Soichiro; Sugiyasu, Kazunori; Manna, Swarup; Samitsu, Sadaki; Takeuchi, Masayuki

2014-03-01

Various conventional reactions in polymer chemistry have been translated to the supramolecular domain, yet it has remained challenging to devise living supramolecular polymerization. To achieve this, self-organization occurring far from thermodynamic equilibrium—ubiquitously observed in nature—must take place. Prion infection is one example that can be observed in biological systems. Here, we present an ‘artificial infection’ process in which porphyrin-based monomers assemble into nanoparticles, and are then converted into nanofibres in the presence of an aliquot of the nanofibre, which acts as a ‘pathogen’. We have investigated the assembly phenomenon using isodesmic and cooperative models and found that it occurs through a delicate interplay of these two aggregation pathways. Using this understanding of the mechanism taking place, we have designed a living supramolecular polymerization of the porphyrin-based monomers. Despite the fact that the polymerization is non-covalent, the reaction kinetics are analogous to that of conventional chain growth polymerization, and the supramolecular polymers were synthesized with controlled length and narrow polydispersity.

Metastable Polymeric Nitrogen: The Ultimate Green High-Energy-Density Material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ciezak, Jennifer

2007-06-01

High-energy-high-density materials offering increased stability, vulnerability, and environmental safety are being aggressively pursued to meet the requirements of the DoD Joint Visions and Future Force. Nearly two decades ago, it was proposed that polymeric nitrogen would exceed all of these requirements and possess nearly five times the energy of any conventional energetic material in use today. The present study details an investigation into nitrogen polymerization using a novel high-pressure approach utilizing sodium azide as the starting material. Due to the weaker bonding structure of the anionic azide chains in comparison to a N-N triple bond, one expects that the azide chains will create single-covalently bonded polymeric networks more easily than diatomic nitrogen. A polymeric form of sodium azide was synthesized at high pressures, but the material was not metastable at ambient conditions, which precluded performance testing. Quantum chemical calculations have indicated stabilization of the polymeric structure at ambient conditions may be possible with the addition of hydrogen. Vibrational spectroscopic characterization suggests that a meta-stable polymeric form of nitrogen has been synthesized under high-pressure using sodium azide/hydrogen as the starting materials. This material remains stable at ambient conditions upwards of two weeks depending on the storage conditions.

Metallocene catalyst containing bulky organic group

DOEpatents

Marks, T.J.; Ja, L.; Yang, X.

1996-03-26

An ionic metallocene catalyst for olefin polymerization which comprises: (1) a cyclopentadienyl-type ligand, a Group IVB transition metal, and alkyl, aryl, or hydride substituents, as a cation, and (2) a weakly coordinating anion comprising boron substituted with halogenated, such as tetrafluoro-aryl substituents preferably containing silylalkyl substitution, such as para-silyl t-butyldimethyl.

Metallocene catalyst containing bulky organic group

DOEpatents

Marks, Tobin J.; Ja, Li; Yang, Xinmin

1996-03-26

An ionic metallocene catalyst for olefin polymerization which comprises: (1) a cyclopentadienyl-type ligand, a Group IVB transition metal, and alkyl, aryl, or hydride substituents, as a cation, and (2) a weakly coordinating anion comprising boron substituted with halogenated, such as tetra fluoro, aryl substituents preferably containing silylalkyl substitution, such as para-silyl t-butyldimethyl.

Revisiting structure-property relationship of pH-responsive polymers for drug delivery applications.

PubMed

Bazban-Shotorbani, Salime; Hasani-Sadrabadi, Mohammad Mahdi; Karkhaneh, Akbar; Serpooshan, Vahid; Jacob, Karl I; Moshaverinia, Alireza; Mahmoudi, Morteza

2017-05-10

pH-responsive polymers contain ionic functional groups as pendants in their structure. The total number of charged groups on polymer chains determines the overall response of the system to changes in the external pH. This article reviews various pH-responsive polymers classified as polyacids (e.g., carboxylic acid based polymers, sulfonamides, anionic polysaccharides, and anionic polypeptides) and polybases (e.g., polyamines, pyridine and imidazole containing polymers, cationic polysaccharides, and cationic polypeptides). We correlate the pH variations in the body at the organ level (e.g., gastrointestinal tract and vaginal environment), tissue level (e.g., cancerous and inflamed tissues), and cellular level (e.g., sub-cellular organelles), with the intrinsic properties of pH-responsive polymers. This knowledge could help to select more effective ('smart') polymeric systems based on the biological target. Considering the pH differences in the body, various drug delivery systems can be designed by utilizing smart biopolymeric compounds with the required pH-sensitivity. We also review the pharmaceutical application of pH-responsive polymeric carriers including hydrogels, polymer-drug conjugates, micelles, dendrimers, and polymersomes. © 2016.

Covalent Incorporation of Ionic Liquid into Ion-Conductive Networks via Thiol-Ene Photopolymerization.

PubMed

Tibbits, Andrew C; Yan, Yushan S; Kloxin, Christopher J

2017-07-01

Ene-functionalized ionic liquids with a range of different cationic groups and counteranions react stoichiometrically within a tetrathiol-divinyl ether formulation within 20 minutes to form thiol-ene polymers with measurable ionic conductivities via a photoinitiated polymerization and crosslinking reaction. Dynamic mechanical analysis indicates that these networks are more spatially heterogeneous and possess higher glass transition temperatures (T g ) compared with thiol-ene formulations without charge. While tuning the molar content of ionic liquid monomer is one method for adjusting the crosslink and charge densities of the thiol-ene polymeric ionic liquid networks, the presence of cation-anion interactions also plays a critical role in dictating the thermomechanical and conductive properties. Particularly, while cationic structure effects are not significant on the polymer properties, the use of a weakly coordinating hydrophobic anion (bistriflimide) instead of bromide-based networks results in an apparent decrease in hydrated ion conductivity (7.4 to 1.5 mS cm -1 ) and T g (-9.6 to -17.8 °C). © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

(Polyfluoroaryl) fluoroanions of aluminum, gallium, and indium of enhanced utility, uses thereof, and products based thereon

DOEpatents

Marks, Tobin J.; Chen, You-Xian

2001-01-01

The (polyfluoroaryl)fluoroanions of aluminum, gallium, and indium are novel weakly coordinating anions which are highly fluorinated. (Polyfluoroaryl)fluoroanions of one such type contain at least one ring substituent other than fluorine. These (polyfluoroaryl)fluoroanions of aluminum, gallium, and indium have greater solubility in organic solvents, or have a coordinative ability essentially equal to or less than that of the corresponding (polyfluoroaryl)fluoroanion of aluminum, gallium, or indium in which the substituent is replaced by fluorine. Another type of new (polyfluoroaryl)fluoroanion of aluminum, gallium, and indium have 1-3 perfluorinated fused ring groups and 2-0 perfluorophenyl groups. When used as a cocatalyst in the formation of novel catalytic complexes with d- or f-block metal compounds having at least one leaving group such as a methyl group, these anions, because of their weak coordination to the metal center, do not interfere in the ethylene polymerization process, while affecting the propylene process favorably, if highly isotactic polypropylene is desired. Thus, the (polyfluoroaryl)fluoroanions of aluminum, gallium, and indium of this invention are useful in various polymerization processes such as are described.

(Polyfluoroaryl) fluoroanions of aluminum, gallium, and indium of enhanced utility, uses thereof, and products based thereon

DOEpatents

Marks, Tobin J.; Chen, You-Xian

2002-01-01

The (polyfluoroaryl)fluoroanions of aluminum, gallium, and indium are novel weakly coordinating anions which are highly fluorinated. (Polyfluoroaryl)fluoroanions of one such type contain at least one ring substituent other than fluorine. These (polyfluoroaryl)fluoroanions of aluminum, gallium, and indium have greater solubility in organic solvents, or have a coordinative ability essentially equal to or less than that of the corresponding (polyfluoroaryl)fluoroanion of aluminum, gallium, or indium in which the substituent is replaced by fluorine. Another type of new (polyfluoroaryl)fluoroanion of aluminum, gallium, and indium have 1-3 perfluorinated fused ring groups and 2-0 perfluorophenyl groups. When used as a cocatalyst in the formation of novel catalytic complexes with d- or f-block metal compounds having at least one leaving group such as a methyl group, these anions, because of their weak coordination to the metal center, do not interfere in the ethylene polymerization process, while affecting the propylene process favorably, if highly isotactic polypropylene is desired. Thus, the (polyfluoroaryl)fluoroanions of aluminum, gallium, and indium of this invention are useful in various polymerization processes such as are described.

Engineering live cell surfaces with functional polymers via cytocompatible controlled radical polymerization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niu, Jia; Lunn, David J.; Pusuluri, Anusha; Yoo, Justin I.; O'Malley, Michelle A.; Mitragotri, Samir; Soh, H. Tom; Hawker, Craig J.

2017-06-01

The capability to graft synthetic polymers onto the surfaces of live cells offers the potential to manipulate and control their phenotype and underlying cellular processes. Conventional grafting-to strategies for conjugating preformed polymers to cell surfaces are limited by low polymer grafting efficiency. Here we report an alternative grafting-from strategy for directly engineering the surfaces of live yeast and mammalian cells through cell surface-initiated controlled radical polymerization. By developing cytocompatible PET-RAFT (photoinduced electron transfer-reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer polymerization), synthetic polymers with narrow polydispersity (Mw/Mn < 1.3) could be obtained at room temperature in 5 minutes. This polymerization strategy enables chain growth to be initiated directly from chain-transfer agents anchored on the surface of live cells using either covalent attachment or non-covalent insertion, while maintaining high cell viability. Compared with conventional grafting-to approaches, these methods significantly improve the efficiency of grafting polymer chains and enable the active manipulation of cellular phenotypes.

Preparation of anionic polyurethane nanoparticles and blood compatible behaviors.

PubMed

Zhu, Qinshu; Wang, Yan; Zhou, Min; Mao, Chun; Huang, Xiaohua; Bao, Jianchun; Shen, Jian

2012-05-01

The anionic polyurethane nanoparticles (APU-NPs) were obtained by an emulsion polymerization method. It was found that the average size of the prepared APU-NPs is about 84 nm, and the APU-NPs have zeta-potential of -38.9 mV. The bulk characterization of synthesized APU-NPs was investigated by FTIR. The blood compatibility of APU-NPs was characterized by in vitro for coagulation tests, complement activation, platelet activation, cytotoxicity experiments, and hemolysis assay. The results showed that the APU-NPs synthesized in this paper are blood compatible with low level of cell cytotoxicity, and the results were significant for their potential use in vivo.

Structural diversity of silver (I) azine complexes - Effect of substituents and counter anions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Patra, Goutam Kumar; Mukherjee, Anindita; Mitra, Partha; Adarsh, N. N.

2011-08-01

Three new Ag(I) complexes, 1, 2, and 3 of two azine ligands diacetyl dihydrazone ( L1) and benzil dihydrazone ( L2) have been synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies (for 2 and 3), X-ray powder diffraction studies( 1 and 2), elemental analyses, IR and UV-VIS spectroscopy and TGA analysis. They represent one-dimensional polymeric assemblies and discrete dinuclear Ag(I) complex depending on functionality of the ligands and the counter anions. Tetrahedral as well as square pyramidal coordination motifs of the silver (I) ions have been observed in the supramolecular designing of such hybrid organic-inorganic materials.

Chemoselective, Stereospecific, and Living Polymerization of Polar Divinyl Monomers by Chiral Zirconocenium Catalysts.

PubMed

Vidal, Fernando; Gowda, Ravikumar R; Chen, Eugene Y-X

2015-07-29

This contribution reports the first chemoselective, stereospecific, and living polymerization of polar divinyl monomers, enabled by chiral ansa-zirconocenium catalysts through an enantiomorphic-site controlled coordination-addition polymerization mechanism. Silyl-bridged-ansa-zirconocenium ester enolate 2 has been synthesized and structurally characterized, but it exhibits low to negligible activity and stereospecificity in the polymerization of polar divinyl monomers including vinyl methacrylate (VMA), allyl methacrylate (AMA), 4-vinylbenzyl methacrylate (VBMA), and N,N-diallyl acrylamide (DAA). In contrast, ethylene-bridged-ansa-zirconocenium ester enolate 1 is highly active and stereospecific in the polymerization of such monomers including AMA, VBMA, and DAA. The polymerization by 1 is perfectly chemoselective for all four polar divinyl monomers, proceeding exclusively through conjugate addition across the methacrylic C═C bond, while leaving the pendant C═C bonds intact. The polymerization of DAA is most stereospecific and controlled, producing essentially stereoperfect isotactic PDAA with [mmmm] > 99%, M(n) matching the theoretical value (thus a quantitative initiation efficiency), and a narrow molecular weight distribution (Đ = 1.06-1.16). The stereospecificity is slightly lower for the AMA polymerization but still leading to highly isotactic poly(allyl methacrylate) (PAMA) with 95-97% [mm]. The polymerization of VBMA is further less stereospecific, affording PVBMA with 90-94% [mm], while the polymerization VMA is least stereospecific. Several lines of evidence from both homo- and block copolymerization results have demonstrated living characteristics of the AMA polymerization by 1. Mechanistic studies of this polymerization have yielded a monometallic coordination-addition polymerization mechanism involving the eight-membered chelating intermediate. Post-functionalization of isotactic polymers bearing the pendant vinyl group on every repeating unit via the thiol-ene "click" reaction achieves a full conversion of all the pendant double bonds to the corresponding thioether bonds. Photocuring of such isotactic polymers is also successful, producing an elastic material readily characterizable by dynamic mechanical analysis.

The Effect of Microporous Polymeric Support Modification on Surface and Gas Transport Properties of Supported Ionic Liquid Membranes.

PubMed

Akhmetshina, Alsu A; Davletbaeva, Ilsiya M; Grebenschikova, Ekaterina S; Sazanova, Tatyana S; Petukhov, Anton N; Atlaskin, Artem A; Razov, Evgeny N; Zaripov, Ilnaz I; Martins, Carla F; Neves, Luísa A; Vorotyntsev, Ilya V

2015-12-30

Microporous polymers based on anionic macroinitiator and toluene 2,4-diisocyanate were used as a support for 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([bmim][PF₆]) and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([emim][Tf₂N]) immobilization. The polymeric support was modified by using silica particles associated in oligomeric media, and the influence of the modifier used on the polymeric structure was studied. The supported ionic liquid membranes (SILMs) were tested for He, N₂, NH₃, H₂S, and CO₂ gas separation and ideal selectivities were calculated. The high values of ideal selectivity for ammonia-based systems with permanent gases were observed on polymer matrixes immobilized with [bmim][PF₆] and [emim][Tf₂N]. The modification of SILMs by nanosize silica particles leads to an increase of NH₃ separation relatively to CO₂ or H₂S.

The effect of varying linker length on ion-transport properties in polymeric ionic liquids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keith, Jordan; Mogurampelly, Santosh; Wheatle, Bill; Ganesan, Venkat

We report results of atomistic molecular dynamics simulations on polymerized 1-butyl-3-(n-alkyl)imidazolium ionic liquids with PF6- counterions. Consistent with experimental observations, we observe that the mobility of the PF6- ions increases with increasing n-alkyl linker length. Analysis of our results suggests that the motion of PF6- ions is driven by intermolecular ion hopping between chains, which in turn is influenced by ion-pair coordination numbers and intermolecular ionic separation distances. With increasing linker length, we observe 1) the anions coordinating less closely with cations and 2) intermolecular hopping distances decreasing.

Polypyrrole-based bilayer nitrate amperometric biosensor with an integrated permselective poly-ortho-phenylenediamine layer for exclusion of inorganic interferences.

PubMed

Adeloju, Samuel B; Sohail, Manzar

2011-07-15

A bilayer amperometric nitrate biosensor with an integrated permselective layer has been developed for exclusion of inorganic anion and cation interferences. The inner PPy(polypyrrole)-NaR-NADH layer of the biosensor is formed by galvanostatic polymerization of pyrrole (Py) in presence of nitrate reductase (NaR) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), followed by formation of the outer permselective poly-ortho-phenylenediamine (P-o-PDA) layer by potentiodynamic polymerization of ortho-phenylenediamine (o-PDA). The exclusion efficiency (E(eff)) of the outer layer in rejecting inorganic cation and anion interferences is evaluated by a new proposed relationship. 73-87% and 47-84% of anion and cation interferences, respectively, were efficiently rejected with the permselective layer. Further improvement in the exclusion efficiency for cations was accomplished by combining the use of the outer layer with the addition of 1mM EDTA into the measurement solution. The addition of EDTA improved the E(eff) achieved for cation rejection by 10-40% to give net E(eff) of 89-94%. The inclusion of the outer layer also aided the retention of NaR and NADH in the inner PPy-NaR-NADH layer and, hence, enabled improved amperometric detection of nitrate, achieving a detection limit of 0.20 μM and a linear concentration range of 10-500 μM with a 3.4%rsd (n=10). Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Sol-gel chemistry by ring-opening polymerization

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

RAHIMIAN,KAMYAR; LOY,DOUGLAS A.

2000-02-07

Sol-gel processing of materials is plagued by shrinkage during polymerization of the alkoxide monomers and processing (aging and drying) of the resulting gels. The authors have developed a new class of hybrid organic-inorganic materials based on the solventless ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of monomers bearing the 2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-2,5-disilaoxacyclopentyl group, which permits them to drastically reduce shrinkage in sol-gel processed materials. Because the monomers are polymerized through a chain growth mechanism catalyzed by base rather than the step growth mechanism normally used in sol-gel systems, hydrolysis and condensation products are entirely eliminated. Furthermore, since water is not required for hydrolysis, an alcohol solventmore » is not necessary. Monomers with two disilaoxacyclopentyl groups, separated by a rigid phenylene group or a more flexible alkylene group, were prepared through disilylation of the corresponding diacetylenes, followed by ring closure and hydrogenation. Anionic polymerization of these materials, either neat or with 2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-2,5-disila-1-oxacyclopentane as a copolymer, affords thermally stable transparent gels with no visible shrinkage. These materials provide an easy route to the introduction of sol-gel type materials in encapsulation of microelectronics, which they have successfully demonstrated.« less

Crystal structure of poly[{μ-N,N′-bis[(pyridin-4-yl)meth­yl]oxalamide}-μ-oxalato-cobalt(II)

PubMed Central

Zou, Hengye; Qi, Yanjuan

2014-01-01

In the polymeric title compound, [Co(C2O4)(C14H14N4O2)]n, the CoII atom is six-coordinated by two N atoms from symmetry-related bis­[(pyridin-4-yl)meth­yl]oxalamide (BPMO) ligands and four O atoms from two centrosymmetric oxalate anions in a distorted octa­hedral coordination geometry. The CoII atoms are linked by the oxalate anions into a chain running parallel to [100]. The chains are linked by the BPMO ligands into a three-dimensional architecture. In addition, N—H⋯O hydrogen bonds stabilize the crystal packing. PMID:25309173

Design and Synthesis of Multigraft Copolymer Thermoplastic Elastomers: Superelastomers

DOE PAGES

Wang, Huiqun; Lu, Wei; Wang, Weiyu; ...

2017-09-28

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) have been widely studied because of their recyclability, good processibility, low production cost, and unique performance. The building of graft-type architectures can greatly improve mechanical properties of TPEs. This review focuses on the advances in different approaches to synthesize multigraft copolymer TPEs. Anionic polymerization techniques allow for the synthesis of well-defined macromolecular structures and compositions, with great control over the molecular weight, polydispersity, branch spacing, number of branch points, and branch point functionality. Progress in emulsion polymerization offers potential approaches to commercialize these types of materials with low production cost via simple operations. Moreover, the use ofmore » multigraft architecturesprovides a solution to the limited elongational properties of all-acrylic TPEs, which can greatly expand their potential application range. The combination of different polymerization techniques, the introduction of new chemical compositions, and the incorporation of sustainable sources are expected to be further investigated in this area in coming years.« less

The Effect of Microporous Polymeric Support Modification on Surface and Gas Transport Properties of Supported Ionic Liquid Membranes

PubMed Central

Akhmetshina, Alsu A.; Davletbaeva, Ilsiya M.; Grebenschikova, Ekaterina S.; Sazanova, Tatyana S.; Petukhov, Anton N.; Atlaskin, Artem A.; Razov, Evgeny N.; Zaripov, Ilnaz I.; Martins, Carla F.; Neves, Luísa A.; Vorotyntsev, Ilya V.

2015-01-01

Microporous polymers based on anionic macroinitiator and toluene 2,4-diisocyanate were used as a support for 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([bmim][PF6]) and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([emim][Tf2N]) immobilization. The polymeric support was modified by using silica particles associated in oligomeric media, and the influence of the modifier used on the polymeric structure was studied. The supported ionic liquid membranes (SILMs) were tested for He, N2, NH3, H2S, and CO2 gas separation and ideal selectivities were calculated. The high values of ideal selectivity for ammonia-based systems with permanent gases were observed on polymer matrixes immobilized with [bmim][PF6] and [emim][Tf2N]. The modification of SILMs by nanosize silica particles leads to an increase of NH3 separation relatively to CO2 or H2S. PMID:26729177

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Huiqun; Lu, Wei; Wang, Weiyu

Thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) have been widely studied because of their recyclability, good processibility, low production cost, and unique performance. The building of graft-type architectures can greatly improve mechanical properties of TPEs. This review focuses on the advances in different approaches to synthesize multigraft copolymer TPEs. Anionic polymerization techniques allow for the synthesis of well-defined macromolecular structures and compositions, with great control over the molecular weight, polydispersity, branch spacing, number of branch points, and branch point functionality. Progress in emulsion polymerization offers potential approaches to commercialize these types of materials with low production cost via simple operations. Moreover, the use ofmore » multigraft architecturesprovides a solution to the limited elongational properties of all-acrylic TPEs, which can greatly expand their potential application range. The combination of different polymerization techniques, the introduction of new chemical compositions, and the incorporation of sustainable sources are expected to be further investigated in this area in coming years.« less

Cyclopentadienyl-containing low-valent early transition metal olefin polymerization catalysts

DOEpatents

Marks, Tobin J.; Luo, Lubin; Yoon, Sung Cheol

2003-04-08

A catalyst system useful to polymerize and co-polymerize polar and non-polar olefin monomers is formed by in situ reduction with a reducing agent of a catalyst precursor comprising {Cp*MRR'.sub.n }.sup.+ {A}.sup.- wherein Cp* is a cyclopentadienyl or substituted cyclopentadienyl moiety; M is an early transition metal; R is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 hydrocarbyl; R' are independently selected from hydride, C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 hydrocarbyl, SiR".sub.3, NR".sub.2, OR", SR", GeR".sub.3, and SnR".sub.3 containing groups (R"=C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 hydrocarbyl); n is an integer selected to balance the oxidation state of M; and A is a suitable non-coordinating anionic cocatalyst or precursor. This catalyst system may form stereoregular olefin polymers including syndiotactic polymers of styrene and methylmethacrylate and isotactic copolymers of polar and nonpolar olefin monomers such as methylmethacrylate and styrene.

Cyclopentadienyl-containing low-valent early transition metal olefin polymerization catalysts

DOEpatents

Marks, Tobin J.; Luo, Lubin; Yoon, Sung Cheol

2003-12-30

A catalyst system useful to polymerize and co-polymerize polar and non-polar olefin monomers is formed by in situ reduction with a reducing agent of a catalyst precursor comprising wherein Cp* is a cyclopentadienyl or substituted cyclopentadienyl moiety; M is an early transition metal; R is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 hydrocarbyl; R' are independently selected from hydride, C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 hydrocarbyl, SiR".sub.3, NR".sub.2, OR", SR", GeR".sub.3, SnR".sub.3, and C.dbd.C containing groups (R".dbd.C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 hydrocarbyl); n is an integer selected to balance the oxidation state of M; and A is a suitable non-coordinating anionic cocatalyst or precursor. This catalyst system may form stereoregular olefin polymers including syndiotactic polymers of styrene and methylmethacrylate and isotactic copolymers of polar and nonpolar olefin monomers such as methylmethacrylate and styrene.

ADMET Polymerization Activities of Electrochemically Reduced W-Based Active Species for Ge- and Sn-Containing Dienes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Imamoglu, Yavuz; Aydogdu, Cemil; Karabulut, Solmaz; Düz, Bülent

In the last 20 years metal atom-containing polymers have become important classes of polymers [1]. Properties like high thermic stability, electric, and photo conductometry make them very interesting for producing films, fibers, and coating [2]. Many of these compounds can be synthesized by conventional methods [3]. For producing metal-containing polymers anionic, cationic, and radicalic polymerizations were used [4-6]. Metal-containing polymers were also synthesized via acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) polymerization that is facilitated by Schrock’s molybdenum alkylidene, or Grubbs’ ruthenium carbene catalyst [7-9]. In 1979, Gilet and coworkers succeeded in synthesizing metathetically active species from electrochemical reduction of WCl6 and MoCl5 [10,11]. In the light of these works, we have showed that electrochemically generated tungsten-based active species (WCl6-e--Al-CH2Cl2) catalyzes various metathesis-related reactions [12-16].

(Polyfluoroaryl)fluoroanions of aluminum, gallium, and indium of enhanced utility, uses thereof, and products based thereon

DOEpatents

Marks, Tobin J.; Chen, You-Xian

2001-01-01

The (polyfluoroaryl)fluoroanions of aluminum, gallium, and indium are novel weakly coordinating anions which are are highly fluorinated. (Polyfluoroaryl)fluoroanions of one such type contain at least one ring substituent other than fluorine. These (polyfluoroaryl)fluoroanions of aluminum, gallium, and indium have greater solubility in organic solvents, or have a coordinative ability essentially equal to or less than that of the corresponding (polyfluoroaryl)fluoroanion of aluminum, gallium, or indium in which the substituent is replaced by fluorine. Another type of new (polyfluoroaryl)fluoroanion of aluminum, gallium, and indium have 1-3 perfluorinated fused ring groups and 2-0 perfluorophenyl groups. When used as a cocatalyst in the formation of novel catalytic complexes with d- or f-block metal compounds having at least one leaving group such as a methyl group, these anions, because of their weak coordination to the metal center, do not interefere in the ethylene polymerization process, while affecting the the propylene process favorably, if highly isotactic polypropylene is desired. Thus, the (polyfluoroaryl)fluoroanions of aluminum, gallium, and indium of this invention are useful in various polymerization processes such as are described.

Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Adsorption of Poly(acrylic acid) and Poly(methacrylic acid) on Dodecyltrimethylammonium Chloride Micelle in Water: Effect of Charge Density.

PubMed

Sulatha, Muralidharan S; Natarajan, Upendra

2015-09-24

We have investigated the interaction of dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride (DoTA) micelle with weak polyelectrolytes, poly(acrylic acid) and poly(methacrylic acid). Anionic as well as un-ionized forms of the polyelectrolytes were studied. Polyelectrolyte-surfactant complexes were formed within 5-11 ns of the simulation time and were found to be stable. Association is driven purely by electrostatic interactions for anionic chains whereas dispersion interactions also play a dominant role in the case of un-ionized chains. Surfactant headgroup nitrogen atoms are in close contact with the carboxylic oxygens of the polyelectrolyte chain at a distance of 0.35 nm. In the complexes, the polyelectrolyte chains are adsorbed on to the hydrophilic micellar surface and do not penetrate into the hydrophobic core of the micelle. Polyacrylate chain shows higher affinity for complex formation with DoTA as compared to polymethacrylate chain. Anionic polyelectrolyte chains show higher interaction strength as compared to corresponding un-ionized chains. Anionic chains act as polymeric counterion in the complexes, resulting in the displacement of counterions (Na(+) and Cl(-)) into the bulk solution. Anionic chains show distinct shrinkage upon adsorption onto the micelle. Detailed information about the microscopic structure and binding characteristics of these complexes is in agreement with available experimental literature.

Effect of inorganic regenerant properties on pharmaceutical adsorption and desorption performance on polymer anion exchange resin.

PubMed

Zheng, Shaokui; Li, Xiaofeng; Zhang, Xueyu; Wang, Wei; Yuan, Shengliu

2017-09-01

This study investigated the potential effect of four frequently used inorganic regenerant properties (i.e., ionic strength, cation type, anion type, and regeneration solution volume) on the desorption and adsorption performance of 14 pharmaceuticals, belonging to 12 therapeutic classes with different predominant chemical forms and hydrophobicities, using polymeric anion exchange resin (AER)-packed fixed-bed column tests. After preconditioning with NaCl, NaOH, or saline-alkaline (SA) solutions, all resulting mobile counterion types of AERs effectively adsorbed all 14 pharmaceuticals, where the preferential magnitude of OH - -type = Cl -  + OH - -type > Cl - -type. During regeneration, ionic strength (1 M versus 3 M NaCl) had no significant influence on desorption performance for any of the 14 pharmaceuticals, while no regenerant cation (HCl versus NaCl) or anion type (NaCl versus NaOH and SA) achieved higher desorption efficiencies for all pharmaceuticals. A volumetric increase in 1 M or 3 M NaCl solutions significantly improved the desorption efficiencies of most pharmaceuticals, irrespective of ionic strength. The results indicate that regeneration protocols, including regenerant cation type, anion type and volume, should be optimized to improve pharmaceutical removal by AERs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

H-Bonding Assisted Self-Assembly of Anionic and Neutral Ligand on Metal: A Comprehensive Strategy To Mimic Ditopic Ligands in Olefin Polymerization.

PubMed

Mote, Nilesh R; Patel, Ketan; Shinde, Dinesh R; Gaikwad, Shahaji R; Koshti, Vijay S; Gonnade, Rajesh G; Chikkali, Samir H

2017-10-16

Self-assembly of two neutral ligands on a metal to mimic bidentate ligand coordination has been frequently encountered in the recent past, but self-assembly of an anionic ligand on a metal template alongside a neutral ligand remains an elusive target. Such a self-assembly is hampered by additional complexity, wherein a highly negatively charged anion can form intermolecular hydrogen bonding with the supramolecular motif, leaving no scope for self-assembly with neutral ligand. Presented here is the self-association of anionic ligand 3-ureidobenzoic acid (2a) and neutral ligand 1-(3-(diphenylphosphanyl)phenyl)urea (1a) on a metal template to yield metal complex [{COOC 6 H 4 NH(CO)NH 2 }{Ph 2 PC 6 H 4 NH(CO)NH 2 }PdMeDMSO] (4a). The identity of 4a was established by NMR and mass spectroscopy. Along the same lines, 3-(3-phenylureido)benzoic acid (2b) and 1-(3-(diphenylphosphanyl)phenyl)-3-phenylurea (1b) self-assemble on a metal template to produce palladium complex [{COOC 6 H 4 NH(CO)NHPh}{Ph 2 PC 6 H 4 NH(CO)NHPh}PdMePy] (5c). The existence of 5c was confirmed by Job plot, 1-2D NMR spectroscopy, deuterium labeling, IR spectroscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, model complex synthesis, and DFT calculations. These solution and gas phase investigations authenticated the presence of intramolecular hydrogen bonding between hydrogen's of 1b and carbonyl oxygen of 2b. The generality of the supramolecular approach has been validated by preparing six complexes from four monodentate ligands, and their synthetic utility was demonstrated in ethylene polymerization. Complex 4a was found to be the most active, leading to the production of highly branched polyethylene with a molecular weight of 55700 g/mol and melting temperature of 112 °C.

Polarization Effects on the Cellulose Dissolution in Ionic Liquids: Molecular Dynamics Simulations with Polarization Model and Integrated Tempering Enhanced Sampling Method.

PubMed

Kan, Zigui; Zhu, Qiang; Yang, Lijiang; Huang, Zhixiong; Jin, Biaobing; Ma, Jing

2017-05-04

Conformation of cellulose with various degree of polymerization of n = 1-12 in ionic liquid 1,3-dimethylimidazolium chloride ([C 1 mim]Cl) and the intermolecular interaction between them was studied by means of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with fixed-charge and charge variable polarizable force fields, respectively. The integrated tempering enhanced sampling method was also employed in the simulations in order to improve the sampling efficiency. Cellulose undergoes significant conformational changes from a gaseous right-hand helical twist along the long axis to a flexible conformation in ionic liquid. The intermolecular interactions between cellulose and ionic liquid were studied by both infrared spectrum measurements and theoretical simulations. Designated by their puckering parameters, the pyranose rings of cellulose oligomers are mainly arranged in a chair conformation. With the increase in the degree of polymerization of cellulose, the boat and skew-boat conformations of cellulose appear in the MD simulations, especially in the simulations with polarization model. The number and population of hydrogen bonds between the cellulose and the chloride anions show that chloride anion is prone to form HBs whenever it approaches the hydroxyl groups of cellulose and, thus, each hydroxyl group is fully hydrogen bonded to the chloride anion. MD simulations with polarization model presented more abundant conformations than that with nonpolarization model. The application of the enhanced sampling method further enlarged the conformational spaces that could be visited by facilitating the system escaping from the local minima. It was found that the electrostatics interactions between the cellulose and ionic liquid contribute more to the total interaction energies than the van der Waals interactions. Although the interaction energy between the cellulose and anion is about 2.9 times that between the cellulose and cation, the role of cation is non-negligible. In contrast, the interaction energy between the cellulose and water is too weak to dissolve cellulose in water.

Molecular engineering of side-chain liquid crystalline polymers by living cationic polymerization using Webster`s initiating system

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Percec, V.

1993-12-31

Webster`s cationic initiating system (HO{sub 3}SCF{sub 3}/SMe{sub 2}) (Macromolecules, 23, 1918 (1990)) was shown by us (for a review see Adv. Mater., 4, 548 (1992)) to polymerize, via a living mechanism, mesogenic vinyl ethers which contain a large variety of functional groups. This is mostly because SMe{sub 2} is a softer nucleophile than any of the functional groups available in these monomers. The molecular engineering of side-chain liquid crystalline polymers with conventional and complex architectures via this polymerization technique will be discussed.

Photochemical removal of aniline in aqueous solutions: switching from photocatalytic degradation to photo-enhanced polymerization recovery.

PubMed

Tang, Heqing; Li, Jing; Bie, Yeqiang; Zhu, Lihua; Zou, Jing

2010-03-15

Organic pollutants may be treated by either a degradation process or a recovery process in the view point of sustainable chemistry. Photocatalytic removal of aniline was investigated in aqueous solutions. It was found that the photocatalytic oxidation of aniline resulted in its degradation or polymerization, depending on its concentration. Hence a new treatment strategy was proposed in combination of photocatalytic degradation and polymerization, where the polymerization was in fact a recovery process. When aniline concentration was as low as 0.1 mmol L(-1), it was possible to photocatalytically degrade aniline, which could be further enhanced by increasing solution pH, modifying TiO(2) surface with the addition of anions, or coupling with the photoreduction of added oxidants. When aniline concentration was increased to about 1 mmol L(-1), the photocatalytic oxidation was observed to yield the polymerization of aniline, leading to nanocomposites of polyaniline (PAN) and TiO(2). Alternatively, the photo-enhanced chemical polymerization of aniline at higher concentrations (>or=50 mmol L(-1)) in the presence of chemical oxidants produced PAN nanostructures. The conversion of pollutant aniline to valuable PAN nanostructures or nano-PAN/TiO(2) composites is suggestive for possible applications in the treatment of aniline wastewaters as a sustainable environmental protection measure. (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Electrical and Environmental Studies of Conduction Polymers.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-01-17

Carbonate), 0.25M Tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate (Bu4 NPF 6 )/THF, and 0.25M Lithium Trifluoromethyl sulfonate (LiCF3 SO 3)frHF. Lithium ...processible polymeric component Other anions commonly used in synthesizing polypyrrole, namely, tetrafluoroborate, hexafluorophosphate rifluoromethyl...are perchlorate (CI0 4 "), tetrafluoroborate (BF 4 "), trifluoromethyl sulfonate (CF3 SO"), hexafluorophosphate (PF6 ") and p-toluene sulfonate (PTS

Highly selective optical fluoride ion sensor with submicromolar detection limit based on aluminum(III) octaethylporphyrin in thin polymeric film.

PubMed

Badr, Ibrahim H A; Meyerhoff, Mark E

2005-04-20

A highly selective, sensitive, and reversible fluoride optical sensing film based on aluminum(III)octaethylporphyrin as a fluoride ionophore and a lipophilic pH indicator as the optical transducer is described. The fluoride optical sensing films exhibit a submicromolar detection limit and high discrimination for fluoride over several lipophilic anions such as nitrate, perchlorate, and thiocyanate.

Determination of the dissolved anion composition of ancient lakes from fossil ostracodes.

USGS Publications Warehouse

Forester, R.M.

1986-01-01

The mineralogy of evaporite and other precipitated minerals has provided traditional sources of information about the major dissolved ion composition of ancient lakes. The paleocompositional resolving power of these methods is generally greatest in high-salinity lakes. Ostracodes live in dilute saline lakes where a species occurrence is determined by the relative proportions of the lake's major dissolved anions, so that each species describes specific areas on an anion trilinear diagram. The upper salinity tolerance of each species depends upon the types of major anions in solution and is therefore anion-specific. Knowledge about both anion and anion-salinity tolerances of an ostracode may ultimately provide a means of estimating absolute anion concentrations in paleolakes. Because ostracodes are common fossils in lake sediments, they provide an important new source of original paleocompositional information suitable for many geologic, climatic, geochemical, and paleontologic studies. -from Author

Poly(terphenylene) Anion Exchange Membranes: The Effect of Backbone Structure on Morphology and Membrane Property

DOE PAGES

Lee, Woo-Hyung; Park, Eun Joo; Han, Junyoung; ...

2017-05-05

A new design concept for ion-conducting polymers in anion exchange membranes (AEMs) fuel cells is proposed based on structural studies and conformational analysis of polymers and their effect on the properties of AEMs. Thermally, chemically, and mechanically stable terphenyl-based polymers with pendant quaternary ammonium alkyl groups were synthesized to investigate the effect of varying the arrangement of the polymer backbone and cation-tethered alkyl chains. The results demonstrate that the microstructure and morphology of these polymeric membranes significantly influence ion conductivity and fuel cell performance. Finally, the results of this study provide new insights that will guide the molecular design ofmore » polymer electrolyte materials to improve fuel cell performance.« less

A selective optical sensor based on [9]mercuracarborand-3, a new type of ionophore with a chloride complexing cavity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Badr, I. H.; Johnson, R. D.; Diaz, M.; Hawthorne, M. F.; Bachas, L. G.; Daunert, S. (Principal Investigator)

2000-01-01

A highly selective optical sensor for chloride, based on the multidentate Lewis acid ionophore [9]mercuracarborand-3, is described herein. This sensor is constructed by embedding the mercuracarborand ionophore, a suitable pH-sensitive lipophilic dye, and lipophilic cationic sites in a plasticized polymeric membrane. The multiple complementary interactions offered by the preorganized complexing cavity of [9]mercuracarborand-3 is shown to control the anion selectivity pattern of the optical film. The film exhibits a significantly enhanced selectivity for chloride over a variety of lipophilic anions such as perchlorate, nitrate, salicylate, and thiocyanate. Furthermore, the optical selectivity coefficients obtained for chloride over other biologically relevant anions are shown to meet the selectivity requirements for the determination of chloride in physiological fluids, unlike previously reported chloride optical sensors. In addition, the optical film responds to chloride reversibly over a wide dynamic range (16 microM-136 mM) with fast response and recovery times.

A new pyrene based highly sensitive fluorescence probe for copper(II) and fluoride with living cell application.

PubMed

Goswami, Shyamaprosad; Chakraborty, Shampa; Paul, Sima; Halder, Sandipan; Panja, Sukanya; Mukhopadhyay, Subhra Kanti

2014-05-21

A new pyrene based fluorescence probe has been synthesized for fluorogenic detection of Cu(2+) in acetonitrile-aqueous media (7 : 3 CH3CN-HEPES buffer, v/v, at pH 7.5) with bioimaging in both prokaryotic (Candida albicans cells) and eukaryotic (Tecoma stans pollen cells) living cells. The anion recognition properties of the sensor have also been studied in acetonitrile by fluorescence methods which show remarkable sensitivity toward fluoride over other anions examined.

Design and Synthesis of Network-Forming Triblock Copolymers Using Tapered Block Interfaces

PubMed Central

Kuan, Wei-Fan; Roy, Raghunath; Rong, Lixia; Hsiao, Benjamin S.; Epps, Thomas H.

2012-01-01

We report a strategy for generating novel dual-tapered poly(isoprene-b-isoprene/styrene-b-styrene-b-styrene/methyl methacrylate-b-methyl methacrylate) [P(I-IS-S-SM-M)] triblock copolymers that combines anionic polymerization, atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), and Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition click chemistry. The tapered interfaces between blocks were synthesized via a semi-batch feed using programmable syringe pumps. This strategy allows us to manipulate the transition region between copolymer blocks in triblock copolymers providing control over the interfacial interactions in our nanoscale phase-separated materials independent of molecular weight and block constituents. Additionally, we show the ability to retain a desirous and complex multiply-continuous network structure (alternating gyroid) in our dual-tapered triblock material. PMID:23066522

A quinoline-based Cu2 + ion complex fluorescence probe for selective detection of inorganic phosphate anion in aqueous solution and its application to living cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dai, Yanpeng; Wang, Peng; Fu, Jiaxin; Yao, Kun; Xu, Kuoxi; Pang, Xiaobin

2017-08-01

A quinaldine functionalized probe QP has been designed and synthesized. It exhibited selective turn-off fluorescence response toward Cu2 + ion over most of the biologically important ions at physiological pH. The binding ratio of the probe QP and Cu2 + ion was determined to be 1:1 through fluorescence titration, Job's plot and ESI-MS. The binding constant (K) of Cu2 + to probe QP was found to be 2.12 × 104 M- 1. Further, the Cu2 + ensemble of probe QP was found to respond H2PO4- and HPO42 - among other important biological anions via fluorescence turn-on response at physiological pH. Fluorescence microscopy imaging using living Hela cells showed that probe QP could be used as an effective fluorescent probe for detecting Cu2 + cation and H2PO4- and HPO42 - anions in living cells.

A quinoline-based Cu2+ ion complex fluorescence probe for selective detection of inorganic phosphate anion in aqueous solution and its application to living cells.

PubMed

Dai, Yanpeng; Wang, Peng; Fu, Jiaxin; Yao, Kun; Xu, Kuoxi; Pang, Xiaobin

2017-08-05

A quinaldine functionalized probe QP has been designed and synthesized. It exhibited selective turn-off fluorescence response toward Cu 2+ ion over most of the biologically important ions at physiological pH. The binding ratio of the probe QP and Cu 2+ ion was determined to be 1:1 through fluorescence titration, Job's plot and ESI-MS. The binding constant (K) of Cu 2+ to probe QP was found to be 2.12×10 4 M -1 . Further, the Cu 2+ ensemble of probe QP was found to respond H 2 PO 4 - and HPO 4 2- among other important biological anions via fluorescence turn-on response at physiological pH. Fluorescence microscopy imaging using living Hela cells showed that probe QP could be used as an effective fluorescent probe for detecting Cu 2+ cation and H 2 PO 4 - and HPO 4 2- anions in living cells. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Syntheses, crystal structures, and properties of six new lanthanide(III) transition metal tellurium(IV) oxyhalides with three types of structures.

PubMed

Shen, Yue-Ling; Mao, Jiang-Gao

2005-07-25

Solid-state reactions of lanthanide(III) oxide (and lanthanide(III) oxyhalide), transition metal halide (and transition metal oxide), and TeO(2) at high temperature lead to six new lanthanide transition metal tellurium(IV) oxyhalides with three different types of structures, namely, DyCuTe(2)O(6)Cl, ErCuTe(2)O(6)Cl, ErCuTe(2)O(6)Br, Sm(2)Mn(Te(5)O(13))Cl(2), Dy(2)Cu(Te(5)O(13))Br(2), and Nd(4)Cu(TeO(3))(5)Cl(3). Compounds DyCuTe(2)O(6)Cl, ErCuTe(2)O(6)Cl, and ErCuTe(2)O(6)Br are isostructural. The lanthanide(III) ion is eight-coordinated by eight oxygen atoms, and the copper(II) ion is five-coordinated by four oxygens and a halide anion in a distorted square pyramidal geometry. The interconnection of Ln(III) and Cu(II) ions by bridging tellurite anions results in a three-dimensional (3D) network with tunnels along the a-axis; the halide anion and the lone-pair electrons of the tellurium(IV) ions are oriented toward the cavities of the tunnels. Compounds Sm(2)Mn(Te(5)O(13))Cl(2) and Dy(2)Cu(Te(5)O(13))Br(2) are isostructural. The lanthanide(III) ions are eight-coordinated by eight oxygens, and the divalent transition metal ion is octahedrally coordinated by six oxygens. Two types of polymeric tellurium(IV) oxide anions are formed: Te(3)O(8)(4)(-) and Te(4)O(10)(4)(-). The interconnection of the lanthanide(III) and divalent transition metal ions by the above two types of polymeric tellurium(IV) oxide anions leads to a 3D network with long, narrow-shaped tunnels along the b-axis. The halide anions remain isolated and are located at the above tunnels. Nd(4)Cu(TeO(3))(5)Cl(3) features a different structure. All five of the Nd(III) ions are eight-coordinated (NdO(8) for Nd(1), Nd(2), Nd(4), and Nd(5) and NdO(7)Cl for Nd(3)), and the copper(I) ion is tetrahedrally coordinated by four chloride anions. The interconnection of Nd(III) ions by bridging tellurite anions resulted in a 3D network with large tunnels along the b-axis. The CuCl(4) tetrahedra are interconnected into a 1D two-unit repeating (zweier) chain via corner-sharing. These 1D copper(I) chloride chains are inserted into the tunnels of the neodymium(III) tellurite via Nd-Cl-Cu bridges. Luminescent studies show that ErCuTe(2)O(6)Cl and Nd(4)Cu(TeO(3))(5)Cl(3) exhibit strong luminescence in the near-IR region. Magnetic measurements indicate the antiferromagnetic interactions between magnetic centers in these compounds.

Composite materials with improved phyllosilicate dispersion

DOEpatents

Chaiko, David J.

2004-09-14

The present invention provides phyllosilicates edge modified with anionic surfactants, composite materials made from the edge modified phyllosilicates, and methods for making the same. In various embodiments the phyllosilicates are also surface-modified with hydrophilic lipophilic balance (HLB) modifying agents, polymeric hydrotropes, and antioxidants. The invention also provides blends of edge modified phyllosilicates and semicrystalline waxes. The composite materials are made by dispersing the edge modified phyllosilicates with polymers, particularly polyolefins and elastomers.

Novel, Solvent Free, Single Ion Conductive Polymer Electrolytes (Warsaw-2001)

DTIC Science & Technology

2004-10-18

application in lithium and lithium - ion batteries , characterized by limited participation of anions in the transport of electrical charge. Studies...with studies on novel chemical energy conversion and storage devices mainly lithium or lithium ion batteries and fuel cells [1]. Our work within...this part of the project dealt with these novel ideas in the field of lithium or lithium - ion batteries based on polymeric solid electrolytes. The solid

Tailoring Pore Size and Chemical Interior of near 1 nm Sized Pores in a Nanoporous Polymer Based on a Discotic Liquid Crystal

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

A triazine based disc shaped molecule with two hydrolyzable units, imine and ester groups, was polymerized via acyclic diene metathesis in the columnar hexagonal (Colhex) LC phase. Fabrication of a cationic nanoporous polymer (pore diameter ∼1.3 nm) lined with ammonium groups at the pore surface was achieved by hydrolysis of the imine linkage. Size selective aldehyde uptake by the cationic porous polymer was demonstrated. The anilinium groups in the pores were converted to azide as well as phenyl groups by further chemical treatment, leading to porous polymers with neutral functional groups in the pores. The pores were enlarged by further hydrolysis of the ester groups to create ∼2.6 nm pores lined with −COONa surface groups. The same pores could be obtained in a single step without first hydrolyzing the imine linkage. XRD studies demonstrated that the Colhex order of the monomer was preserved after polymerization as well as in both the nanoporous polymers. The porous anionic polymer lined with −COOH groups was further converted to the −COOLi, −COONa, −COOK, −COOCs, and −COONH4 salts. The porous polymer lined with −COONa groups selectively adsorbs a cationic dye, methylene blue, over an anionic dye. PMID:28416888

Detecting Levels of Polyquaternium-10 (PQ-10) via Potentiometric Titration with Dextran Sulphate and Monitoring the Equivalence Point with a Polymeric Membrane-Based Polyion Sensor.

PubMed

Ferguson, Stephen A; Wang, Xuewei; Meyerhoff, Mark E

2016-08-07

Polymeric quaternary ammonium salts (polyquaterniums) have found increasing use in industrial and cosmetic applications in recent years. More specifically, polyquaternium-10 (PQ-10) is routinely used in cosmetic applications as a conditioner in personal care product formulations. Herein, we demonstrate the use of potentiometric polyion-sensitive polymeric membrane-based electrodes to quantify PQ-10 levels. Mixtures containing both PQ-10 and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) are used as model samples to illustrate this new method. SLS is often present in cosmetic samples that contain PQ-10 (e.g., shampoos, etc.) and this surfactant species interferes with the polyion sensor detection chemistry. However, it is shown here that SLS can be readily separated from the PQ-10/SLS mixture by use of an anion-exchange resin and that the PQ-10 can then be titrated with dextran sulphate (DS). This titration is monitored by potentiometric polyanion sensors to provide equivalence points that are directly proportional to PQ-10 concentrations.

Coupling of 3,8-Dibromo-1,10-Phenanthroline With 3,5-Diethynylheptyloxybenzene: A Suzuki/Miyaura Versus a Sonogashira Perspective

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Yang, Jinhua; Oh, Woon Su; Elder, Ian A.; Leventis, Nicholas; Sotiriou-Leventis, Chariklia

2003-01-01

We report a new application of the Suzuki-Miyaura reaction whereas two bifunctional reactants, 3,8-dibromo-1,10-phenanthroline and 3,5-diethynylheptyloxylbenzene (9), yield 3,8-bis (3-ethynyl-5-heptyloxyphenylethynyl)-1,10-phenanthroline (2) efficiently (74% yield) without polymerization. This was achieved by reacting a stoichiometric amount of 9 and (Me3Si)2NLi to obtain quantitatively the monoacetylide anion of 9 (10). The latter was activated with B-methoxy-9-BBN and reacted in analogy to the alkynyl copper complex of a Sonogashira route. However, in the Sonogashira reaction, the alkynyl copper complex is present in small equilibrium concentrations and polymerization takes place even when reagents are mixed slowly. Actually the Sonogashira route gave no desired product 2, as the latter polymerizes easily via homo-coupling in the presence of air and Cu(I). Sonogashira coupling involves the palladium(0) catalyzed reaction of terminal alkynes.

Cyclopentadienyl-containing low-valent early transition metal olefin polymerization catalysts

DOEpatents

Marks, Tobin J.; Luo, Lubin; Yoon, Sung Cheol

2006-10-10

A catalyst system useful to polymerize and co-polymerize polar and non-polar olefin monomers is formed by in situ reduction with a reducing agent of a catalyst precursor comprising {Cp*MRR'.sub.n}.sup.+{A}.sup.- wherein Cp* is a cyclopentadienyl or substituted cyclopentadienyl moiety; M is an early transition metal; R is a C.sub.1 C.sub.20 hydrocarbyl; R' are independently selected from hydride, C.sub.1 C.sub.20 hydrocarbyl, SiR''.sub.3, NR''.sub.2, OR'', SR'', GeR''.sub.3, SnR''.sub.3, and C.dbd.C-containing groups (R''=C.sub.1 C.sub.10 hydrocarbyl); n is an integer selected to balance the oxidation state of M; and A is a suitable non-coordinating anionic cocatalyst or precursor. This catalyst system may form stereoregular olefin polymers including syndiotactic polymers of styrene and methylmethacrylate and isotactic copolymers of polar and nonpolar olefin monomers such as methylmethacrylate and styrene.

Cyclopentadienyl-containing low-valent early transition metal olefin polymerization catalysts

DOEpatents

Marks, Tobin J.; Luo, Lubin; Yoon, Sung Cheol

2007-01-09

A catalyst system useful to polymerize and co-polymerize polar and non-polar olefin monomers is formed by in situ reduction with a reducing agent of a catalyst precursor comprising {Cp*MRR'.sub.n}.sup.+{A}.sup.- wherein Cp* is a cyclopentadienyl or substituted cyclopentadienyl moiety; M is an early transition metal; R is a C.sub.1 C.sub.20 hydrocarbyl; R' are independently selected from hydride, C.sub.1 C.sub.20 hydrocarbyl, SiR''.sub.3, NR''.sub.2, OR'', SR'', GeR''.sub.3, SnR''.sub.3, and C.dbd.C-containing groups (R''=C.sub.1 C.sub.10 hydrocarbyl); n is an integer selected to balance the oxidation state of M; and A is a suitable non-coordinating anionic cocatalyst or precursor. This catalyst system may form stereoregular olefin polymers including syndiotactic polymers of styrene and methylmethacrylate and isotactic copolymers of polar and nonpolar olefin monomers such as methylmethacrylate and styrene.

Cyclopentadienyl-Containing Low-Valent Early Transition Metal Olefin Polymerization Catalysts

DOEpatents

Marks, Tobin J.; Luo, Lubin; Yoon, Sung Cheol

2004-06-08

A catalyst system useful to polymerize and co-polymerize polar and non-polar olefin monomers is formed by in situ reduction with a reducing agent of a catalyst precursor comprising {Cp*MRR'.sub.n }.sup.+ {A}.sup.- wherein Cp* is a cyclopentadienyl or substituted cyclopentadienyl moiety; M is an early transition metal; R is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 hydrocarbyl; R' are independently selected from hydride, C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 hydrocarbyl, SiR".sub.3, NR".sub.2, OR", SR", GeR".sub.3, SnR".sub.3, and C.dbd.C-containing groups (R"=C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 hydrocarbyl); n is an integer selected to balance the oxidation state of M; and A is a suitable non-coordinating anionic cocatalyst or precursor. This catalyst system may form stereoregular olefin polymers including syndiotactic polymers of styrene and methylmethacrylate and isotactic copolymers of polar and nonpolar olefin monomers such as methylmethacrylate and styrene.

Polymeric ionic liquid modified graphene oxide-grafted silica for solid-phase extraction to analyze the excretion-dynamics of flavonoids in urine by Box-Behnken statistical design.

PubMed

Hou, Xiudan; Liu, Shujuan; Zhou, Panpan; Li, Jin; Liu, Xia; Wang, Licheng; Guo, Yong

2016-07-22

A solid-phase extraction method for the efficient analysis of the excretion-dynamics of flavonoids in urine was established and described. In this work, in situ surface radical chain-transfer polymerization and in situ anion exchange were utilized to tune the extraction performance of poly(1-vinyl-3-hexylimidazolium bromide)-graphene oxide-grafted silica (poly(VHIm(+)Br(-))@GO@Sil). Graphene oxide (GO) was first coated onto the silica using a layer-by-layer fabrication method, and then the anion of poly(VHIm(+)Br(-))@GO@Sil was changed into hexafluorophosphate (PF6(-)) by in situ anion exchange. The interaction energies between two PILs and four flavonoids were calculated with the Gaussian09 suite of programs. A Box-Behnken design was used for the optimization of four greatly influential parameters after single-factor experiments to obtain more accurate and precise results. Coupled to high performance liquid chromatography, the poly(VHIm(+)PF6(-))@GO@Sil method showed acceptable extraction recoveries for the four flavonoids, with limits of detection in the range of 0.1-0.5μgL(-1), and wide linear ranges with correlation coefficients (R) ranging from 0.9935 to 0.9987. Under the optimum conditions, the proposed method was applied to analyze the urines collected from a healthy volunteer. The excretion amount-time profiles revealed that 4-15h was the main excretion time for the detected flavonoids. The results indicated that the newly developed method offered the advantages of being feasible, green and cost-effective, and could be successfully applied to the extraction and enrichment of flavonoids in human body systems allowing the study of the metabolic kinetics. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Influence of the type of oxidant on anion exchange properties of fibrous Cladophora cellulose/polypyrrole composites.

PubMed

Razaq, Aamir; Mihranyan, Albert; Welch, Ken; Nyholm, Leif; Strømme, Maria

2009-01-15

The electrochemically controlled anion absorption properties of a novel large surface area composite paper material composed of polypyrrole (PPy) and cellulose derived from Cladophora sp. algae, synthesized with two oxidizing agents, iron(III) chloride and phosphomolybdic acid (PMo), were analyzed in four different electrolytes containing anions (i.e., chloride, aspartate, glutamate, and p-toluenesulfonate) of varying size.The composites were characterized with scanning and transmission electron microscopy, N2 gas adsorption,and conductivity measurements. The potential-controlled ion exchange properties of the materials were studied by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry at varying potentials. The surface area and conductivity of the iron(III) chloride synthesized sample were 58.8 m2/g and 0.65 S/cm, respectively, while the corresponding values for the PMo synthesized sample were 31.3 m2/g and 0.12 S/cm. The number of absorbed ions per sample mass was found to be larger for the iron(III) chloride synthesized sample than for the PMo synthesized one in all four electrolytes. Although the largest extraction yields were obtained in the presence of the smallest anion (i.e., chloride) for both samples, the relative degree of extraction for the largest ions (i.e., glutamate and p-toluenesulfonate) was higher for the PMo sample. This clearly shows that it is possible to increase the extraction yield of large anions by carrying out the PPy polymerization in the presence of large anions. The results likewise show that high ion exchange capacities, as well as extraction and desorption rates, can be obtained for large anions with high surface area composites coated with relatively thin layers of PPy.

Fabrication of high-capacity polyelectrolyte brush-grafted porous AAO-silica composite membrane via RAFT polymerization.

PubMed

Song, Cunfeng; Wang, Meijie; Liu, Xin; Wang, He; Chen, Xiaoling; Dai, Lizong

2017-09-01

Surface-initiated reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization has been utilized to fabricate high-capacity strong anion-exchange (AEX) membrane for the separation of protein. By means of RAFT polymerization, quaternized poly(3-(methacrylamidomethyl)-pyridine) brushes formed 3-dimensional nanolayers on the surface of porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO)-silica composite membrane. The surface properties of the membranes were analyzed by SEM, water contact angle, ATR-FTIR, XPS and TGA. To investigate the adsorption performance, the new AEX membranes were applied to recover a model protein, ovalbumin (OVA). High adsorption capacities of 95.8mg/g membranes (static) and 65.3mg/g membranes (dynamic) were obtained at ambient temperature. In the further studies, up to 90% of the adsorbed OVA was efficiently eluted by using phosphate buffer-1M NaCl as elution medium. The successful separation of OVA with high purity from a mixture protein solution was also achieved by using the AEX membranes. The present study demonstrated that under mild reaction condition, RAFT polymerization can be used to fabricate ion-exchange membrane which has many remarkable features, such as high capacity and selectivity, easy elution and so on. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

A dual pH and temperature responsive polymeric fluorescent sensor and its imaging application in living cells.

PubMed

Yin, Liyan; He, Chunsheng; Huang, Chusen; Zhu, Weiping; Wang, Xin; Xu, Yufang; Qian, Xuhong

2012-05-11

A polymeric fluorescent sensor PNME, consisting of A4 and N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) units, was synthesized. PNME exhibited dual responses to pH and temperature, and could be used as an intracellular pH sensor for lysosomes imaging. Moreover, it also could sense different temperature change in living cells at 25 and 37 °C, respectively. This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2012

Complex and hierarchical micelle architectures from diblock copolymers using living, crystallization-driven polymerizations.

PubMed

Gädt, Torben; Ieong, Nga Sze; Cambridge, Graeme; Winnik, Mitchell A; Manners, Ian

2009-02-01

Block copolymers consist of two or more chemically distinct polymer segments, or blocks, connected by a covalent link. In a selective solvent for one of the blocks, core-corona micelle structures are formed. We demonstrate that living polymerizations driven by the epitaxial crystallization of a core-forming metalloblock represent a synthetic tool that can be used to generate complex and hierarchical micelle architectures from diblock copolymers. The use of platelet micelles as initiators enables the formation of scarf-like architectures in which cylindrical micelle tassels of controlled length are grown from specific crystal faces. A similar process enables the fabrication of brushes of cylindrical micelles on a crystalline homopolymer substrate. Living polymerizations driven by heteroepitaxial growth can also be accomplished and are illustrated by the formation of tri- and pentablock and scarf architectures with cylinder-cylinder and platelet-cylinder connections, respectively, that involve different core-forming metalloblocks.

Determination of arsenate and organic arsenic via potentiometric titration of its heteropoly anions.

PubMed

Metelka, R; Slavíková, S; Vytras, K

2002-08-16

Determination of arsenate based on its conversion to molybdoarsenate heteropoly anions followed by potentiometric titration is described. The titration is realized on the ion-pairing principle using cetylpyridinium chloride (or an analogous titrant containing a lipophilic cation), and is monitored by a carbon paste electrode, although other liquid-polymeric membrane-based electrodes can also be used. Calibration plots of the titrant end-point consumption versus concentration of arsenic were constructed and used to evaluate the content of arsenic in aqueous samples. The method could be applied in the analyses of samples with quite low arsenic content (amounts approximately 10 mug As in 50 cm(3) could be titrated). Organic arsenic was determined analogously after the Schöniger combustion of the sample and conversion of its arsenic to arsenate.

Synthetic strategy for preparing chiral double-semicrystalline polyether block copolymers

DOE PAGES

McGrath, Alaina J.; Shi, Weichao; Rodriguez, Christina G.; ...

2014-12-11

Here, we report an effective strategy for the synthesis of semi-crystalline block copolyethers with well-defined architecture and stereochemistry. As an exemplary system, triblock copolymers containing either atactic (racemic) or isotactic ( R or S) poly(propylene oxide) end blocks with a central poly(ethylene oxide) mid-block were prepared by anionic ring-opening procedures. Stereochemical control was achieved by an initial hydrolytic kinetic resolution of racemic terminal epoxides followed by anionic ring-opening polymerization of the enantiopure monomer feedstock. The resultant triblock copolymers were highly isotactic (meso triads [ mm]% ~ 90%) with optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, wide angle x-ray scattering and small anglemore » x-ray scattering being used to probe the impact of the isotacticity on the resultant polymer and hydrogel properties.« less

Highly specific and reversible fluoride sensor based on an organic semiconductor.

PubMed

Aboubakr, Hecham; Brisset, Hugues; Siri, Olivier; Raimundo, Jean-Manuel

2013-10-15

A novel sulfonamide-conjugated benzo-[2,1-b:3,4-b']bithiophene semiconductor has been designed and synthetized in order to develop a probe for specific detection of anions both in the homogeneous (solution) and heterogeneous phase. Its photophysical and electrochemical data were reported in this study. On the basis of the optical and NMR titrations analysis, the chelator was found to be highly selective for fluoride compared to others anions (Ka = 1.6 × 10(4) M(-1) in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)). In addition, from an intricate sample, the novel chelator shows exceptional specificity toward fluoride and reveals a complete reversibility after addition of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Sensing films were obtained by electrochemical polymerization of the probe on an electrode surface, which clearly show effective detection of fluoride.

Kinetics of Corrosion Inhibition of Aluminum in Acidic Media by Water-Soluble Natural Polymeric Pectates as Anionic Polyelectrolyte Inhibitors.

PubMed

Hassan, Refat M; Zaafarany, Ishaq A

2013-06-17

Corrosion inhibition of aluminum (Al) in hydrochloric acid by anionic polyeletrolyte pectates (PEC) as a water-soluble natural polymer polysaccharide has been studied using both gasometric and weight loss techniques. The results drawn from these two techniques are comparable and exhibit negligible differences. The inhibition efficiency was found to increase with increasing inhibitor concentration and decrease with increasing temperature. The inhibition action of PEC on Al metal surface was found to obey the Freundlich isotherm. Factors such as the concentration and geometrical structure of the inhibitor, concentration of the corrosive medium, and temperature affecting the corrosion rates were examined. The kinetic parameters were evaluated and a suitable corrosion mechanism consistent with the kinetic results is discussed in the paper.

Kinetics of Corrosion Inhibition of Aluminum in Acidic Media by Water-Soluble Natural Polymeric Pectates as Anionic Polyelectrolyte Inhibitors

PubMed Central

Hassan, Refat M.; Zaafarany, Ishaq A.

2013-01-01

Corrosion inhibition of aluminum (Al) in hydrochloric acid by anionic polyeletrolyte pectates (PEC) as a water-soluble natural polymer polysaccharide has been studied using both gasometric and weight loss techniques. The results drawn from these two techniques are comparable and exhibit negligible differences. The inhibition efficiency was found to increase with increasing inhibitor concentration and decrease with increasing temperature. The inhibition action of PEC on Al metal surface was found to obey the Freundlich isotherm. Factors such as the concentration and geometrical structure of the inhibitor, concentration of the corrosive medium, and temperature affecting the corrosion rates were examined. The kinetic parameters were evaluated and a suitable corrosion mechanism consistent with the kinetic results is discussed in the paper. PMID:28809282

Developing new methods for the mono-end functionalization of living ring opening metathesis polymers.

PubMed

Kilbinger, Andreas F M

2012-01-01

In this article we present a review of our recent results in one area of research we are involved in. All research efforts in our group focus on functional polymers and new ways of gaining higher levels of control with regard to the placement of functional groups within these polymers. Here, the living ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) will be reviewed for which end-functionalization methods had been rare until very recently. Polymers carrying particular functional groups only at the chain-ends are, however, very interesting for a variety of industrial and academic applications. Polymeric surfactants and polymer-protein conjugates are two examples for the former and polymer-β-sheet-peptide conjugates one example for the latter. The functionalization of macroscopic or nanoscopic surfaces often relies on mono-end functional polymers. Complex macromolecular architectures are often constructed from macromolecules carrying exactly one functional group at their chain- end. The ring opening metathesis polymerization is particularly interesting in this context as it is one of the most functional group tolerant polymerization methods known. Additionally, high molecular weight polymers are readily accessible with this technique, a feature that living radical polymerizations often struggle to achieve. Finding new ways of functionalizing the polymer chain-end of ROMP polymers has therefore been a task long overdue. Here, we present our contribution to this area of research.

Systematic Investigations of Biomimetic Catalysts in the Synthesis of Reactive Metal Oxide Nanoparticle Networks

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-09-01

dioxide and aluminum oxide. Numerous polymeric templates (Table 1), such as polyallyamine (PAA), were investigated, along with amine- functionalized ...SephadexTM LH60 (an anionic functionalized resin) and SephadexTM G-100 (unfunctionalized) were used as the functionalized surface. The reaction conditions...formed with all of the polymers tested and from some of the functionalized surface. SEM images (Figure 1) show that with the exception of the

Standoff Detection of Explosives Using Luminescent Particles

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-28

example, antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid,3d,9 n- propyl gallate,10 -mercaptoethanol,3d,11 and cysteine hydro- chloride ,12 are employed to trap...2008, 41, 8306-8308. Moslin, R. M.; Andrew, T. L.; Swager, T. M. “Anionic Oxidative Polymerization: The Synthesis of Poly(phenylenedicyanovinylene...PPCN2V)” J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2009, 131, 20-21. Moslin, R. M., Espino, C. G.; Swager, T. M. “ Synthesis of Conjugated Polymers Containing cis

Organic solvent and temperature-enhanced ion chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry for the determination of low molecular weight organic and inorganic anions.

PubMed

Gilchrist, Elizabeth S; Nesterenko, Pavel N; Smith, Norman W; Barron, Leon P

2015-03-20

There has recently been increased interest in coupling ion chromatography (IC) to high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) to enable highly sensitive and selective analysis. Herein, the first comprehensive study focusing on the direct coupling of suppressed IC to HRMS without the need for post-suppressor organic solvent modification is presented. Chromatographic selectivity and added HRMS sensitivity offered by organic solvent-modified IC eluents on a modern hyper-crosslinked polymeric anion-exchange resin (IonPac AS18) are shown using isocratic eluents containing 5-50 mM hydroxide with 0-80% methanol or acetonitrile for a range of low molecular weight anions (<165 Da). Comprehensive experiments on IC thermodynamics over a temperature range between 20-45 °C with the eluent containing up to 60% of acetonitrile or methanol revealed markedly different retention behaviour and selectivity for the selected analytes on the same polymer based ion-exchange resin. Optimised sensitivity with HRMS was achieved with as low as 30-40% organic eluent content. Analytical performance characteristics are presented and compared with other IC-MS based works. This study also presents the first application of IC-HRMS to forensic detection of trace low-order anionic explosive residues in latent human fingermarks. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Electrochemically Switchable Polymeric Membrane Ion-Selective Electrodes.

PubMed

Zdrachek, Elena; Bakker, Eric

2018-06-07

We present here for the first time a solid contact ion-selective electrode suitable for the simultaneous sensing of cations (tetrabutylammonium) and anions (hexafluorophosphate), achieved by electrochemical switching. The membrane is based on a thin plasticized polyurethane membrane deposited on poly(3-octylthiophene) (POT) and contains a cation exchanger and lipophilic electrolyte (ETH 500). The cation exchanger is initially in excess; the ion-selective electrode exhibits an initial potentiometric response to cations. During an oxidative current pulse, POT is converted into POT + , which results in the expulsion of cations from the membrane followed by the extraction of anions from the sample solution to fulfill the electroneutrality condition. This creates a defined excess of lipophilic cation in the membrane, resulting in a potentiometric anion response. A reductive current pulse restores the original cation response by triggering the conversion of POT + back into POT, which is accompanied by the expulsion of anions from the membrane and the extraction of cations from the sample solution. Various current pulse magnitudes and durations are explored, and the best results in terms of response slope values and signal stability were observed with an oxidation current pulse of 140 μA cm -2 applied for 8 s and a reduction current pulse of -71 μA cm -2 applied for 8 s.

A series of poly(butylimidazolium) ionic liquid functionalized copolymers for anion exchange membranes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ouadah, Amina; Xu, Hulin; Luo, Tianwei; Gao, Shuitao; Wang, Xing; Fang, Zhou; Jing, Chaojun; Zhu, Changjin

2017-12-01

A new series of ionic liquid functionalized copolymers for anion exchange membranes (AEM) is prepared. Poly(butylvinylimidazolium)(b-VIB) is copolymerized with para-methyl styrene (p-MS) by the radical polymerization formed block copolymers b-VIB/p-MS, which is crosslinked with poly(diphenylether bibenzimidazole) (DPEBI) providing the desired materials b-VIB/p-MS/DPEBI. Structures are characterized via H1NMR, FTIR spectra and elemental analysis. The b-VIB blocks offer the anion conduction function while DPEBI moieties contribute to enhancing other properties. The prepared membranes display chloride conductivity as high as 19.5 mS/cm at 25 °C and 69.2 mS/cm at 100 °C-higher than that of the commercial membrane tokuyuama A201-. Their hydroxide conductivity reaches 35.7 Scm-1 at 25 °C and 73.1 Scm-1 at 100 °C. The membranes showed a linear Arrhenius behavior in the anion conduction, low activation energies and distinguished nanophase separation of hydrophilic/hydrophobic regions by the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies. Thermal investigations using TGA and DSC confirm that the membranes are stable up to 250 °C. Particularly, drastically alkaline stability due to no decrease in the hydroxide conductivity after 168 h of treatment with 2M KOH.

Stoichiometry of Nck-dependent actin polymerization in living cells

PubMed Central

Ditlev, Jonathon A.; Michalski, Paul J.; Huber, Greg; Rivera, Gonzalo M.; Mohler, William A.

2012-01-01

Regulation of actin dynamics through the Nck/N-WASp (neural Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome protein)/Arp2/3 pathway is essential for organogenesis, cell invasiveness, and pathogen infection. Although many of the proteins involved in this pathway are known, the detailed mechanism by which it functions remains undetermined. To examine the signaling mechanism, we used a two-pronged strategy involving computational modeling and quantitative experimentation. We developed predictions for Nck-dependent actin polymerization using the Virtual Cell software system. In addition, we used antibody-induced aggregation of membrane-targeted Nck SH3 domains to test these predictions and to determine how the number of molecules in Nck aggregates and the density of aggregates affected localized actin polymerization in living cells. Our results indicate that the density of Nck molecules in aggregates is a critical determinant of actin polymerization. Furthermore, results from both computational simulations and experimentation support a model in which the Nck/N-WASp/Arp2/3 stoichiometry is 4:2:1. These results provide new insight into activities involving localized actin polymerization, including tumor cell invasion, microbial pathogenesis, and T cell activation. PMID:22613834

Effects of Cationic Pendant Groups on Ionic Conductivity for Anion Exchange Membranes: Structure Conductivity Relationships

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Sojeong; Choi, Soo-Hyung; Lee, Won Bo

Anion exchange membranes(AEMs) have been widely studied due to their various applications, especially for Fuel cells. Previous proton exchange membranes(PEMs), such as Nafions® have better conductivity than AEMs so far. However, technical limitations such as slow electrode kinetics, carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning of metal catalysts, high methanol crossover and high cost of Pt-based catalyst detered further usages. AEMs have advantages to supplement its drawbacks. AEMs are environmentally friendly and cost-efficient. Based on the well-defined block copolymer, self-assembled morphology is expected to have some relationship with its ionic conductivity. Recently AEMs based on various cations, including ammonium, phosphonium, guanidinium, imidazolium, metal cation, and benzimidazolium cations have been developed and extensively studied with the aim to prepare high- performance AEMs. But more fundamental approach, such as relationships between nanostructure and conductivity is needed. We use well-defined block copolymer Poly(styrene-block-isoprene) as a backbone which is synthesized by anionic polymerization. Then we graft various cationic functional groups and analysis the relation between morphology and conductivity. Theoretical and computational soft matter lab.

Superoxide anion production by human neutrophils activated by Trichomonas vaginalis.

PubMed

Song, Hyun-Ouk; Ryu, Jae-Sook

2013-08-01

Neutrophils are the predominant inflammatory cells found in vaginal discharges of patients infected with Trichomonas vaginalis. In this study, we examined superoxide anion (O2 (.-)) production by neutrophils activated by T. vaginalis. Human neutrophils produced superoxide anions when stimulated with either a lysate of T. vaginalis, its membrane component (MC), or excretory-secretory product (ESP). To assess the role of trichomonad protease in production of superoxide anions by neutrophils, T. vaginalis lysate, ESP, and MC were each pretreated with a protease inhibitor cocktail before incubation with neutrophils. Superoxide anion production was significantly decreased by this treatment. Trichomonad growth was inhibited by preincubation with supernatants of neutrophils incubated for 3 hr with T. vaginalis lysate. Furthermore, myeloperoxidase (MPO) production by neutrophils was stimulated by live trichomonads. These results indicate that the production of superoxide anions and MPO by neutrophils stimulated with T. vaginalis may be a part of defense mechanisms of neutrophils in trichomoniasis.

Living Supramolecular Polymerization of a Perylene Bisimide Dye into Fluorescent J-Aggregates.

PubMed

Wagner, Wolfgang; Wehner, Marius; Stepanenko, Vladimir; Ogi, Soichiro; Würthner, Frank

2017-12-11

The self-assembly of a new perylene bisimide (PBI) organogelator with 1,7-dimethoxy substituents in the bay position affords non-fluorescent H-aggregates at high cooling rates and fluorescent J-aggregates at low cooling rates. Under properly adjusted conditions, the kinetically trapped "off-pathway" H-aggregates are transformed into the thermodynamically favored J-aggregates, a process that can be accelerated by the addition of J-aggregate seeds. Spectroscopic studies revealed a subtle interplay of π-π interactions and intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonding for monomeric, H-, and J-aggregated PBIs. Multiple polymerization cycles initiated from the seed termini demonstrate the living character of this chain-growth supramolecular polymerization process. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Coating and dispersion of ceramic nanoparticles by UV-ozone etching assisted surface-initiated living radical polymerization.

PubMed

Arita, Toshihiko

2010-10-01

Commercially available unmodified ceramic nanoparticles (NPs) in dry powder state were surface-modified and dispersed in almost single-crystal size. The surface-initiated living radical polymerization after just UV-ozone soft etching enables one to graft polymers onto the surface of ceramic NPs and disperse them in solvents. Furthermore, a number of NPs were dispersed with single-crystal sizes. The technique developed here could be applied to almost all ceramic NPs including metal nitrides.

Construction of a Nano Biosensor for Cyanide Anion Detection and Its Application in Environmental and Biological Systems.

PubMed

Dong, Zhen-Zhen; Yang, Chao; Vellaisamy, Kasipandi; Li, Guodong; Leung, Chung-Hang; Ma, Dik-Lung

2017-10-27

We have developed a Ag@Au core-shell nanoparticle (NP)/iridium(III) complex-based sensing platform for the sensitive luminescence "turn-on" sensing of cyanide ions, an acutely toxic pollutant. The assay is based on the quenching effect of Ag@Au NPs on the emission of complex 1, but luminescence is restored after the addition of cyanide anions due to their ability to dissolve the Au shell. Our sensing platform exhibited a high sensitivity toward cyanide anions with a detection limit of 0.036 μM, and also showed high selectivity for cyanide over 10-fold excess amounts of other anions. The sensing platform was also successfully applied to monitor cyanide anions in drinking water and in living cells.

Carbon-dot-based fluorescent turn-on sensor for selectively detecting sulfide anions in totally aqueous media and imaging inside live cells.

PubMed

Hou, Xianfeng; Zeng, Fang; Du, Fangkai; Wu, Shuizhu

2013-08-23

Sulfide anions are generated not only as a byproduct from industrial processes but also in biosystems. Hence, robust fluorescent sensors for detecting sulfide anions which are fast-responding, water soluble and biocompatible are highly desirable. Herein, we report a carbon-dot-based fluorescent sensor, which features excellent water solubility, low cytotoxicity and a short response time. This sensor is based on the ligand/Cu(II) approach so as to achieve fast sensing of sulfide anions. The carbon dot (CD) serves as the fluorophore as well as the anchoring site for the ligands which bind with copper ions. For this CD-based system, as copper ions bind with the ligands which reside on the surface of the CD, the paramagnetic copper ions efficiently quench the fluorescence of the CD, affording the system a turn-off sensor for copper ions. More importantly, the subsequently added sulfide anions can extract Cu(2+) from the system and form very stable CuS with Cu(2+), resulting in fluorescence enhancement and affording the system a turn-on sensor for sulfide anions. This fast-responding and selective sensor can operate in totally aqueous solution or in physiological milieu with a low detection limit of 0.78 μM. It displays good biocompatibility, and excellent cell membrane permeability, and can be used to monitor S(2-) levels in running water and living cells.

Imidazolium-based Block Copolymers as Solid-State Separators for Alkaline Fuel Cells and Lithium Ion Batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nykaza, Jacob Richard

In this study, polymerized ionic liquid (PIL) diblock copolymers were explored as solid-state polymer separators as an anion exchange membrane (AEM) for alkaline fuel cells AFCs and as a solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) for lithium-ion batteries. Polymerized ionic liquid (PIL) block copolymers are a distinct set of block copolymers that combine the properties of both ionic liquids (e.g., high conductivity, high electrochemical stability) and block copolymers (e.g., self-assembly into various nanostructures), which provides the opportunity to design highly conductive robust solid-state electrolytes that can be tuned for various applications including AFCs and lithium-ion batteries via simple anion exchange. A series of bromide conducting PIL diblock copolymers with an undecyl alkyl side chain between the polymer backbone and the imidazolium moiety were first synthesized at various compositions comprising of a PIL component and a non-ionic component. Synthesis was achieved by post-functionalization from its non-ionic precursor PIL diblock copolymer, which was synthesized via the reverse addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) technique. This PIL diblock copolymer with long alkyl side chains resulted in flexible, transparent films with high mechanical strength and high bromide ion conductivity. The conductivity of the PIL diblock copolymer was three times higher than its analogous PIL homopolymer and an order of magnitude higher than a similar PIL diblock copolymer with shorter alkyl side chain length, which was due to the microphase separated morphology, more specifically, water/ion clusters within the PIL microdomains in the hydrated state. Due to the high conductivity and mechanical robustness of this novel PIL block copolymer, its application as both the ionomer and AEM in an AFC was investigated via anion exchange to hydroxide (OH-), where a maximum power density of 29.3 mW cm-1 (60 °C with H2/O2 at 25 psig (172 kPa) backpressure) was achieved. Rotating disk electrode (RDE) experiments determined the interfacial resistance imposed during cell assembly between the AEM, catalyst, and ionomer was a factor in fuel cell performance. Further RDE studies investigated the electrochemical stability of the PIL block copolymer ionomer under applied potentials, where it was determined that potential cycling increased the degradation compared to constant voltage or open circuit voltage studies. The PIL diblock copolymer was then anion exchanged to the bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonamide (TFSI-) anion form and imbibed with a lithium salt and ionic liquid solution for use as a SPE in lithium-ion batteries resulting in a maximum discharge capacity of 112 mAh g-1 at 0.1 C with a Coulombic efficiency greater than 94% over 100 cycles. PIL block copolymers have promising mechanical properties and transport properties (i.e., ion conductivity) in both the hydrated (hydrophilic anions; Br-, OH-) and dry (hydrophobic anions; TFSI-) states resulting in highly conductive, chemically/thermally stable, and mechanically robust solid-state polymer separators for use as AEMs in AFCs and as SPEs in lithium-ion batteries.

Metal-chelating polymers by anionic ring-opening polymerization and their use in quantitative mass cytometry.

PubMed

Illy, Nicolas; Majonis, Daniel; Herrera, Isaac; Ornatsky, Olga; Winnik, Mitchell A

2012-08-13

Metal-chelating polymers (MCPs) are important reagents for multiplexed immunoassays based on mass cytometry. The role of the polymer is to carry multiple copies of individual metal isotopes, typically as lanthanide ions, and to provide a reactive functionality for convenient attachment to a monoclonal antibody (mAb). For this application, the optimum combination of chain length, backbone structure, end group, pendant groups, and synthesis strategy has yet to be determined. Here we describe the synthesis of a new type of MCP based on anionic ring-opening polymerization of an activated cyclopropane (the diallyl ester of 1,1-cyclopropane dicarboxylic acid) using a combination of 2-furanmethanethiol and a phosphazene base as the initiator. This reaction takes place with rigorous control over molecular weight, yielding a polymer with a narrow molecular weight distribution, reactive pendant groups for introducing a metal chelator, and a functional end group with orthogonal reactivity for attaching the polymer to the mAbs. Following the ring-opening polymerization, a two-step transformation introduced diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) chelating groups on each pendant group. The polymers were characterized by NMR, size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The binding properties toward Gd(3+) as a prototypical lanthanide (Ln) ion were also studied by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). Attachment to a mAb involves a Diels-Alder reaction of the terminal furan with a bismaleimide, followed by a Michael addition of a thiol on the mAb, generated by mild reduction of a disulfide bond in the hinge region. Polymer samples with a number average degree of polymerization of 35, with a binding capacity of 49.5 ± 6 Ln(3+) ions per chain, were loaded with 10 different types of Ln ions and conjugated to 10 different mAbs. A suite of metal-tagged Abs was tested by mass cytometry in a 10-plex single cell analysis of human adult peripheral blood, allowing us to quantify the antibody binding capacity of 10 different cell surface antigens associated with specific cell types.

Toxicological assessment of Anionic Methacrylate Copolymer: I. Characterization, bioavailability and genotoxicity.

PubMed

Eisele, Johanna; Haynes, Geoff; Kreuzer, Knut; Hall, Caroline

2016-12-01

Anionic Methacrylate Copolymer (AMC) is a fully polymerized copolymer used in the pharmaceutical industry as an enteric/delayed-release coating to permit the pH-dependent release of active ingredients in the gastrointestinal tract from oral dosage forms. This function is of potential use for food supplements. Oral administration of radiolabeled copolymer to rats resulted in the detection of chemically unchanged copolymer in the feces, with negligible absorption (<0.1%). AMC is therefore determined not to be bioavailable. Within a genotoxicity test battery AMC did not show any evidence of genotoxicity in bacteria and mammalian cells. Furthermore, no genotoxic effects occurred in vivo within a micronucleus test. There would therefore appear to be no safety concerns under intended conditions of oral use for the discussed toxicological endpoints. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Kinetics of corrosion inhibition of aluminum in acidic media by water-soluble natural polymeric chondroitin-4-sulfate as anionic polyelectrolyte inhibitor.

PubMed

Hassan, Refat M; Ibrahim, Samia M; Takagi, Hideo D; Sayed, Suzan A

2018-07-15

Corrosion inhibition of aluminum (Al) in hydrochloric acid by anionic polyelectrolyte chondroitin-4-sulfate (CS) polysaccharide has been studied using both gasometrical and weight-loss techniques. The results drawn from these two techniques are comparable and exhibit negligible differences. The inhibition efficiency was found to increase with increasing the inhibitor concentration and decreased with increasing temperature. The inhibition action of CS on Al metal surface was found to obey both of Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. The factors affecting the corrosion rates such as the concentration and geometrical structure of the inhibitor, concentration of the corrosive medium, and the temperature were examined. The kinetic parameters were evaluated and a suitable corrosion mechanism consistent with the results obtained is discussed. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Physico-Chemical Factors Affecting Hydrothermal Resistance and Bonding of Polymeric Composites to Steel Surfaces

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-11-01

and 1.0% PM-odified zinc phosphate hydrate crystals. -117- temperature of decomposition at -1750C, is associated with the dehydration of the...reactions between divalent Ca ions released from CaO-SIO2 grains and carboxylate anions "(COO) yielded during the hydrolysis of functional pendent carboxyl...deterioration of polymers, caused by the hydrolysis of a pendent carbcxyl group, can be restrained by ionic cross-linking initiated by the strongly

Non-strinking siloxane polymers

DOEpatents

Loy, Douglas A.; Rahimian, Kamyar

2001-01-01

Cross-linked polymers formed by ring-opening polymerization of a precursor monomer of the general formula R[CH.sub.2 CH(Si(CH.sub.3).sub.2).sub.2 O].sub.2, where R is a phenyl group or an alkyl group having at least two carbon atoms. A cross-linked polymer is synthesized by mixing the monomer with a co-monomer of the general formula CH.sub.2 CHR.sup.2 (SiMe.sub.2).sub.2 O in the presence of an anionic base to form a cross-linked polymer of recurring units of the general formula R(Me.sub.2 SiOCH.sub.2 CHSiMe.sub.2).sub.2 [CH.sub.2 CHR.sup.2 (SiMe.sub.2).sub.2 O].sub.n, where R.sup.2 is hydrogen, phenyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl. If the precursor monomer is a liquid, the polymer can be directly synthesized in the presence of an anionic base to a cross-linked polymer containing recurring units of the general formula R(Me.sub.2 SiOCH.sub.2 CHSiMe.sub.2).sub.2. The polymers have approximately less than 1% porosity and are thermally stable at temperatures up to approximately 500.degree. C. The conversion to the cross-linked polymer occurs by ring opening polymerization and results in shrinkage of less than approximately 5% by volume.

Biochemical indicators of nephrotoxicity in blood serum of rats treated with novel 4-thiazolidinone derivatives or their complexes with polyethylene glycol-containing nanoscale polymeric carrier

PubMed

Kоbyli nska, L I; Havrylyuk, D Ya; Mitina, N E; Zaichenko, A S; Lesyk, R B; Zіme nkovsky, B S; Stoika, R S

2016-01-01

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of new synthetic 4-thiazolidinone derivatives (potential anticancer compounds denoted as 3882, 3288 and 3833) and doxorubicin (positive control) in free form and in their complexes with synthetic polyethylene glycol-containing nanoscale polymeric carrier on the biochemical indicators of nephrotoxicity in blood serum of rats. The concentration of total protein, urea, creatinine, glucose, ions of sodium, potassium, calcium, iron and chloride was measured. It was found that after injection of the investigated compounds, the concentration of sodium cations and chloride anions in blood serum was increased compared with control (untreated animals). Doxorubicin’s injection was accompanied by a decrease in the concentration of iron cations. The concentration of total protein, urea and creatinine decreased under the influence of the studied compounds. Complexation of these аntineoplastic substances with a synthetic polymeric nanocarrier lowered the concentration of the investigated metabolites substantially compared to the effect of these compounds in free form. The normalization of concentration of total protein, urea and creatinine in blood serum of rats treated with complexes of the studied compounds with the polymeric carrier comparing with increased concentration of these indicators at the introduction of such compounds in free form was found.

Hydrolyzable Poly[Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Methyl Ether Acrylate]-Colistin Prodrugs through Copper-Mediated Photoinduced Living Radical Polymerization.

PubMed

Zhu, Chongyu; Schneider, Elena K; Nikolaou, Vasiliki; Klein, Tobias; Li, Jian; Davis, Thomas P; Whittaker, Michael R; Wilson, Paul; Kempe, Kristian; Velkov, Tony; Haddleton, David M

2017-07-19

Through the recently developed copper-mediated photoinduced living radical polymerization (CP-LRP), a novel and well-defined polymeric prodrug of the antimicrobial lipopeptide colistin has been developed. A colistin initiator (Boc 5 -col-Br 2 ) was synthesized through the modification of colistin on both of its threonine residues using a cleavable initiator linker, 2-(2-bromo-2-methylpropanoyloxy) acetic acid (BMPAA), and used for the polymerization of acrylates via CP-LRP. Polymerization proceeds from both sites of the colistin initiator, and through the polymerization of poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate (PEGA 480 ), three water-soluble polymer-colistin conjugates (col-PPEGA, having degrees of polymerization of 5, 10, and 20) were achieved with high yield (conversion of ≥93%) and narrow dispersities (Đ < 1.3) in 2-4 h. Little or no effect on the structure and activity of the colistin was observed during the synthesis, and most of the active colistin can be recovered from the conjugates in vitro within 2 days. Furthermore, in vitro biological analyses including disk diffusion, broth microdilution, and time-kill studies suggested that all of the conjugates have the ability to inhibit the growth of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria, of which col-PPEGA DP5 and DP10 showed similar or better antibacterial performance compared to the clinically relevant colistin prodrug CMS, indicating their potential as an alternative antimicrobial therapy. Moreover, considering the control over the polymerization, the CP-LRP technique has the potential to provide an alternative platform for the development of polymer bioconjugates.

Nitroxyl-mediated oxidation of lignin and polycarboxylated products

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stahl, Shannon S.; Rafiee, Mohammad

Methods of selectively modifying lignin, polycarboxylated products thereof, and methods of deriving aromatic compounds therefrom. The methods comprise electrochemically oxidizing lignin using stable nitroxyl radicals to selectively oxidize primary hydroxyls on .beta.-O-4 phenylpropanoid units to corresponding carboxylic acids while leaving the secondary hydroxyls unchanged. The oxidation results in polycarboxylated lignin in the form of a polymeric .beta.-hydroxy acid. The polymeric .beta.-hydroxy acid has a high loading of carboxylic acid and can be isolated in acid form, deprotonated, and/or converted to a salt. The .beta.-hydroxy acid, anion, or salt can also be subjected to acidolysis to generate various aromatic monomers ormore » oligomers. The initial oxidation of lignin to the polycarboxylated form renders the lignin more susceptible to acidolysis and thereby enhances the yield of aromatic monomers and oligomers obtained through acidolysis.« less

In situ X-ray polymerization: from swollen lamellae to polymer-surfactant complexes.

PubMed

Agzenai, Yahya; Lindman, Björn; Alfredsson, Viveka; Topgaard, Daniel; Renamayor, Carmen S; Pacios, Isabel E

2014-01-30

The influence of the monomer diallyldimethylammonium chloride (D) on the lamellar liquid crystal formed by the anionic surfactant aerosol OT (AOT) and water is investigated, determining the lamellar spacings by SAXS and the quadrupolar splittings by deuterium NMR, as a function of the D or AOT concentrations. The cationic monomer D induces a destabilization of the AOT lamellar structure such that, at a critical concentration higher than 5 wt %, macroscopic phase separation takes place. When the monomer, which is dissolved in the AOT lamellae, is polymerized in situ by X-ray initiation, a new collapsed lamellar phase appears, corresponding to the complexation of the surfactant with the resulting polymer. A theoretical model is employed to analyze the variation of the interactions between the AOT bilayers and the stability of the lamellar structure.

Synthesis and characterization of poly-L-leucine initialized and immobilized by rehydrated hydrotalcite: understanding stability and the nature of interaction.

PubMed

Miranda, Ronald-Alexander; Finocchio, Elisabetta; Llorca, Jordi; Medina, Francisco; Ramis, Gianguido; Sueiras, Jesús E; Segarra, Anna M

2013-10-07

PLLs were synthesized by the ring-opening polycondensation (ROP) method using α-L-leucine N-carboxyanhydride (NCA) and initialized by triethylamine (Et3N), water or rehydrated hydrotalcite (HTrus). The role of temperature, different initiators and water in ROP was further investigated. In general, the initiators used in the polymerization reaction lead to PLL alpha-helical chains containing 5-40 monomers with NCA endgroups via a monomer-activated mechanism. However, the water has a twofold effect on ROP, as both a nucleophile and a base, which involves competition between two different types of initiating mechanisms (nucleophilic attack or deprotonation of the NCA monomer) in the polymerization reaction. This competition provides as a main product NCA endgroups with an alpha-helical structure and leads to the formation of the PLL cyclic-chains and beta-sheet structures which reduce the polymer Mw and the PD of the polypeptide. Furthermore, the water can hydrolyze the NCA endgroups resulting in PLL alpha-helical chains that contain living groups as the main product. On the other hand, the HTrus presents a double role: as both an initiator and a support. The polymers synthesized in the presence of HTrus presented a HT-carboxylate endgroup. The PLLs immobilized in HTrus through an anion-exchange method performed for just 30 minutes presented the PLL immobilized in the interlayer space of the HTrus. The PLL chains of the immobilized counterpart are stabilized by H-bonding with the M-OH of the HT structure. All the polypeptides and biohybrid materials synthesized have been characterized using different techniques (EA, ICP, XRD, Raman, MALDI-TOF, ESI-TOF, FT-IR at increasing temperatures, TG/DT analyses and TEM).

Noncovalent assembly. A rational strategy for the realization of chain-growth supramolecular polymerization.

PubMed

Kang, Jiheong; Miyajima, Daigo; Mori, Tadashi; Inoue, Yoshihisa; Itoh, Yoshimitsu; Aida, Takuzo

2015-02-06

Over the past decade, major progress in supramolecular polymerization has had a substantial effect on the design of functional soft materials. However, despite recent advances, most studies are still based on a preconceived notion that supramolecular polymerization follows a step-growth mechanism, which precludes control over chain length, sequence, and stereochemical structure. Here we report the realization of chain-growth polymerization by designing metastable monomers with a shape-promoted intramolecular hydrogen-bonding network. The monomers are conformationally restricted from spontaneous polymerization at ambient temperatures but begin to polymerize with characteristics typical of a living mechanism upon mixing with tailored initiators. The chain growth occurs stereoselectively and therefore enables optical resolution of a racemic monomer. Copyright © 2015, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Facile preparation of cobaltocenium-containing polyelectrolyte via click chemistry and RAFT polymerization.

PubMed

Yan, Yi; Zhang, Jiuyang; Qiao, Yali; Tang, Chuanbing

2014-01-01

A facile method to prepare cationic cobaltocenium-containing polyelectrolyte is reported. Cobaltocenium monomer with methacrylate is synthesized by copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction between 2-azidoethyl methacrylate and ethynylcobaltocenium hexafluorophosphate. Further controlled polymerization is achieved by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT) by using cumyl dithiobenzoate (CDB) as a chain transfer agent. Kinetic study demonstrates the controlled/living process of polymerization. The obtained side-chain cobaltocenium-containing polymer is a metal-containing polyelectrolyte that shows characteristic redox behavior of cobaltocenium. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Formyl-ended heterobifunctional poly(ethylene oxide): synthesis of poly(ethylene oxide) with a formyl group at one end and a hydroxyl group at the other end.

PubMed

Nagasaki, Y; Kutsuna, T; Iijima, M; Kato, M; Kataoka, K; Kitano, S; Kadoma, Y

1995-01-01

Well-defined poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) with a formyl group at one end and a hydroxyl group at the other terminus was synthesized by the anionic ring opening polymerization of ethylene oxide (EO) with a new organometallic initiator possessing an acetal moiety, potassium 3,3-diethoxypropyl alkoxide. Hydrolysis of the acetal moiety produced a formyl group-terminated heterobifunctional PEO with a hydroxyl group at the other end.

Spatial control of actin polymerization during neutrophil chemotaxis

PubMed Central

Weiner, Orion D.; Servant, Guy; Welch, Matthew D.; Mitchison, Timothy J.; Sedat, John W.; Bourne, Henry R.

2010-01-01

Neutrophils respond to chemotactic stimuli by increasing the nucleation and polymerization of actin filaments, but the location and regulation of these processes are not well understood. Here, using a permeabilized-cell assay, we show that chemotactic stimuli cause neutrophils to organize many discrete sites of actin polymerization, the distribution of which is biased by external chemotactic gradients. Furthermore, the Arp2/3 complex, which can nucleate actin polymerization, dynamically redistributes to the region of living neutrophils that receives maximal chemotactic stimulation, and the least-extractable pool of the Arp2/3 complex co-localizes with sites of actin polymerization. Our observations indicate that chemoattractant-stimulated neutrophils may establish discrete foci of actin polymerization that are similar to those generated at the posterior surface of the intracellular bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. We propose that asymmetrical establishment and/or maintenance of sites of actin polymerization produces directional migration of neutrophils in response to chemotactic gradients. PMID:10559877

Spatial control of actin polymerization during neutrophil chemotaxis.

PubMed

Weiner, O D; Servant, G; Welch, M D; Mitchison, T J; Sedat, J W; Bourne, H R

1999-06-01

Neutrophils respond to chemotactic stimuli by increasing the nucleation and polymerization of actin filaments, but the location and regulation of these processes are not well understood. Here, using a permeabilized-cell assay, we show that chemotactic stimuli cause neutrophils to organize many discrete sites of actin polymerization, the distribution of which is biased by external chemotactic gradients. Furthermore, the Arp2/3 complex, which can nucleate actin polymerization, dynamically redistributes to the region of living neutrophils that receives maximal chemotactic stimulation, and the least-extractable pool of the Arp2/3 complex co-localizes with sites of actin polymerization. Our observations indicate that chemoattractant-stimulated neutrophils may establish discrete foci of actin polymerization that are similar to those generated at the posterior surface of the intracellular bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. We propose that asymmetrical establishment and/or maintenance of sites of actin polymerization produces directional migration of neutrophils in response to chemotactic gradients.

Energy and structure of bonds in the interaction of organic anions with layered double hydroxide nanosheets: A molecular dynamics study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsukanov, A. A.; Psakhie, S. G.

2016-01-01

The application of hybrid and hierarchical nanomaterials based on layered hydroxides and oxyhydroxides of metals is a swiftly progressing field in biomedicine. Layered double hydroxides (LDH) possess a large specific surface area, significant surface electric charge and biocompatibility. Their physical and structural properties enable them to adsorb various kinds of anionic species and to transport them into cells. However, possible side effects resulting from the interaction of LDH with anions of the intercellular and intracellular medium need to be considered, since such interaction can potentially disrupt ion transport, signaling processes, apoptosis, nutrition and proliferation of living cells. In the present paper molecular dynamics is used to determine the energies of interaction of organic anions (aspartic acid, glutamic acid and bicarbonate) with a fragment of layered double hydroxide Mg/Al-LDH. The average number of hydrogen bonds between the anions and the hydroxide surface and characteristic binding configurations are determined. Possible effects of LDH on the cell resulting from binding of protein fragments and replacement of native intracellular anions with delivered anions are considered.

Dipotassium tetra­kis­(thio­cyanato-κS)palladate(II)–(2,2′-bipyrimidine-κ2 N 1,N 1′)bis­(thio­cyanato-κS)palladium(II) (1/2)

PubMed Central

Ha, Kwang

2012-01-01

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, K2[Pd(NCS)4]·2[Pd(NCS)2(C8H6N4)], contains two crystallographically independent half-mol­ecules of the anionic PdII complex, two K+ cations and two independent neutral PdII complexes; an inversion centre is located at the centroid of each anionic complex. In the anionic complexes, each PdII ion is four-coordinated in an almost regular square-planar environment by four S atoms from four SCN− anions, and the PdS4 unit is exactly planar. In the neutral complexes, the PdII ion has a slightly distorted square-planar coordination environment defined by two pyrimidine N atoms derived from a chelating 2,2′-bipyrimidine ligand and two mutually cis S atoms from two SCN− anions. Both 2,2′-bipyrimidine ligands are almost planar [dihedral angle between the rings = 3.98 (16) and 4.57 (17)°] and also chelate to a potassium ion from their other two N atoms. In the crystal, the K+ ions inter­act with various S and N atoms of the ligands, forming a three-dimensional polymeric network, in which the shortest K⋯K contacts between the KN7S polyhedra are 4.4389 (17) and 4.4966 (18) Å. Intra- and inter­molecular C—H⋯S and C—H⋯N hydrogen bonds are also observed. PMID:22590117

An electroactive conducting polymer actuator based on NBR/RTIL solid polymer electrolyte

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, M. S.; Seo, H. J.; Nam, J. D.; Choi, H. R.; Koo, J. C.; Lee, Y.

2007-04-01

This paper reports the fabrication of a dry-type conducting polymer actuator using nitrile rubber (NBR) as the base material in a solid polymer electrolyte. The conducting polymer, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), was synthesized on the surface of the NBR layer by using a chemical oxidation polymerization technique. Room-temperature ionic liquids (RTIL) based on imidazolium salts, e.g. 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium X (where X = BF4-, PF6-, (CF3SO2)2N-), were absorbed into the composite film. The compatibility between the ionic liquids and the NBR polymer was confirmed by DMA. The effect of the anion size of the ionic liquids on the displacement of the actuator was examined. The displacement increased with increasing anion size of the ionic liquids. The cyclic voltammetry responses and the redox switching dynamics of the actuators were examined in different ionic liquids.

Removal of heavy metals from waste streams

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Spence, M.D.; Kozaruk, J.M.; Melvin, M.

1988-07-19

A method for removing heavy metals from effluent water is described comprising performing sequentially the following steps: (a) adding from 7-333 ppm of an anionic surfactant to the effluent water to provide coagulatable heavy metal ion; (b) adjusting the effluent water pH to within the range of 8 to 10, (c) providing from 10-200 ppm of a cationic coagulant to coagulate the heavy metal ion, (d) providing from 0.3 to 5.0 ppm of a polymeric flocculant whereby a heavy metal containing floc is formed for removal from the effluent water, and, (e) then removing the floc from the effluent water,more » wherein the anionic surfactant is sodium lauryl ether sulfate. The cationic coagulant is selected from the group consisting of diallyl dimethylammonium chloride polymer, epichlorohydrin dimethylamine polymer, ethylene amine polymer, polyaluminum chloride, and alum; and the flocculant is an acrylamide/sodium acrylate copolymer having an RSV greater than 23.« less

Stimuli Responsive Ionogels for Sensing Applications—An Overview

PubMed Central

Kavanagh, Andrew; Byrne, Robert; Diamond, Dermot; Fraser, Kevin J.

2012-01-01

This overview aims to summarize the existing potential of “Ionogels” as a platform to develop stimuli responsive materials. Ionogels are a class of materials that contain an Ionic Liquid (IL) confined within a polymer matrix. Recently defined as “a solid interconnected network spreading throughout a liquid phase”, the ionogel therefore combines the properties of both its solid and liquid components. ILs are low melting salts that exist as liquids composed entirely of cations and anions at or around 100 °C. Important physical properties of these liquids such as viscosity, density, melting point and conductivity can be altered to suit a purpose by choice of the cation/anion. Here we provide an overview to highlight the literature thus far, detailing the encapsulation of IL and responsive materials within these polymeric structures. Exciting applications in the areas of optical and electrochemical sensing, solid state electrolytes and actuating materials shall be discussed. PMID:24957961

Thermally Cross-Linked Anion Exchange Membranes from Solvent Processable Isoprene Containing Ionomers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tsai, Tsung-Han; Ertem, S. Piril; Maes, Ashley M.

2015-01-28

Random copolymers of isoprene and 4-vinylbenzyl chloride (VBCl) with varying compositions were synthesized via nitroxide-mediated polymerization. Subsequent quaternization afforded solvent processable and cross-linkable ionomers with a wide range of ion exchange capacities (IECs). Solution cast membranes were thermally cross-linked to form anion exchange membranes. Cross-linking was achieved by taking advantage of the unsaturations on the polyisoprene backbone, without added cross-linkers. A strong correlation was found between water uptake and ion conductivity of the membranes: conductivities of the membranes with IECs beyond a critical value were found to be constant related to their high water absorption. Environmentally controlled small-angle X-ray scatteringmore » experiments revealed a correlation between the average distance between ionic clusters and the ion conductivity, indicating that a well-connected network of ion clusters is necessary for efficient ion conduction and high ion conductivity.« less

Preparation of a reversed-phase/anion-exchange mixed-mode spherical sorbent by Pickering emulsion polymerization for highly selective solid-phase extraction of acidic pharmaceuticals from wastewater.

PubMed

Huang, Chaonan; Li, Yun; Yang, Jiajia; Peng, Junyu; Jin, Jing; Dhanjai; Wang, Jincheng; Chen, Jiping

2017-10-27

The present work represents a simple and effective preparation of a novel mixed-mode anion-exchange (MAX) sorbent based on porous poly[2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate-divinylbenzene] (poly(DEAEMA-DVB)) spherical particles synthesized by one-step Pickering emulsion polymerization. The poly(DEAEMA-DVB) particles were quaternized with 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDE) followed by triethylamine (TEA) via epoxy-amine reaction to offer strong anion exchange properties. The synthesized MAX sorbent was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements and elemental analysis. The MAX sorbent possessed regular spherical shape and narrow diameter distribution (15-35μm), a high IEC of 0.54meq/g, with carbon and nitrogen contents of 80.3% and 1.62%, respectively. Compared to poly(DEAEMA-DVB), the MAX sorbent exhibited decreased S BET (390.5 vs. 515.3m 2 g -1 ), pore volume (0.74 vs. 0.85cm 3 g -1 ) and pore size (16.8 vs. 17.3nm). Moreover, changes of N content for producing the MAX sorbent reveal a successful two-step quaternization, which can be highly related to such a high IEC. Finally, the MAX sorbent was successfully evaluated for selective isolation and purification of some selected acidic pharmaceuticals (ketoprofen, KEP; naproxen, NAP; and ibuprofen, IBP) from neutral (hydrocortisone, HYC), basic (carbamazepine, CAZ; amitriptyline, AMT) pharmaceuticals and other interferences in water samples using solid phase extraction (SPE). An efficient analytical method based on the MAX-based mixed-mode SPE coupled with HPLC-UV was developed for highly selective extraction and cleanup of acidic KEP, NAP and IBP in spiked wastewater samples. The developed method exhibited good sensitivity (0.009-0.085μgL -1 limit of detection), satisfactory recoveries (82.1%-105.5%) and repeatabilities (relative standard deviation < 7.9%, n=3). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Stereo-, Temporal and Chemical Control through Photoactivation of Living Radical Polymerization: Synthesis of Block and Gradient Copolymers.

PubMed

Shanmugam, Sivaprakash; Boyer, Cyrille

2015-08-12

Nature has developed efficient polymerization processes, which allow the synthesis of complex macromolecules with a perfect control of tacticity as well as molecular weight, in response to a specific stimulus. In this contribution, we report the synthesis of various stereopolymers by combining a photoactivated living polymerization, named photoinduced electron transfer-reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (PET-RAFT) with Lewis acid mediators. We initially investigated the tolerance of two different photoredox catalysts, i.e., Ir(ppy)3 and Ru(bpy)3, in the presence of a Lewis acid, i.e., Y(OTf)3 and Yb(OTf)3, to mediate the polymerization of N,N-dimethyl acrylamide (DMAA). An excellent control of tacticity as well as molecular weight and dispersity was observed when Ir(ppy)3 and Y(OTf)3 were employed in a methanol/toluene mixture, while no polymerization or poor control was observed with Ru(bpy)3. In comparison to a thermal system, a lower amount of Y(OTf)3 was required to achieve good control over the tacticity. Taking advantage of the temporal control inherent in our system, we were able to design complex macromolecular architectures, such as atactic block-isotactic and isotactic-block-atactic polymers in a one-pot polymerization approach. Furthermore, we discovered that we could modulate the degree of tacticity through a chemical stimulus, by varying [DMSO]0/[Y(OTf)3]0 ratio from 0 to 30 during the polymerization. The stereochemical control afforded by the addition of a low amount of DMSO in conjunction with the inherent temporal control enabled the synthesis of stereogradient polymer consisting of five different stereoblocks in one-pot polymerization.

In Situ Monitoring of RAFT Polymerization by Tetraphenylethylene-Containing Agents with Aggregation-Induced Emission Characteristics.

PubMed

Liu, Shunjie; Cheng, Yanhua; Zhang, Haoke; Qiu, Zijie; Kwok, Ryan T K; Lam, Jacky W Y; Tang, Ben Zhong

2018-05-22

A facile and efficient approach is demonstrated to visualize the polymerization in situ. A group of tetraphenylethylene (TPE)-containing dithiocarbamates were synthesized and screened as agents for reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerizations. The spatial-temporal control characteristics of photochemistry enabled the RAFT polymerizations to be ON and OFF on demand under alternating visible light irradiation. The emission of TPE is sensitive to the local viscosity change owing to its aggregation-induced emission characteristic. Quantitative information could be easily acquired by the naked eye without destroying the reaction system. Furthermore, the versatility of such a technique was well demonstrated by 12 different polymerization systems. The present approach thus demonstrated a powerful platform for understanding the controlled living radical polymerization process. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Extraction of acidic degradation products of organophosphorus chemical warfare agents. Comparison between silica and mixed-mode strong anion-exchange cartridges.

PubMed

Kanaujia, Pankaj K; Pardasani, Deepak; Gupta, A K; Kumar, Rajesh; Srivastava, R K; Dubey, D K

2007-08-17

The analysis of alkyl alkylphosphonic acids (AAPAs) and alkylphosphonic acids (APAs), the hydrolyzed products of nerve agents, constitutes an important aspect for verifying the compliance to the Chemical weapons convention (CWC). This work devotes on the development of solid-phase extraction method using polymeric mixed-mode strong anion-exchange (Oasis MAX) cartridges for extraction of AAPAs and APAs from water. The extracted analytes were analyzed by GC-MS under full scan and selected ion monitoring mode. The extraction efficiencies of MAX and silica-based anion-exchange cartridges were compared, and results revealed that MAX sorbents yielded better recoveries. Extraction parameters, such as loading capacity, extraction solvent, its volume, and washing solvent were optimized. Best recoveries were obtained using 1 mL of acidic methanol (0.1 M), and limits of detection could be achieved up to 5 x 10(-4) microg mL(-1) (in SIM) and 0.05 microg mL(-1) in full scan mode. The method was successfully employed for the detection and identification of alkylphosphonic acids present in soil sample sent by the Organization for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in the official proficiency tests.

Photoinitiated polymerization of PEG-diacrylate with lithium phenyl-2,4,6-trimethylbenzoylphosphinate: polymerization rate and cytocompatibility

PubMed Central

Fairbanks, Benjamin D.; Schwartz, Michael P.; Bowman, Christopher N.; Anseth, Kristi S.

2009-01-01

Due to mild reaction conditions and temporal and spatial control over material formation, photopolymerization has become a valuable technique for the encapsulation of living cells in three dimensional, hydrated, biomimetic materials. For such applications,2-hydroxy-1-[4-(2-hydroxyethoxy) phenyl]-2-methyl-1-propanone (I2959) is the most commonly used photoinitiator (by virtue of its moderate water solubility), yet this initiator has an absorption spectrum that is poorly matched with wavelengths of light generally regarded as benign to living cells, limiting the rate at which it may initiate polymerization in their presence. In contrast, acylphosphine oxide photoinitiators, generally exhibit absorption spectra at wavelengths suitable for cell encapsulation, yet commercially available initiators of this class have low water solubility. Here, a water soluble lithium acylphosphinate salt is evaluated for its ability to polymerize diacrylated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEGDA) monomers rapidly into hydrogels, while maintaining high viability during direct encapsulation of cells. Through rheometric measurements, the time to reach gelation of a PEGDA solution with the phosphinate initiator is one tenth the time for that using I2959 at similar concentrations, when exposed to 365 nm light. Further, polymerization with the phosphinate initiator at 405 nm visible light exposure is achieved with low initiator concentrations and light intensities, precluded in polymerizations initiated with I2959 by its absorbance profile. When examined 24 hours after encapsulation, survival rates of human neonatal fibroblasts encapsulated in hydrogels polymerized with the phosphinate initiator exceed 95%, demonstrating the cytocompatibility of this initiating system. PMID:19783300

Synthesis and applications of MANs/poly(MMA-co-BA) nanocomposite latex by miniemulsion polymerization

PubMed Central

Chen, Huayao; Zhou, Xinhua; Gunasekaran, Sundaram

2017-01-01

We have synthesized core-shell structured 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS) functionalized antimony-doped tin oxide nanoparticles (MANs)–poly(methyl methacrylate-co-butyl acrylate) (PMMA-co-BA, PMB) nanocomposite latex particles via miniemulsion polymerization method. Polymerizable anionic surfactant DNS-86 (allyloxy polyoxyethylene(10) nonyl ammonium sulfate) was first introduced to synthesize core-shell nanocomposite. The morphologies of synthesized MANs and MANs/PMB latex nanocomposite particles were studied with transmission electron microscopy, which revealed particles, on average 70 nm in size, with a core-shell structure. Owing to the uniformity and hydrophobicity of MANs, the MANs-embedded PMB latex nanocomposite can be tailored more precisely than other nanoparticles-embedded nanocomposites. Films incorporating 10 wt% of MANs in the MAN/PMB latex nanocomposite exhibit good transmittance in the visible region, and excellent opacity in the near infrared region. The MANs/PMB nanocomposite film also appears suitable for heat insulation applications. PMID:29291076

Reversible Addition Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT) Polymerization in Undergraduate Polymer Science Lab

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Nguyen, T. L. U.; Bennet, Francesca; Stenzel, Martina H.; Barner-Kowollik, Christopher

2008-01-01

This 8-hour experiment (spread over two 4-hour sessions) is designed to equip students with essential skills in polymer synthesis, particularly in synthesizing polymers of well-defined molecular weight. The experiment involves the synthesis and characterization of poly(vinyl neodecanoate) via living free radical polymerization, specifically the…

Testing of Candidate Polymeric Materials for Compatibility with Pure Alternate Pretreat as Part of the Universal Waste Management System (UWMS)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wingard, C. D.

2018-01-01

The Universal Waste Management System (UWMS) is an improved Waste Collection System for astronauts living and working in low Earth orbit spacecraft. Polymeric materials used in water recovery on International Space Station are regularly exposed to phosphoric acid-treated 'pretreated' urine. Polymeric materials used in UWMS are not only exposed to pretreated urine, but also to concentrated phosphoric acid with oxidizer before dilution known as 'pure pretreat.' Samples of five different polymeric materials immersed in pure pretreat for 1 year were tested for liquid compatibility by measuring changes in storage modulus with a dynamic mechanical analyzer.

Synthesis of silica-polymer core-shell nanoparticles by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization.

PubMed

Moraes, John; Ohno, Kohji; Maschmeyer, Thomas; Perrier, Sébastien

2013-10-14

Hybrid nanoparticles hold great promise for a range of applications such as drug-delivery vectors or colloidal crystal self-assemblies. The challenge of preparing highly monodisperse particles for these applications has recently been overcome by using living radical polymerization techniques. In particular, the use of reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT), initiated from silica surfaces, yields well-defined particles from a range of precursor monomers resulting in nanoparticles of tailored sizes that are accessible via the rational selection of polymerization conditions. Furthermore, using RAFT allows post-polymerization modification to afford multifunctional, monodisperse, nanostructures under mild and non-stringent reaction conditions.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rana, Abhinandan; Jana, Swapan Kumar; Datta, Sayanti

The synthesis of two new lead(II) coordination polymers, [Pb{sub 2}(mpic){sub 4}(H{sub 2}O)]·0.5H{sub 2}O (1) and [Pb{sub 2}(phen){sub 2}(cit)(mes)]·2H{sub 2}O (2) has been reported, where mpic=3-methyl picolinate, phen=o-phenanthroline, H{sub 2}cit=citraconic acid, H{sub 2}mes mesaconic acid. X-ray single crystal diffraction analyses showed that the complexes comprise topologically different 1D polymeric chains stabilized by weak interactions and both containing tetranuclear Pb{sub 4} units connected by carboxylate groups. In compound 1 3-methylpicolinic acid is formed in situ from 3-methyl piconitrile, and mesaconate and citraconate anions were surprisingly formed from itaconic acid during the synthesis of 2. The photoluminescence and thermal properties of the complexesmore » have been studied. - Graphical abstract: Two new topologically different 1D coordination polymers formed by Pb{sub 4} clusters have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray analysis. The luminescence and thermal properties have been studied. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Both the complexes, made up of different ligands, forms topologycally different 1D polymeric chains containing Pb{sub 4} clusters. • The final structures are stabilized by weak interactions (H-bond, π∙∙∙π stacking). • In complex 1, the 3-methylpicolinic acid is generated in situ from 3-methyl piconitrile. • Mesaconate and citraconate anions are surprisingly formed in situ from itaconic acid during the synthesis of complex 2, indicating an exceptional transformation.« less

Identification of polar, ionic, and highly water soluble organic pollutants in untreated industrial wastewaters

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Castillo, M.; Alonso, M.C.; Riu, J.

1999-04-15

This paper presents a generic protocol for the determination of polar, ionic, and highly water soluble organic pollutants on untreated industrial wastewaters involving the use of two different solid-phase extraction (SPE) methodologies followed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Untreated industrial wastewaters might contain natural and synthetic dissolved organic compounds with total organic carbon (TOC) values varying between 100 and 3000 mg/L. All polar, ionic and highly water soluble compounds comprising more than 95% of the organic content and with major contribution to the total toxicity of the sample cannot be analyzed by conventional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and LC-MS ismore » a good alternative. In this work two extraction procedures were used to obtain fractionated extracts of the nonionic polar compounds: a polymeric Isolute ENV + SPE cartridge for the preconcentration of anionic analytes and a sequential solid-phase extraction (SSPE) method percolating the samples first in octadecylsilica cartridge in series with the polymeric Lichrolut EN cartridge. Average recoveries ranging from 72% to 103% were obtained for a variety of 23 different analytes. Determination of nonionic pollutants was accomplished by reverse-phase liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-APCI-MS), while anionic compounds were analyzed by ion pair chromatography-electrospray-mass spectrometry (IP-ESI-MS) and LC-ESI-MS. This protocol was applied to a pilot survey of textile and tannery wastewaters leading to the identification and quantification of 33 organic pollutants.« less

In vivo polymerization of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) in the living rat hippocampus does not cause a significant loss of performance in a delayed alternation task

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ouyang, Liangqi; Shaw, Crystal L.; Kuo, Chin-chen; Griffin, Amy L.; Martin, David C.

2014-04-01

After extended implantation times, traditional intracortical neural probes exhibit a foreign-body reaction characterized by a reactive glial sheath that has been associated with increased system impedance and signal deterioration. Previously, we have proposed that the local in vivo polymerization of an electronically and ionically conducting polymer, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), might help to rebuild charge transport pathways across the glial scar between the device and surrounding parenchyma (Richardson-Burns et al 2007 J. Neural Eng. 4 L6-13). The EDOT monomer can be delivered via a microcannula/electrode system into the brain tissue of living animals followed by direct electrochemical polymerization, using the electrode itself as a source of oxidative current. In this study, we investigated the long-term effect of local in vivo PEDOT deposition on hippocampal neural function and histology. Rodent subjects were trained on a hippocampus-dependent task, delayed alternation (DA), and implanted with the microcannula/electrode system in the hippocampus. The animals were divided into four groups with different delay times between the initial surgery and the electrochemical polymerization: (1) control (no polymerization), (2) immediate (polymerization within 5 min of device implantation), (3) early (polymerization within 3-4 weeks after implantation) and (4) late (polymerization 7-8 weeks after polymerization). System impedance at 1 kHz was recorded and the tissue reactions were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. We found that under our deposition conditions, PEDOT typically grew at the tip of the electrode, forming an ˜500 µm cloud in the tissue. This is much larger than the typical width of the glial scar (˜150 µm). After polymerization, the impedance amplitude near the neurologically important frequency of 1 kHz dropped for all the groups; however, there was a time window of 3-4 weeks for an optimal decrease in impedance. For all surgery-polymerization time intervals, the polymerization did not cause significant deficits in performance of the DA task, suggesting that hippocampal function was not impaired by PEDOT deposition. However, GFAP+ and ED-1+ cells were also found at the deposition two weeks after the polymerization, suggesting potential secondary scarring. Therefore, less extensive deposition or milder deposition conditions may be desirable to minimize this scarring while maintaining decreased system impedance.

In vivo polymerization of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) in living rat hippocampus does not cause a significant loss of performance in a delayed alternation (DA) task

PubMed Central

Ouyang, Liangqi; Shaw, Crystal L.; Kuo, Chin-chen; Griffin, Amy L.; Martin, David C.

2014-01-01

After extended implantation times, traditional intracortical neural probes exhibit a foreign body reaction characterized by a reactive glial sheath that has been associated with increased system impedance and signal deterioration. Previously, we have proposed that the local in vivo polymerization of an electronically and ionically conducting polymer, poly(3,4 ethylene dioxythiophene) (PEDOT), might help to rebuild charge transport pathways across the glial scar between the device and surrounding parenchyma (Richardson-Burns, Hendricks, & Martin, 2007). The EDOT monomer can be delivered via a microcannula/electrode system into the brain tissue of living animals followed by direct electrochemical polymerization, using the electrode itself as a source of oxidative current. In this study we investigated the long-term effect of local in vivo PEDOT deposition on hippocampal neural function and histology. Rodent subjects were trained on a hippocampus-dependent task, Delayed Alternation (DA), and implanted with the microcannula/electrode system in the hippocampus. The animals were divided into four groups with different delay times between the initial surgery and the electrochemical polymerization: (1) Control (no polymerization), (2) Immediate (polymerization within 5 minutes of device implantation), (3) Early (polymerization within 3–4 weeks after implantation), and (4) Late (polymerization 7–8 weeks after polymerization). System impedance at 1 kHz was recorded and the tissue reactions were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. We found that under our deposition conditions, PEDOT typically grew at the tip of the electrode, forming a ~500 μm cloud into the tissue. This is much larger than the typical width of the glial scar (~150 μm). After polymerization, the impedance amplitude near the neurologically important frequency of 1 kHz dropped for all the groups, however, there was a time window of 3–4 weeks for optimal decrease in impedance. For all surgery-polymerization time intervals, the polymerization did not cause significant deficits in performance of the DA task, suggesting that hippocampal function was not impaired by PEDOT deposition. However, GFAP+ and ED-1+ cells were also found at the deposition 2 weeks after the polymerization, suggesting potential secondary scarring. Therefore less extensive deposition or milder deposition conditions may be desirable to minimize this scarring while maintaining decreased system impedance. PMID:24503720

Polymeric micellar pH-sensitive drug delivery system for doxorubicin.

PubMed

Hrubý, Martin; Konák, Cestmír; Ulbrich, Karel

2005-03-02

A novel polymeric micellar pH-sensitive system for delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) is described. Polymeric micelles were prepared by self-assembly of amphiphilic diblock copolymers in aqueous solutions. The copolymers consist of a biocompatible hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) block and a hydrophobic block containing covalently bound anthracycline antibiotic DOX. The starting block copolymers poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(allyl glycidyl ether) (PEO-PAGE) with a very narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn ca. 1.05) were prepared by anionic ring opening polymerization using sodium salt of poly(ethylene oxide) monomethyl ether as macroinitiator and allyl glycidyl ether as functional monomer. The copolymers were covalently modified via reactive double bonds by the addition of methyl sulfanylacetate. The resulting ester subsequently reacted with hydrazine hydrate yielding polymer hydrazide. The hydrazide was coupled with DOX yielding pH-sensitive hydrazone bonds between the drug and carrier. The resulting conjugate containing ca. 3 wt.% DOX forms micelles with Rh(a)=104 nm in phosphate-buffered saline. After incubation in buffers at 37 degrees C DOX was released faster at pH 5.0 (close to pH in endosomes; 43% DOX released within 24 h) than at pH 7.4 (pH of blood plasma; 16% DOX released within 24 h). Cleavage of hydrazone bonds between DOX and carrier continues even after plateau in the DOX release from micelles incubated in aqueous solutions is reached.

An anionic defensin from Plutella xylostella with potential activity against Bacillus thuringiensis.

PubMed

Xu, X-X; Zhang, Y-Q; Freed, S; Yu, J; Gao, Y-F; Wang, S; Ouyang, L-N; Ju, W-Y; Jin, F-L

2016-12-01

Insect defensins, are cationic peptides that play an important role in immunity against microbial infection. In the present study, an anionic defensin from Plutella xylostella, (designated as PxDef) was first cloned and characterized. Amino acid sequence analysis showed that the mature peptide owned characteristic six-cysteine motifs with predicted isoelectric point of 5.57, indicating an anionic defensin. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that PxDef was significantly induced in epidermis, fat body, midgut and hemocytes after injection of heat-inactivated Bacillus thuringiensis, while such an induction was delayed by the injection of live B. thuringiensis in the 4th instar larvae of P. xylostella. Knocking down the expression of nuclear transcription factor Dorsal in P. xylostella by RNA interference significantly decreased the mRNA level of PxDef, and increased the sensitivity of P. xylostella larvae to the infection by live B. thuringiensis. The purified recombinant mature peptide (PxDef) showed higher activity against Gram-positive bacteria, with the minimum inhibition concentrations of 1.6 and 2.6 µM against B. thuringiensis and Bacillus subtilis, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first report about an anionic PxDef, which may play an important role in the immune system of P. xylostella against B. thuringiensis.

Thermally Stable Gold Nanoparticles with a Crosslinked Diblock Copolymer Shell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jang, Se Gyu; Khan, Anzar; Hawker, Craig J.; Kramer, Edward J.

2010-03-01

The use of polymer-coated Au nanoparticles prepared using oligomeric- or polymeric-ligands tethered by Au-S bonds for incorporation into block copolymer templates under thermal processing has been limited due to dissociation of the Au-S bond at T > 100^oC where compromises their colloidal stability. We report a simple route to prepare sub-5nm gold nanoparticles with a thermally stable polymeric shell. An end-functional thiol ligand consisting of poly(styrene-b-1,2&3,4-isoprene-SH) is synthesized by anionic polymerization. After a standard thiol ligand synthesis of Au nanoparticles, the inner PI block is cross-linked through reaction with 1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane. Gold nanoparticles with the cross-linked shell are stable in organic solvents at 160^oC as well as in block copolymer films of PS-b-P2VP annealed in vacuum at 170^oC for several days. These nanoparticles can be designed to strongly segregate to the PS-P2VP interface resulting in very large Au nanoparticle volume fractions φp without macrophase separation as well as transitions between lamellar and bicontinuous morphologies as φp increases.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Wenwen; Wang, Weiyu; Li, Hui

In this study, high molecular weight “comb-shaped” graft copolymers, poly(isoprene-g-styrene), with polyisoprene as the backbone and polystyrene as side chains, were synthesized via free radical emulsion polymerization by copolymerization of isoprene with a polystyrene macromonomer synthesized using anionic polymerization. A small amount of toluene was used in order to successfully disperse the macromonomer. Both a redox and thermal initiation system were used in the emulsion polymerization, and the latex particle size and distribution were investigated by dynamic light scattering. The structural characteristics of the macromonomer and comb graft copolymers were investigated through use of size exclusion chromatography, spectroscopy, microscopy, thermalmore » analysis, and rheology. While the macromonomer was successfully copolymerized to obtain the desired multigraft copolymers, small amounts of unreacted macromonomer remained in the products, reflecting its reduced reactivity due to steric effects. Nevertheless, the multigraft copolymers obtained were very high in molecular weight (5–12 × 10 5 g/mol) and up to 10 branches per chain, on average, could be incorporated. A material incorporating 29 wt% polystyrene exhibits a disordered microphase separated morphology and elastomeric properties. As a result, these materials show promise as new, highly tunable, and potentially low cost thermoplastic elastomers.« less

Smooth model surfaces from lignin derivatives. II. Adsorption of polyelectrolytes and PECs monitored by QCM-D.

PubMed

Norgren, Magnus; Gärdlund, Linda; Notley, Shannon M; Htun, Myat; Wågberg, Lars

2007-03-27

For the first time to the knowledge of the authors, well-defined and stable lignin model surfaces have been utilized as substrates in polyelectrolyte adsorption studies. The adsorption of polyallylamine (PAH), poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), and polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) was monitored using quartz crystal microgravimetry with dissipation (QCM-D). The PECs were prepared by mixing PAH and PAA at different ratios and sequences, creating both cationic and anionic PECs with different charge levels. The adsorption experiments were performed in 1 and 10 mM sodium chloride solutions at pH 5 and 7.5. The highest adsorption of PAH and cationic PECs was found at pH 7.5, where the slightly negatively charged nature of the lignin substrate is more pronounced, governing electrostatic attraction of oppositely charged polymeric substances. An increase in the adsorption was further found when the electrolyte concentration was increased. In comparison, both PAA and the anionic PEC showed remarkably high adsorption to the lignin model film. The adsorption of PAA was further studied on silica and was found to be relatively low even at high electrolyte concentrations. This indicated that the high PAA adsorption on the lignin films was not induced by a decreased solubility of the anionic polyelectrolyte. The high levels of adsorption on lignin model surfaces found both for PAA and the anionic PAA-PAH polyelectrolyte complex points to the presence of strong nonionic interactions in these systems.

Crystal structure of poly[di­aqua­(μ2-benzene-1,4-di­carboxyl­ato-κ2 O 1:O 4)(μ2-benzene-1,4-di­carboxyl­ato-κ4 O 1,O 1′:O 4,O 4′)bis­(μ2-3,3′,5,5′-tetra­methyl-4,4′-bi­pyrazole-κ2 N:N′)dinickel(II)

PubMed Central

Wu, Chao; Cao, Peng

2015-01-01

The asymmetric unit of the polymeric title compound, [Ni(C8H4O4)(C10H14N4)(H2O)]n, contains one Ni2+ cation, one coordinating water mol­ecule, one 3,3′,5,5′-tetra­methyl-4,4′-bi­pyrazole ligand and half each of two benzene-1,4-di­carboxyl­ate anions, the other halves being generated by inversion symmetry. The Ni2+ cation exhibits an octa­hedral N2O4 coordination sphere defined by the O atoms of the water mol­ecule and two different anions and the N atoms of two symmetry-related N-heterocycles. The N-heterocycles and both anions bridge adjacent Ni2+ cations into a three-dimensional network structure, with one of the anions in a bis-bidentate and the other in a bis-monodentate bridging mode. N—H⋯O and O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds between the N-heterocycles and water mol­ecules as donor groups and the carboxyl­ate O atoms as acceptor groups consolidate the crystal packing. PMID:26090165

Silyl Ketene Acetals/B(C₆F₅)₃ Lewis Pair-Catalyzed Living Group Transfer Polymerization of Renewable Cyclic Acrylic Monomers.

PubMed

Hu, Lu; Zhao, Wuchao; He, Jianghua; Zhang, Yuetao

2018-03-15

This work reveals the silyl ketene acetal (SKA)/B(C₆F₅)₃ Lewis pair-catalyzed room-temperature group transfer polymerization (GTP) of polar acrylic monomers, including methyl linear methacrylate (MMA), and the biorenewable cyclic monomers γ-methyl-α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone (MMBL) and α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone (MBL) as well. The in situ NMR monitored reaction of SKA with B(C₆F₅)₃ indicated the formation of Frustrated Lewis Pairs (FLPs), although it is sluggish for MMA polymerization, such a FLP system exhibits highly activity and living GTP of MMBL and MBL. Detailed investigations, including the characterization of key reaction intermediates, polymerization kinetics and polymer structures have led to a polymerization mechanism, in which the polymerization is initiated with an intermolecular Michael addition of the ester enolate group of SKA to the vinyl group of B(C₆F₅)₃-activated monomer, while the silyl group is transferred to the carbonyl group of the B(C₆F₅)₃-activated monomer to generate the single-monomer-addition species or the active propagating species; the coordinated B(C₆F₅)₃ is released to the incoming monomer, followed by repeated intermolecular Michael additions in the subsequent propagation cycle. Such neutral SKA analogues are the real active species for the polymerization and are retained in the whole process as confirmed by experimental data and the chain-end analysis by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectroscopy (MALDI-TOF MS). Moreover, using this method, we have successfully synthesized well-defined PMMBL- b -PMBL, PMMBL- b -PMBL- b -PMMBL and random copolymers with the predicated molecular weights ( M n ) and narrow molecular weight distribution (MWD).

A Simple and Universal Gel Permeation Chromatography Technique for Precise Molecular Weight Characterization of Well-Defined Poly(ionic liquid)s

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

He, Hongkun; Zhong, Mingjiang; Adzima, Brian

2013-03-20

Poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) are an important class of technologically relevant materials. However, characterization of well-defined polyionic materials remains a challenge. Herein, we have developed a simple and versatile gel permeation chromatography (GPC) methodology for molecular weight (MW) characterization of PILs with a variety of anions. PILs with narrow MW distributions were synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization, and the MWs obtained from GPC were further confirmed via nuclear magnetic resonance end group analysis.

Electrolytic orthoborate salts for lithium batteries

DOEpatents

Angell, Charles Austen [Mesa, AZ; Xu, Wu [Tempe, AZ

2008-01-01

Orthoborate salts suitable for use as electrolytes in lithium batteries and methods for making the electrolyte salts are provided. The electrolytic salts have one of the formulae (I). In this formula anionic orthoborate groups are capped with two bidentate chelating groups, Y1 and Y2. Certain preferred chelating groups are dibasic acid residues, most preferably oxalyl, malonyl and succinyl, disulfonic acid residues, sulfoacetic acid residues and halo-substituted alkylenes. The salts are soluble in non-aqueous solvents and polymeric gels and are useful components of lithium batteries in electrochemical devices.

Electrolytic orthoborate salts for lithium batteries

DOEpatents

Angell, Charles Austen [Mesa, AZ; Xu, Wu [Tempe, AZ

2009-05-05

Orthoborate salts suitable for use as electrolytes in lithium batteries and methods for making the electrolyte salts are provided. The electrolytic salts have one of the formulae (I). In this formula anionic orthoborate groups are capped with two bidentate chelating groups, Y1 and Y2. Certain preferred chelating groups are dibasic acid residues, most preferably oxalyl, malonyl and succinyl, disulfonic acid residues, sulfoacetic acid residues and halo-substituted alkylenes. The salts are soluble in non-aqueous solvents and polymeric gels and are useful components of lithium batteries in electrochemical devices.

In Situ Molecular Imaging of the Biofilm and Its Matrix.

PubMed

Ding, Yuanzhao; Zhou, Yufan; Yao, Juan; Szymanski, Craig; Fredrickson, James; Shi, Liang; Cao, Bin; Zhu, Zihua; Yu, Xiao-Ying

2016-11-15

Molecular mapping of live biofilms at submicrometer resolution presents a grand challenge. Here, we present the first chemical mapping results of biofilm extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) in biofilms using correlative imaging between super resolution fluorescence microscopy and liquid time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). Shewanella oneidensis is used as a model organism. Heavy metal chromate (Cr 2 O 7 2- ) anions consisting of chromium Cr(VI) was used as a model environmental stressor to treat the biofilms. Of particular interest, biologically relevant water clusters have been first observed in the biofilms. Characteristic fragments of biofilm matrix components such as proteins, polysaccharides, and lipids can be spatially imaged. Furthermore, characteristic fatty acids (e.g., palmitic acid), quinolone signal, and riboflavin fragments were found to respond after the biofilm is treated with Cr(VI), leading to biofilm dispersal. Significant changes in water clusters and quorum sensing signals indicative of intercellular communication in the aqueous environment were observed, suggesting that they might result in fatty acid synthesis and inhibition of riboflavin production. The Cr(VI) reduction seems to follow the Mtr pathway leading to Cr(III) formation. Our approach potentially opens a new avenue for mechanistic insight of microbial community processes and communications using in situ imaging mass spectrometry and super resolution optical microscopy.

Densely quaternized poly(arylene ether)s with distinct phase separation for highly anion-conductive membranes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Yuanfang; Wang, Bingxi; Li, Xiao; Chen, Dongyang; Zhang, Weiying

2018-05-01

To develop high performance anion exchange membranes (AEMs), a novel bisphenol monomer bearing eight benzylmethyl groups at the outer edge of the molecule was synthesized, which after condensation polymerization with various amounts of 4,4‧-dihydroxydiphenylsulfone and 4,4‧-difluorobenzophenone yielded novel poly(arylene ether)s with densely located benzylmethyl groups. These benzylmethyl groups were then converted to quaternary ammonium groups by radical-initiated bromination and quaternization in tandem, leading to the emergence of densely quaternized poly(arylene ether sulfone)s (QA-PAEs) with controlled ion exchange capacities (IECs) ranging from 1.61 to 2.32 mmol g-1. Both small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies revealed distinct phase separation in the QA-PAEs. The QA-PAE-40 with an IEC of 2.32 mmol g-1 exhibited a Br- conductivity of 9.2 mS cm-1 and a SO42- conductivity of 14.0 mS cm-1 at room temperature, much higher than those of a control membrane with a similar IEC but without obvious phase separation. Therefore, phase separation of AEMs was validated to be advantageous for the efficient conducting of anions. The experimental results also showed that the QA-PAEs were promising AEM materials, especially for non-alkaline applications.

Molecular architecture requirements for polymer-grafted lignin superplasticizers.

PubMed

Gupta, Chetali; Sverdlove, Madeline J; Washburn, Newell R

2015-04-07

Superplasticizers are a class of anionic polymer dispersants used to inhibit aggregation in hydraulic cement, lowering the yield stress of cement pastes to improve workability and reduce water requirements. The plant-derived biopolymer lignin is commonly used as a low-cost/low-performance plasticizer, but attempts to improve its effects on cement rheology through copolymerization with synthetic monomers have not led to significant improvements. Here we demonstrate that kraft lignin can form the basis for high-performance superplasticizers in hydraulic cement, but the molecular architecture must be based on a lignin core with a synthetic-polymer corona that can be produced via controlled radical polymerization. Using slump tests of ordinary Portland cement pastes, we show that polyacrylamide-grafted lignin prepared via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization can reduce the yield stress of cement paste to similar levels as a leading commercial polycarboxylate ether superplasticizer at concentrations ten-fold lower, although the lignin material produced via controlled radical polymerization does not appear to reduce the dynamic viscosity of cement paste as effectively as the polycarboxylate superplasticizer, despite having a similar affinity for the individual mineral components of ordinary Portland cement. In contrast, polyacrylamide copolymerized with a methacrylated kraft lignin via conventional free radical polymerization having a similar overall composition did not reduce the yield stress or the viscosity of cement pastes. While further work is required to elucidate the mechanism of this effect, these results indicate that controlling the architecture of polymer-grafted lignin can significantly enhance its performance as a superplasticizer for cement.

A novel acrylamide-free flocculant and its application for sludge dewatering.

PubMed

Lu, Lianghua; Pan, Zhida; Hao, Nan; Peng, Wenqing

2014-06-15

In the present research, copolymers of methyl acrylate (MA) with anionic or cationic monomers were synthesized via emulsion polymerization, and used as sludge dewatering aids in wastewater treatment. The copolymerization of different stoichiometry of two monomers afforded a variety of water soluble copolymers with charge densities ranging from 40% to 80%, which align with the charge density of current flocculant products. These copolymers resemble current commercial products, but provide a greener solution by eliminating acrylamide monomer, which is a suspected carcinogen. High molecular weight copolymers were achieved by applying powder-like synthesis process with intrinsic viscosity of final products as high as 12.98 dl/g for anionic flocculant and 10.74 dl/g for cationic flocculant. The copolymers of methyl acrylate and [2-(Acryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium chloride (AETAC) with 55% charge density exhibited comparable performance in clay settling test, real water jar test, and sludge dewatering, when compared to AM-based commercial product in the real wastewater treatment application. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

(1-Adamantyl)methyl glycidyl ether: a versatile building block for living polymerization.

PubMed

Moers, Christian; Wrazidlo, Robert; Natalello, Adrian; Netz, Isabelle; Mondeshki, Mihail; Frey, Holger

2014-06-01

(1-Adamantyl)methyl glycidyl ether (AdaGE) is introduced as a versatile monomer for oxyanionic polymerization, enabling controlled incorporation of adamantyl moieties in aliphatic polyethers. Via copolymerization with ethoxyethyl glycidyl ether (EEGE) and subsequent cleavage of the acetal protection groups of EEGE, hydrophilic linear polyglycerols with an adjustable amount of pendant adamantyl moieties are obtained. The adamantyl unit permits control over thermal properties and solubility profile of these polymers (LCST). Additionally, AdaGE is utilized as a termination agent in carbanionic polymerization, affording adamantyl-terminated polymers. Using these structures as macroinitiators for the polymerization of ethylene oxide affords amphiphilic, in-chain adamantyl-functionalized block copolymers. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Ionically fixed polymeric nanoparticles as a novel drug carrier.

PubMed

Lee, Sa-Won; Chang, Dong-Hoon; Shim, Myung-Seop; Kim, Bong-Oh; Kim, Sun-Ok; Seo, Min-Hyo

2007-08-01

In this study, we have prepared a novel polymeric drug delivery system comprised of ionically fixed polymeric nanoparticles (IFPN) and investigated their potential as a drug carrier for the passive targeting of water-insoluble anticancer drugs. For this purpose, the physicochemical characteristics of the IFPN were investigated by comparing them with conventional polymeric micelles. IFPN containing paclitaxel were prepared and evaluated for in vitro stability and in vivo pharmacokinetics. The IFPN were successfully fabricated using a monomethoxypolyethylene glycol-polylactide (mPEG-PLA) diblock copolymer and a sodium salt of D,L-poly(lactic acid) (D,L-PLACOONa) upon the addition of CaCl2. The transmittance of the IFPN solution was much lower than that of a polymeric micelle solution at the same polymer concentration implicating an increase in the number of appreciable particles. The particle size of the IFPN was approximately 20 approximately 30 nm which is in the range of particle sizes that facilitate sterile filtration using a membrane filter. The IFPN also have a regular spherical shape with a narrow size distribution. The zeta potential of the IFPN was almost neutral, similar to that of the polymeric micelles. In contrast, mixed micelles with a combination of mPEG-PLA and D,L-PLACOONa prior to the addition of Ca2+ showed a negative charge (-17 mV), possibly due to the carboxyl anion of polylactic acid exposed on the surface of the micelles. The IFPN formulation was highly kinetically stable in aqueous medium compared to the polymeric micelle formulation. The molecular weight of D,L-PLACOONa in the IFPN and the mPEG-PLA/D,L-PLACOONa molar ratio had a great influence upon the kinetic stability of the IFPN. Pharmacokinetic studies showed that the area under the concentration vs time curve (AUC) of IFPN in blood was statistically higher (about two times) when compared with that of Cremophor EL-based formulation (Taxol equivalent) or polymeric micelle formulation. The results suggests that the IFPN were retained in the circulation long enough to play a significant role as a drug carrier in the bloodstream, possibly resulting in improved therapeutic efficiency. Therefore, the IFPN are expected to be a promising novel polymeric nanoparticulate system for passive tumor targeting of water-insoluble anticancer drugs including paclitaxel.

Radiation creation of cation defects in alkali halide crystals: Review and today's concept (Review Article)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lushchik, A.; Lushchik, Ch.; Vasil'chenko, E.; Popov, A. I.

2018-04-01

Irradiation of alkali halide crystals creates pairs of Frenkel defects both in anion and cation sublattices. However, the particular nonimpact creation mechanisms (related to the decay of different electronic excitations) of cation Frenkel pairs are still unclear. At helium temperatures, there is yet no direct evidences of the creation of stable (long-lived) elemental cation defects. On the other hand, a number of complex structural defects containing cation vacancies and/or interstitials, were detected after irradiation of alkali halides at higher temperatures. Besides already proved mechanism related to the association of H and VK centers into trihalide molecules, the following possibilities of cation interstitial-vacancy pair creation are analyzed as well: (i) a direct decay of cation or anion excitons, (ii) the transformation of anion Frenkel pairs, formed at the decay of anion excitons or e-h recombination, into cation ones.

Controlled Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization by Molybdenum and Tungsten Alkylidene Complexes

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-07-29

weights and low polydispersities (as low as 1.03) consistent with a living catalyst system employing 50, 100, 200, and 400 eq of monomer. The reactions are...secondary metathesis of polymer chains Bulky alkoxide ligands Wittig-like reaction Ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) Feast monomer Cyclic...olefins Retro Diels-Alder reaction Norbornene (NBE) Low temperature column chromatography Endo-,endo-5,6-dicarbomethoxynorbornene Discrete, soluble

A Self-Reporting Photocatalyst for Online Fluorescence Monitoring of High Throughput RAFT Polymerization.

PubMed

Yeow, Jonathan; Joshi, Sanket; Chapman, Robert; Boyer, Cyrille Andre Jean Marie

2018-04-25

Translating controlled/living radical polymerization (CLRP) from batch to the high throughput production of polymer libraries presents several challenges in terms of both polymer synthesis and characterization. Although recently there have been significant advances in the field of low volume, high throughput CLRP, techniques able to simultaneously monitor multiple polymerizations in an "online" manner have not yet been developed. Here, we report our discovery that 5,10,15,20-tetraphenyl-21H,23H-porphine zinc (ZnTPP) is a self-reporting photocatalyst that can mediate PET-RAFT polymerization as well as report on monomer conversion via changes in its fluorescence properties. This enables the use of a microplate reader to conduct high throughput "online" monitoring of PET-RAFT polymerizations performed directly in 384-well, low volume microtiter plates. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Acrylonitrile-Butadiene Rubber (NBR) Prepared via Living/Controlled Radical Polymerization (RAFT).

PubMed

Kaiser, Andreas; Brandau, Sven; Klimpel, Michael; Barner-Kowollik, Christopher

2010-09-15

In the current work we present results on the controlled/living radical copolymerization of acrylonitrile (AN) and 1,3-butadiene (BD) via reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization techniques. For the first time, a solution polymerization process for the synthesis of nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) via the use of dithioacetate and trithiocarbonate RAFT agents is described. It is demonstrated that the number average molar mass, $\\overline M _{\\rm n} $, of the NBR can be varied between a few thousand and 60 000 g · mol(-1) with polydispersities between 1.2 and 2.0 (depending on the monomer to polymer conversion). Excellent agreement between the experimentally observed and the theoretically expected molar masses is found. Detailed information on the structure of the synthesized polymers is obtained by variable analytical techniques such as infrared spectroscopy (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Copyright © 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Functional Interfaces Constructed by Controlled/Living Radical Polymerization for Analytical Chemistry.

PubMed

Wang, Huai-Song; Song, Min; Hang, Tai-Jun

2016-02-10

The high-value applications of functional polymers in analytical science generally require well-defined interfaces, including precisely synthesized molecular architectures and compositions. Controlled/living radical polymerization (CRP) has been developed as a versatile and powerful tool for the preparation of polymers with narrow molecular weight distributions and predetermined molecular weights. Among the CRP system, atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) are well-used to develop new materials for analytical science, such as surface-modified core-shell particles, monoliths, MIP micro- or nanospheres, fluorescent nanoparticles, and multifunctional materials. In this review, we summarize the emerging functional interfaces constructed by RAFT and ATRP for applications in analytical science. Various polymers with precisely controlled architectures including homopolymers, block copolymers, molecular imprinted copolymers, and grafted copolymers were synthesized by CRP methods for molecular separation, retention, or sensing. We expect that the CRP methods will become the most popular technique for preparing functional polymers that can be broadly applied in analytical chemistry.

Synthesis of Well-defined Amphiphilic Block Copolymers by Organotellurium-Mediated Living Radical Polymerization (TERP).

PubMed

Kumar, Santosh; Changez, Mohammad; Murthy, C N; Yamago, Shigeru; Lee, Jae-Suk

2011-10-04

Low-molecular weight amphiphilic diblock copolymers, polystyrene-block-poly (2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP), and (P2VP-b-PS) with different block ratios were synthesized for the first time via organotellurium-mediated living radical polymerization (TERP). For both the homo- and block copolymerizations, good agreement between the theoretical, and experimental molecular weights was found with nearly 100% yield in every case. The molecular weight distribution for all the samples ranged between 1.10 and 1.24, which is well below the theoretical lower limit of 1.50 for a conventional free radical polymerization. Furthermore, a very simple approach to producing highly dense arrays of titania nanoparticles (TiO2 ) is presented using a site-selective reaction of titanium tetraisopropoxide within the P2VP domains of micellar film of P2VP-b-PS in toluene through the sol-gel method. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A short review of radiation-induced raft-mediated graft copolymerization: A powerful combination for modifying the surface properties of polymers in a controlled manner

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barsbay, Murat; Güven, Olgun

2009-12-01

Surface grafting of polymeric materials is attracting increasing attention as it enables the preparation of new materials from known and commercially available polymers having desirable bulk properties such as thermal stability, elasticity, permeability, etc., in conjunction with advantageous newly tailored surface properties such as biocompatibility, biomimicry, adhesion, etc. Ionizing radiation, particularly γ radiation is one of the most powerful tools for preparing graft copolymers as it generates radicals on most substrates. With the advent of living free-radical polymerization techniques, application of γ radiation has been extended to a new era of grafting; grafting in a controlled manner to achieve surfaces with tailored and well-defined properties. This report presents the current use of γ radiation in living free-radical polymerization and highlights the use of both techniques together as a combination to present an advance in the ability to prepare surfaces with desired, tunable and well-defined properties.

Amine-controlled assembly of metal-sulfite architecture from 1D chains to 3D framework.

PubMed

Austria, Cristina; Zhang, Jian; Valle, Henry; Zhang, Qichun; Chew, Emily; Nguyen, Dan-Tam; Gu, J Y; Feng, Pingyun; Bu, Xianhui

2007-08-06

Whereas open-framework materials have been made in a variety of chemical compositions, few are known in which 3-connected SO3(2)- anions serve as basic building units. Here, we report four new metal-sulfite polymeric structures, (ZnSO3)Py (1, py = pyridine), (ZnSO3)2(2,2'-bipy)H2O (2, 2,2'-bipy = 2,2'-bipyridine), (ZnSO3)2(TMDPy) (3, TMDPy = 4,4'-trimethylenedipyridine), and (MnSO3)2en (4, en = ethylenediamine) that have been synthesized hydrothermally and structurally characterized. In these compounds, low-dimensional 1D and 2D inorganic subunits are assembled into higher 2D or 3D covalent frameworks by organic ligands. In addition to the structure-directing effect of organic ligands, the flexible coordination chemistry of Zn2+ and SO3(2)- also contributes to the observed structural diversity. In compounds 1-3, Zn2+ sites alternate with trigonal pyramidal SO3(2)- anions to form three types of [ZnSO3]n chains, whereas in compound 4, a 2D-corrugated [MnSO3]n layer is present. Compound 1 features a rail-like chain with pendant pyridine rings. The pi-pi interaction between 2,2'-bipy ligands is found between adjacent chains in compound 2, resulting in 2D sheets that are further stacked through interlayer hydrogen bonds. Compound 3 exhibits a very interesting inorganic [(ZnSO3)2]n chain constructed from two chairlike subunits, and such chains are bridged by TMDPy ligands into a 2D sheet. In compound 4, side-by-side helical chains permeate through 2D-corrugated [MnSO3]n layers, which are pillared by neutral ethylenediamine molecules into a 3D framework that can be topologically represented as a (3,6)-connected net. The results presented here illustrate the rich structural chemistry of metal-sulfites and the potential of sulfite anions as a unique structural building block for the construction of novel open-framework materials, in particular, those containing polymeric inorganic subunits that may have interesting physical properties such as low-dimensional magnetism or electronic properties.

A fabrication strategy for nanosized zero valent iron (nZVI)-polymeric anion exchanger composites with tunable structure for nitrate reduction.

PubMed

Jiang, Zhenmao; Zhang, Shujuan; Pan, Bingcai; Wang, Wenfeng; Wang, Xiaoshu; Lv, Lu; Zhang, Weiming; Zhang, Quanxing

2012-09-30

To reveal how the distribution of nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) affect their reduction efficiency of its polymer-based composites and to further develop a simple strategy to tune the structure of the composites, we prepared four nZVI-polymerstyrene anion exchanger composites with similar nZVI loadings (13.5-14.4 Fe % in mass) but different distributions just through varying the concentration of NaBH(4) (0.9, 1.8, 3.6, and 7.2% in mass) solution during reduction of nZVI precursor (FeCl(4)(-) anions). As observed by SEM-EDX images, increasing the NaBH(4) concentration resulted in a more uniform nZVI distribution within the polymer, and thereto higher NH(4)(+)N production, faster reaction rate and more gaseous products during its reduction of nitrate and nitrite. nZVI distribution of the composites was suggested to greatly depend upon two processes, the hydrolyzation of anionic FeCl(4)(-) into cationic Fe(3+) and the reduction of both Fe(III) species by NaBH(4). Higher NaBH(4) concentration favored its faster diffusion into the inside polymer and in situ reduction of Fe(III) species into nZVI, causing a more uniform nZVI distribution. The results reported herein suggest that adjusting the NaBH(4) concentration was a simple and effective method to control the nZVI distribution in the supporting polymers, and indirectly tune the reactivity of the resultant nZVI hybrids. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Poly(cyclohexylethylene)- block -Poly(lactide) Oligomers for Ultrasmall Nanopatterning Using Atomic Layer Deposition

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yao, Li; Oquendo, Luis E.; Schulze, Morgan W.

2016-03-08

Poly(cyclohexylethylene)-block-poly(lactide) (PCHE–PLA) block polymers were synthesized through a combination of anionic polymerization, heterogeneous catalytic hydrogenation and controlled ring-opening polymerization. Ordered thin films of PCHE–PLA with ultrasmall hexagonally packed cylinders oriented perpendicularly to the substrate surface were prepared by spin-coating and subsequent solvent vapor annealing for use in two distinct templating strategies. In one approach, selective hydrolytic degradation of the PLA domains generated nanoporous PCHE templates with an average pore diameter of 5 ± 1 nm corroborated by atomic force microscopy and grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering. Alternatively, sequential infiltration synthesis (SIS) was employed to deposit Al2O3 selectively into the PLAmore » domains of PCHE–PLA thin films. A combination of argon ion milling and O2 reactive ion etching (RIE) enabled the replication of the Al2O3 nanoarray from the PCHE–PLA template on diverse substrates including silicon and gold with feature diameters less than 10 nm.« less

Poly[[di-μ-aqua-(μ-4-formyl-2-meth­oxy­phenol­ato)disodium] 4-formyl-2-meth­oxy­phenolate

PubMed Central

Asghar, Muhammad Nadeem; Şahin, Onur; Arshad, Muhammad Nadeem; Mazhar, Uzma; Khan, Islam Ullah; Büyükgüngör, Orhan

2010-01-01

In the title coordination polymer, {[Na2(C8H7O3)(H2O)4](C8H7O3)}n, all the non-H atoms except the water O atoms lie on a crystallographic mirror plane. One sodium cation is bonded to four water O atoms and one vanillinate O atom in a distorted square-based pyramidal arrangement; the other Na+ ion is six-coordinated by four water O atoms and two vanillinate O atoms in an irregular geometry. One of the vanillinate anions is directly bonded to two sodium ions, whilst the other only inter­acts with the polymeric network by way of hydrogen bonds. In the crystal, a two-dimensional polymeric array is formed; this is reinforced by O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, which generate R 2 1(6) and R 2 2(20) loops. PMID:21579628

Experimental and theoretical investigation of vibrational spectra of coordination polymers based on TCE-TTF.

PubMed

Olejniczak, Iwona; Lapiński, Andrzej; Swietlik, Roman; Olivier, Jean; Golhen, Stéphane; Ouahab, Lahcène

2011-08-01

The room-temperature infrared and Raman spectra of a series of four isostructural polymeric salts of 2,3,6,7-tetrakis(2-cyanoethylthio)-tetrathiafulvalene (TCE-TTF) with paramagnetic (Co(II), Mn(II)) and diamagnetic (Zn(II), Cd(II)) ions, together with BF(4)(-) or ClO(4)(-) anions are reported. Infrared and Raman-active modes are identified and assigned based on theoretical calculations for neutral and ionized TCE-TTF using density functional theory (DFT) methods. It is confirmed that the TCE-TTF molecules in all the materials investigated are fully ionized and interact in the crystal structure through cyanoethylthio groups. The vibrational modes related to the C=C stretching vibrations of TCE-TTF are analyzed assuming the occurrence of electron-molecular vibration coupling (EMV). The presence of the antisymmetric C=C dimeric mode provides evidence that charge transfer takes place between TCE-TTF molecules belonging to neighboring polymeric networks. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

In Situ Generated Ruthenium-Arene Catalyst for Photoactivated Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization through Photolatent N-Heterocyclic Carbene Ligand.

PubMed

Pinaud, Julien; Trinh, Thi Kim Hoang; Sauvanier, David; Placet, Emeline; Songsee, Sriprapai; Lacroix-Desmazes, Patrick; Becht, Jean-Michel; Tarablsi, Bassam; Lalevée, Jacques; Pichavant, Loïc; Héroguez, Valérie; Chemtob, Abraham

2018-01-09

1,3-Bis(mesityl)imidazolium tetraphenylborate (IMesH + BPh 4 - ) can be synthesized in one step by anion metathesis between the corresponding imidazolium chloride and sodium tetraphenylborate. In the presence of 2-isopropylthioxanthone (sensitizer), an IMes N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand can be photogenerated under irradiation at 365 nm through coupled electron/proton transfer reactions. By combining this tandem NHC photogenerator system with metathesis inactive [RuCl 2 (p-cymene)] 2 precatalyst, the highly active RuCl 2 (p-cymene)(IMes) complex can be formed in situ, enabling a complete ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of norbornene in the matter of minutes at room temperature. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of a photogenerated NHC. Its exploitation in photoROMP has resulted in a simplified process compared to current photocatalysts, because only stable commercial or easily synthesized reagents are required. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

The Importance of Interactions at the Molecular Level: A Spectroscopic Study of a New Composite Sorber Material.

PubMed

Crocellà, Valentina; Groppo, Elena; Dani, Alessandro; Castellero, Alberto; Bordiga, Silvia; Zilio, Stefano; De Simone, Agnello; Vacca, Paolo

2017-10-01

The functional properties of a new composite material having water vapor getter properties have been investigated by a large arsenal of characterization techniques. The composite system is originated by combining two constituents having very different chemical natures, a magnesium perchlorate (Mg(ClO 4 ) 2 ) salt and a polymeric acrylic matrix. In particular, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopy have been fundamental to understand the type of interactions between the salt and the matrix in different hydration conditions. It was found that in the anhydrous composite system the dispersed Mg(ClO 4 ) 2 salt retains its molecular structure, because Mg 2+ cations are still surrounded by their [ClO 4 ] - counter-anions; at the same time, the salt and the polymeric matrix chemically interact each other at the molecular level. These interactions gradually vanish in the presence of water, and disappear in the fully hydrated composite system, where the Mg 2+ cations are completely solvated by the water molecules.

Analysis of emulsion stability in acrylic dispersions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahuja, Suresh

2012-02-01

Emulsions either micro or nano permit transport or solubilization of hydrophobic substances within a water-based phase. Different methods have been introduced at laboratory and industrial scales: mechanical stirring, high-pressure homogenization, or ultrasonics. In digital imaging, toners may be formed by aggregating a colorant with a latex polymer formed by batch or semi-continuous emulsion polymerization. Latex emulsions are prepared by making a monomer emulsion with monomer like Beta-carboxy ethyl acrylate (β-CEA) and stirring at high speed with an anionic surfactant like branched sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonates , aqueous solution until an emulsion is formed. Initiator for emulsion polymerization is 2-2'- azobis isobutyramide dehydrate with chain transfer agent are used to make the latex. If the latex emulsion is unstable, the resulting latexes produce a toner with larger particle size, broader particle size distribution with relatively higher latex sedimentation, and broader molecular weight distribution. Oswald ripening and coalescence cause droplet size to increase and can result in destabilization of emulsions. Shear thinning and elasticity of emulsions are applied to determine emulsion stability.

Phylum-wide analysis of genes/proteins related to the last steps of assembly and export of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in cyanobacteria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pereira, Sara B.; Mota, Rita; Vieira, Cristina P.; Vieira, Jorge; Tamagnini, Paula

2015-10-01

Many cyanobacteria produce extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) with particular characteristics (e.g. anionic nature and presence of sulfate) that make them suitable for industrial processes such as bioremediation of heavy metals or thickening, suspending or emulsifying agents. Nevertheless, their biosynthetic pathway(s) are still largely unknown, limiting their utilization. In this work, a phylum-wide analysis of genes/proteins putatively involved in the assembly and export of EPS in cyanobacteria was performed. Our results demonstrated that most strains harbor genes encoding proteins related to the three main pathways: Wzy-, ABC transporter-, and Synthase-dependent, but often not the complete set defining one pathway. Multiple gene copies are mainly correlated to larger genomes, and the strains with reduced genomes (e.g. the clade of marine unicellular Synechococcus and Prochlorococcus), seem to have lost most of the EPS-related genes. Overall, the distribution of the different genes/proteins within the cyanobacteria phylum raises the hypothesis that cyanobacterial EPS production may not strictly follow one of the pathways previously characterized. Moreover, for the proteins involved in EPS polymerization, amino acid patterns were defined and validated constituting a novel and robust tool to identify proteins with similar functions and giving a first insight to which polymer biosynthesis they are related to.

Tip-localized Ca2+ -permeable channels control pollen tube growth via kinase-dependent R- and S-type anion channel regulation.

PubMed

Gutermuth, Timo; Herbell, Sarah; Lassig, Roman; Brosché, Mikael; Romeis, Tina; Feijó, José Alberto; Hedrich, Rainer; Konrad, Kai Robert

2018-05-01

Pollen tubes (PTs) are characterized by having tip-focused cytosolic calcium ion (Ca 2+ ) concentration ([Ca 2+ ] cyt ) gradients, which are believed to control PT growth. However, the mechanisms by which the apical [Ca 2+ ] cyt orchestrates PT growth are not well understood. Here, we aimed to identify these mechanisms by combining reverse genetics, cell biology, electrophysiology, and live-cell Ca 2+ and anion imaging. We triggered Ca 2+ -channel activation by applying hyperpolarizing voltage pulses and observed that the evoked [Ca 2+ ] cyt increases were paralleled by high anion channel activity and a decrease in the cytosolic anion concentration at the PT tip. We confirmed a functional correlation between these patterns by showing that inhibition of Ca 2+ -permeable channels eliminated the [Ca 2+ ] cyt increase, resulting in the abrogation of anion channel activity via Ca 2+ -dependent protein kinases (CPKs). Functional characterization of CPK and anion-channel mutants revealed a CPK2/20/6-dependent activation of SLAH3 and ALMT12/13/14 anion channels. The impaired growth phenotypes of anion channel and CPK mutants support the physiological significance of a kinase- and Ca 2+ -dependent pathway to control PT growth via anion channel activation. Other than unveiling this functional link, our membrane hyperpolarization method allows for unprecedented manipulation of the [Ca 2+ ] cyt gradient or oscillations in the PT tips and opens an array of opportunities for channel screenings. © 2018 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2018 New Phytologist Trust.

Sequentially Programmable and Cellularly Selective Assembly of Fluorescent Polymerized Vesicles for Monitoring Cell Apoptosis

PubMed Central

Peng, Shu; Pan, Yu‐Chen; Wang, Yaling; Xu, Zhe; Chen, Chao

2017-01-01

Abstract The introduction of controlled self‐assembly into living organisms opens up desired biomedical applications in wide areas including bioimaging/assays, drug delivery, and tissue engineering. Besides the enzyme‐activated examples reported before, controlled self‐assembly under integrated stimuli, especially in the form of sequential input, is unprecedented and ultimately challenging. This study reports a programmable self‐assembling strategy in living cells under sequentially integrated control of both endogenous and exogenous stimuli. Fluorescent polymerized vesicles are constructed by using cholinesterase conversion followed by photopolymerization and thermochromism. Furthermore, as a proof‐of‐principle application, the cell apoptosis involved in the overexpression of cholinesterase in virtue of the generated fluorescence is monitored, showing potential in screening apoptosis‐inducing drugs. The approach exhibits multiple advantages for bioimaging in living cells, including specificity to cholinesterase, red emission, wash free, high signal‐to‐noise ratio. PMID:29201625

Sequentially Programmable and Cellularly Selective Assembly of Fluorescent Polymerized Vesicles for Monitoring Cell Apoptosis.

PubMed

Peng, Shu; Pan, Yu-Chen; Wang, Yaling; Xu, Zhe; Chen, Chao; Ding, Dan; Wang, Yongjian; Guo, Dong-Sheng

2017-11-01

The introduction of controlled self-assembly into living organisms opens up desired biomedical applications in wide areas including bioimaging/assays, drug delivery, and tissue engineering. Besides the enzyme-activated examples reported before, controlled self-assembly under integrated stimuli, especially in the form of sequential input, is unprecedented and ultimately challenging. This study reports a programmable self-assembling strategy in living cells under sequentially integrated control of both endogenous and exogenous stimuli. Fluorescent polymerized vesicles are constructed by using cholinesterase conversion followed by photopolymerization and thermochromism. Furthermore, as a proof-of-principle application, the cell apoptosis involved in the overexpression of cholinesterase in virtue of the generated fluorescence is monitored, showing potential in screening apoptosis-inducing drugs. The approach exhibits multiple advantages for bioimaging in living cells, including specificity to cholinesterase, red emission, wash free, high signal-to-noise ratio.

The luminescent properties of polyethylene films with admixtures of luminophores based on europium compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalinovskaya, I. V.; Zadorozhnaya, A. N.; Karasev, V. E.

2008-11-01

Polyethylene films activated with europium(III) complexes with carboxylic acids and Eu(L)3 · nD · xH2O + ANT compositions, where L is the trifluoroacetic, toluyl, or cinnamic acid anion and ANT is anthranilic acid, were prepared. The intensity of luminescence of the polymeric compositions depended on the content of luminophores (molar ratio between europium compounds and anthranilic acid). An analysis of the excitation spectra showed that, in polymer—Eu(L)3 · nPhen · xH2O + ANT compositions, there was effective energy transfer from phenanthroline to anthranilic acid levels.

Binding of Pentachloroiridite to Plasma Polymerized Vinylpyridine Films and Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Ascorbic Acid

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-12-21

anion. Voltametry in 1 M HC1 and in 1 M HC]O 4 is indis- tinguishable from that in Figure 2 except for a minor (10-20 mv.) potential shift in E rf...slope of Figure 9 agrees within a factor of 1.4 with that calculated from the irreversible potential sweep relation (36) using the known diffusion...Curve B. All in 1 M HSO4 2 ,4* Figure 9. Relationship of potential sweep rate and peak current for Curve B of Figure 6. Figure 10. Curve A: oxidation

Increase of Longevity of High Filled Composite Polymeric Materials Intended for Covering of Highways

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Negmatov, S. S.; Sobirov, B. B.; Abdullaev, A. X.; Salimsakov, Yu. A.; Raxmonov, B. Sh.; Negmatova, K. S.; Ergashev, E.; Jonuzokov, A. A.

2008-08-01

In work the results of researches of influence of various components included in structure of high filled asphalt-concrete coverings and composite polymeric hermetic materials for sealing them deformed seams and cracks are given. The opportunity of increase of long lived operation of highways was shown using as filler the mechano-activated river and dune sands in a combination to secondary polyethylene.

Recent Developments in the Synthesis of Biomacromolecules and their Conjugates by Single Electron Transfer-Living Radical Polymerization.

PubMed

Lligadas, Gerard; Grama, Silvia; Percec, Virgil

2017-04-10

Single electron transfer-living radical polymerization (SET-LRP) represents a robust and versatile tool for the synthesis of vinyl polymers with well-defined topology and chain end functionality. The crucial step in SET-LRP is the disproportionation of the Cu(I)X generated by activation with Cu(0) wire, powder, or nascent Cu(0) generated in situ into nascent, extremely reactive Cu(0) atoms and nanoparticles and Cu(II)X 2 . Nascent Cu(0) activates the initiator and dormant chains via a homogeneous or heterogeneous outer-sphere single-electron transfer mechanism (SET-LRP). SET-LRP provides an ultrafast polymerization of a plethora of monomers (e.g., (meth)-acrylates, (meth)-acrylamides, styrene, and vinyl chloride) including hydrophobic and water insoluble to hydrophilic and water soluble. Some advantageous features of SET-LRP are (i) the use of Cu(0) wire or powder as readily available catalysts under mild reaction conditions, (ii) their excellent control over molecular weight evolution and distribution as well as polymer chain ends, (iii) their high functional group tolerance allowing the polymerization of commercial-grade monomers, and (iv) the limited purification required for the resulting polymers. In this Perspective, we highlight the recent advancements of SET-LRP in the synthesis of biomacromolecules and of their conjugates.

Transformation of [M + 2H](2+) Peptide Cations to [M - H](+), [M + H + O](+), and M(+•) Cations via Ion/Ion Reactions: Reagent Anions Derived from Persulfate.

PubMed

Pilo, Alice L; Bu, Jiexun; McLuckey, Scott A

2015-07-01

The gas-phase oxidation of doubly protonated peptides is demonstrated here using ion/ion reactions with a suite of reagents derived from persulfate. Intact persulfate anion (HS2O8(-)), peroxymonosulfate anion (HSO5(-)), and sulfate radical anion (SO4(-•)) are all either observed directly upon negative nanoelectrospray ionization (nESI) or easily obtained via beam-type collisional activation of persulfate into the mass spectrometer. Ion/ion reactions between each of these reagents and doubly protonated peptides result in the formation of a long-lived complex. Collisional activation of the complex containing a peroxymonosulfate anion results in oxygen transfer from the reagent to the peptide to generate the [M + H + O](+) species. Activation of the complex containing intact persulfate anion either results in oxygen transfer to generate the [M + H + O](+) species or abstraction of two hydrogen atoms and a proton to generate the [M - H](+) species. Activation of the complex containing sulfate radical anion results in abstraction of one hydrogen atom and a proton to form the peptide radical cation, [M](+•). This suite of reagents allows for the facile transformation of the multiply protonated peptides obtained via nESI into a variety of oxidized species capable of providing complementary information about the sequence and structure of the peptide.

Caged Molecular Glues as Photoactivatable Tags for Nuclear Translocation of Guests in Living Cells.

PubMed

Arisaka, Akio; Mogaki, Rina; Okuro, Kou; Aida, Takuzo

2018-02-21

We developed dendritic caged molecular glues ( Caged Glue-R) as tags for nucleus-targeted drug delivery, whose multiple guanidinium ion (Gu + ) pendants are protected by an anionic photocleavable unit (butyrate-substituted nitroveratryloxycarbonyl; BA NVOC). Negatively charged Caged Glue-R hardly binds to anionic biomolecules because of their electrostatic repulsion. However, upon exposure of Caged Glue-R to UV light or near-infrared (NIR) light, the BA NVOC groups of Caged Glue-R are rapidly detached to yield an uncaged molecular glue ( Uncaged Glue-R) that carries multiple Gu + pendants. Because Gu + forms a salt bridge with PO 4 - , Uncaged Glue-R tightly adheres to anionic biomolecules such as DNA and phospholipids in cell membranes by a multivalent salt-bridge formation. When tagged with Caged Glue-R, guests can be taken up into living cells via endocytosis and hide in endosomes. However, when the Caged Glue-R tag is photochemically uncaged to form Uncaged Glue-R, the guests escape from the endosome and migrate into the cytoplasm followed by the cell nucleus. We demonstrated that quantum dots (QDs) tagged with Caged Glue-R can be delivered efficiently to cell nuclei eventually by irradiation with light.

Versatile Tandem Ring-Opening/Ring-Closing Metathesis Polymerization: Strategies for Successful Polymerization of Challenging Monomers and Their Mechanistic Studies.

PubMed

Park, Hyeon; Kang, Eun-Hye; Müller, Laura; Choi, Tae-Lim

2016-02-24

Tandem ring-opening/ring-closing metathesis (RO/RCM) results in extremely fast living polymerization; however, according to previous reports, only monomers containing certain combinations of cycloalkenes, terminal alkynes, and nitrogen linkers successfully underwent tandem polymerization. After examining the polymerization pathways, we proposed that the relatively slow intramolecular cyclization might lead to competing side reactions such as intermolecular cross metathesis reactions to form inactive propagating species. Thus, we developed two strategies to enhance tandem polymerization efficiency. First, we modified monomer structures to accelerate tandem RO/RCM cyclization by enhancing the Thorpe-Ingold effect. This strategy increased the polymerization rate and suppressed the chain transfer reaction to achieve controlled polymerization, even for challenging syntheses of dendronized polymers. Alternatively, reducing the reaction concentration facilitated tandem polymerization, suggesting that the slow tandem RO/RCM cyclization step was the main reason for the previous failure. To broaden the monomer scope, we used monomers containing internal alkynes and observed that two different polymer units with different ring sizes were produced as a result of nonselective α-addition and β-addition on the internal alkynes. Thorough experiments with various monomers with internal alkynes suggested that steric and electronic effects of the alkyne substituents influenced alkyne addition selectivity and the polymerization reactivity. Further polymerization kinetics studies revealed that the rate-determining step of monomers containing certain internal alkynes was the six-membered cyclization step via β-addition, whereas that for other monomers was the conventional intermolecular propagation step, as observed in other chain-growth polymerizations. This conclusion agrees well with all those polymerization results and thus validates our strategies.

Highly selective and sensitive macrocycle-based dinuclear foldamer for fluorometric and colorimetric sensing of citrate in water.

PubMed

Rhaman, Md Mhahabubur; Hasan, Mohammad H; Alamgir, Azmain; Xu, Lihua; Powell, Douglas R; Wong, Bryan M; Tandon, Ritesh; Hossain, Md Alamgir

2018-01-10

The selective detection of citrate anions is essential for various biological functions in living systems. A quantitative assessment of citrate is required for the diagnosis of various diseases in the human body; however, it is extremely challenging to develop efficient fluorescence and color-detecting molecular probes for sensing citrate in water. Herein, we report a macrocycle-based dinuclear foldamer (1) assembled with eosin Y (EY) that has been studied for anion binding by fluorescence and colorimetric techniques in water at neutral pH. Results from the fluorescence titrations reveal that the 1·EY ensemble strongly binds citrate anions, showing remarkable selectivity over a wide range of inorganic and carboxylate anions. The addition of citrate anions to the 1·EY adduct led to a large fluorescence enhancement, displaying a detectable color change under both visible and UV light in water up to 2 μmol. The biocompatibility of 1·EY as an intracellular carrier in a biological system was evaluated on primary human foreskin fibroblast (HF) cells, showing an excellent cell viability. The strong binding properties of the ensemble allow it to be used as a highly sensitive, detective probe for biologically relevant citrate anions in various applications.

Part I. Student success in intensive versus traditional introductory chemistry courses. Part II. Synthesis of salts of the weakly coordinating trisphat anion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hall, Mildred V.

Part I. Intensive courses have been shown to be associated with equal or greater student success than traditional-length courses in a wide variety of disciplines and education levels. Student records from intensive and traditional-length introductory general chemistry courses were analyzed to determine the effects, of the course format, the level of academic experience, life experience (age), GPA, academic major and gender on student success in the course. Pretest scores, GPA and ACT composite scores were used as measures of academic ability and prior knowledge; t-tests comparing the means of these variables were used to establish that the populations were comparable prior to the course. Final exam scores, total course points and pretest-posttest differences were used as measures of student success; t-tests were used to determine if differences existed between the populations. ANCOVA analyses revealed that student GPA, pretest scores and course format were the only variables tested that were significant in accounting for the variance of the academic success measures. In general, the results indicate that students achieved greater academic success in the intensive-format course, regardless of the level of academic experience, life experience, academic major or gender. Part II. Weakly coordinating anions have many important applications, one of which is to function as co-catalysts in the polymerization of olefins by zirconocene. The structure of tris(tetrachlorobenzenedialato) phosphate(V) or "trisphat" anion suggests that it might be an outstanding example of a weakly coordinating anion. Trisphat acid was synthesized and immediately used to prepare the stable tributylammonium trisphat, which was further reacted to produce trisphat salts of Group I metal cations in high yields. Results of the 35Cl NQR analysis of these trisphat salts indicate only very weak coordination between the metal cations and the chlorine atoms of the trisphat anion.

POLYMERIZATION OF /cap alpha/-METHYLSTYRENE BY ELECTRON IRRADIATION (in German)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Braun, D.; Heufer, G.; Seufert, W.

1964-01-01

Ampoules of alpha -methylstyrene sealed under vacuum were irradiated with 1-Mev electrons in a type JS Van de Graaff generator; comparative experiments with gamma rays were carried out with a /sup 60/Co source of 3000 deg C. High doses of electrons (ca. 10/sup 8/ rad) are necessary for polymerization. The conversion is graphed as a function of dose at 0 deg C; it reaches a maximum plateau of 65% at 4 x 10/sup 8/ rad; this may point to radiolysis of the polymer at doses above this. Polymerization conversion increases with decreasing dose rate, when dose and temperature are heldmore » constant; and conversion increases with decreasing temperature (22% at --22 deg C; 10% at 15 deg C; <1% at 60 deg C), as has been found with gamma rays. In the solid state between --40 deg C and --80 deg C the maximum yield is only about 5%. The molecular weights of all poly- alpha -methylstyrenes thus formed lie between 3000 and 12,000, independently of dose rate and temperature. All polymethylstyrenes formed in the liquid state have approximately the same tacticity independent of temperature (isotactic about 20%; syndiotactic about 80%). This corresponds to the tacticity of polymers formed cationically with Lewis acids. In the solid state the tacticity is: isotactic 38%, syndiotactic, 62%, comparable with the tacticity of anionic polymerization. In the liquid state the tacticity and the sensitivity towards water indicate a cationic mechanism for the reaction. NMR studies also indicate a cationic mechanism. (BBB)« less

Anion-Anion Bonding and Topology in Ternary Iridium Seleno-Stannides.

PubMed

Trump, Benjamin A; Tutmaher, Jake A; McQueen, Tyrel M

2015-12-21

The synthesis and physical properties of two new and one known Ir-Sn-Se compound are reported. Their crystal structures are elucidated with transmission electron microscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. IrSn0.45Se1.55 is a pyrite phase which consists of tilted corner-sharing IrX6 octahedra with randomly distributed (Sn-Se)(4-) and (Se-Se)(2-) dimers. Ir2Sn3Se3 is a known trigonally distorted skutterudite that consists of cooperatively tilted corner-sharing IrSn3Se3 octahedra with ordered (Sn-Se)2(4-) tetramers. Ir2SnSe5 is a layered, distorted β-MnO2 (pyrolusite) structure consisting of a double IrSe6 octrahedral row, corner sharing in the a direction and edge sharing in the b direction. This distorted pyrolusite contains (Se-Se)(2-) dimers and Se(2-) anions, and each double row is "capped" with a (Sn-Se)n polymeric chain. Resistivity, specific heat, and magnetization measurements show that all three have insulating and diamagnetic behavior, indicative of low-spin 5d(6) Ir(3+). Electronic structure calculations on Ir2Sn3Se3 show a single, spherical, nonspin-orbit split valence band and suggest that Ir2Sn3Se3 is topologically nontrivial under tensile strain due to inversion of Ir-d and Se-p states.

Wound-Induced Deposition of Polyphenols in Transgenic Plants Overexpressing Peroxidase 1

PubMed Central

Lagrimini, L. Mark

1991-01-01

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants transformed with a chimeric tobacco anionic peroxidase gene have previously been shown to synthesize high levels of peroxidase in all tissues throughout the plant. One of several distinguishable phenotypes of transformed plants is the rapid browning of pith tissue upon wounding. Pith tissue from plants expressing high levels of peroxidase browned within 24 hours of wounding, while tissue from control plants did not brown as late as 7 days after wounding. A correlation between peroxidase activity and wound-induced browning was observed, whereas no relationship between polyphenol oxidase activity and browning was found. The purified tobacco anionic peroxidase was subjected to kinetic analysis with substrates which resemble the precursors of lignin or polyphenolic acid. The purified enzyme was found to readily polymerize phenolic acids in the presence of H2O2 via a modified ping-pong mechanism. The percentage of lignin and lignin-related polymers in cell walls was nearly twofold greater in pith tissue isolated from peroxidase-overproducer plants compared to control plants. Lignin deposition in wounded pith tissue from control plants closely followed the induction of peroxidase activity. However, wound-induced lignification occurred 24 to 48 hours sooner in plants overexpressing the anionic peroxidase. This suggests that the availability of peroxidase rather than substrate may delay polyphenol deposition in wounded tissue. ImagesFigure 1Figure 2Figure 3 PMID:16668224

Reactive processing of textile-natural fiber reinforced anionic polyamide-6 composites

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kan, Ze; Chen, Peng; Liu, Zhengying

Nowadays natural fiber, used in reinforced composites, is widely concerned. However, no natural fiber reinforced reactive thermoplastic polymer grades had been prepared so far. Through our studies, it was demonstrated that there was a severe retardation and discoloration occurred in the reactive processing between anionic polyamide-6 (APA-6) and natural fiber, which result in incomplete polymerization when put together. In order to solve the problem, two methods were adopted in this paper, which are fiber pretreatment and usage of a new-style initiator called caprolactam magnesium bromide. The former is to remove sizing agent and impurities on the surface of fiber, andmore » the latter is to weaken the side reactions between APA-6 and natural fiber by the nature of its lower reactivity and weaker alkaline. In cooperation with both methods, the severe retardation and discoloration had been improved significantly, so that the polymerization of APA-6 in natural fiber was occurred smoothly. Following textile-natural fiber reinforced APA-6 composites with an average thickness of 2.5 mm and a fiber volume content of 50% was prepared by vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM). The soxhlet extraction, dilute solution viscometry and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) measurements respectively suggested the degree of conversion, viscosity-average molar mass and crystallization of composites was up to 94%, 11.3×104 and 50%. Remarkable improvement of mechanical properties were achieved through dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), tensile and three-point bending test. Favorable interfacial adhesion and wettability were revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation. Therefore, all of the above good performance make this new-style and environmentally friendly composites have broad application prospects.« less

Reactive processing of textile-natural fiber reinforced anionic polyamide-6 composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kan, Ze; Chen, Peng; Liu, Zhengying; Feng, Jianmin; Yang, Mingbo

2015-05-01

Nowadays natural fiber, used in reinforced composites, is widely concerned. However, no natural fiber reinforced reactive thermoplastic polymer grades had been prepared so far. Through our studies, it was demonstrated that there was a severe retardation and discoloration occurred in the reactive processing between anionic polyamide-6 (APA-6) and natural fiber, which result in incomplete polymerization when put together. In order to solve the problem, two methods were adopted in this paper, which are fiber pretreatment and usage of a new-style initiator called caprolactam magnesium bromide. The former is to remove sizing agent and impurities on the surface of fiber, and the latter is to weaken the side reactions between APA-6 and natural fiber by the nature of its lower reactivity and weaker alkaline. In cooperation with both methods, the severe retardation and discoloration had been improved significantly, so that the polymerization of APA-6 in natural fiber was occurred smoothly. Following textile-natural fiber reinforced APA-6 composites with an average thickness of 2.5 mm and a fiber volume content of 50% was prepared by vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM). The soxhlet extraction, dilute solution viscometry and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) measurements respectively suggested the degree of conversion, viscosity-average molar mass and crystallization of composites was up to 94%, 11.3×104 and 50%. Remarkable improvement of mechanical properties were achieved through dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), tensile and three-point bending test. Favorable interfacial adhesion and wettability were revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation. Therefore, all of the above good performance make this new-style and environmentally friendly composites have broad application prospects.

Selective removal of arsenate from drinking water using a polymeric ligand exchanger.

PubMed

An, Byungryul; Steinwinder, Thomas R; Zhao, Dongye

2005-12-01

The new maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 10 microg/L for arsenic in the US drinking water will take effect on January 22, 2006. The compliance cost is estimated to be approximately dollar 600 million per year using current treatment technologies. This research aims to develop an innovative ion exchange process that may help water utilities comply with the new MCL in a more cost-effective manner. A polymeric ligand exchanger (PLE) was prepared by loading Cu2+ to a commercially available chelating ion exchange resin. Results from batch and column experiments indicated that the PLE offered unusually high selectivity for arsenate over other ubiquitous anions such as sulfate, bicarbonate and chloride. The average binary arsenate/sulfate separation factor for the PLE was determined to be 12, which were over two orders of magnitude greater than that (0.1-0.2) for commercial strong-base anion (SBA) exchangers. Because of the enhanced arsenate selectivity, the PLE was able to treat approximately 10 times more bed volumes (BVs) of water than commonly used SBA resins. The PLE can operate optimally in the neutral pH range (6.0-8.0). The exhausted PLE can be regenerated highly efficiently. More than 95% arsenate capacity can be recovered using approximately 22 BVs of 4% (w/w) NaCl at pH 9.1, and the regenerated PLE can be reused without any capacity drop. Upon treatment using FeCl3, the spent brine was recovered and reused for regeneration, which may cut down the regenerant need and reduces the volume of process waste residuals. The PLE can be used as a highly selective and reusable sorbent for removal of arsenate from drinking water.

Light-Regulated Polymerization under Near-Infrared/Far-Red Irradiation Catalyzed by Bacteriochlorophyll a.

PubMed

Shanmugam, Sivaprakash; Xu, Jiangtao; Boyer, Cyrille

2016-01-18

Photoregulated polymerizations are typically conducted using high-energy (UV and blue) light, which may lead to undesired side reactions. Furthermore, as the penetration of visible light is rather limited, the range of applications with such wavelengths is likewise limited. We herein report the first living radical polymerization that can be activated and deactivated by irradiation with near-infrared (NIR) and far-red light. Bacteriochlorophyll a (Bachl a) was employed as a photoredox catalyst for photoinduced electron transfer/reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (PET-RAFT) polymerization. Well-defined polymers were thus synthesized within a few hours under NIR (λ=850 nm) and far-red (λ=780 nm) irradiation with excellent control over the molecular weight (M(n)/M(w)<1.25). Taking advantage of the good penetration of NIR light, we showed that the polymerization also proceeded smoothly when a translucent barrier was placed between light source and reaction vessel. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

New turn-on fluorescent and colorimetric probe for cyanide detection based on BODIPY-salicylaldehyde and its application in cell imaging.

PubMed

Sukato, Rangsarit; Sangpetch, Nuanphan; Palaga, Tanapat; Jantra, Suthikorn; Vchirawongkwin, Viwat; Jongwohan, Chanantida; Sukwattanasinitt, Mongkol; Wacharasindhu, Sumrit

2016-08-15

Development of cyanide sensor is important as the anion is harmful to human health and the environment. Herein, a new colorimetric and fluorescent probe GSB based on boron dipyrrole-methene (BODIPY) containing salicylaldehyde group for cyanide detection has been reported. GSB undergoes exclusive colorimetric change from orange to colorless and exhibits selective fluorescence turn-on at 504nm upon the addition of cyanide. Other 13 anions give almost no interference under physiological condition. Detection limit of the new cyanide-sensing GSB is 0.88μM, which is below World Health Organization (WHO) recommended level in drinking water. A calculation by density functional theory (DFT) shows suppression of photoinduced electron transfer (PET) mechanism along with the interruption of π-conjugation between salicylaldehyde and BODIPY core by cyanide anion. Cell imaging studies demonstrated that GSB is compatible and capable of sensing cyanide anion in living cells. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Controlled grafting of comb copolymer brushes on poly(tetrafluoroethylene) films by surface-initiated living radical polymerizations.

PubMed

Yu, W H; Kang, E T; Neoh, K G

2005-01-04

Surface modification of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) films by well-defined comb copolymer brushes was carried out. Peroxide initiators were generated directly on the PTFE film surface via radio frequency Ar plasma pretreatment, followed by air exposure. Poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) brushes were first prepared by surface-initiated reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization from the peroxide initiators on the PTFE surface in the presence of a chain transfer agent. Kinetics study revealed a linear increase in the graft concentration of PGMA with the reaction time, indicating that the chain growth from the surface was consistent with a "controlled" or "living" process. alpha-Bromoester moieties were attached to the grafted PGMA by reaction of the epoxide groups with 2-bromo-2-methylpropionic acid. The comb copolymer brushes were subsequently prepared via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization of two hydrophilic vinyl monomers, including poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate and sodium salt of 4-styrenesulfonic acid. The chemical composition of the modified PTFE surfaces was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

Fluoride-selective optical sensor based on aluminum(III)-octaethylporphyrin in thin polymeric film: further characterization and practical application.

PubMed

Badr, Ibrahim H A; Meyerhoff, Mark E

2005-10-15

More detailed analytical studies of a new fluoride-selective optical sensor based on the use of aluminum(III)-octaethylporphyrin and a lipophilic pH indicator (4',5'-dibromofluorescein octadecyl ester; ETH-7075) within a thin plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) film are reported. The sensor exhibits extraordinary optical selectivity for fluoride over a wide range of other anions, including anions with far more positive free energies of hydration (e.g., perchlorate, thiocyanate, nitrate, etc.). UV-visible spectrophotometric studies of the sensing films indicate that fluoride interacts with the Al(III) center of the porphyrin structure, yielding both a change in the Soret band lambda(max) of the porphyrin and a change in the protonation state of the pH indicator within the film. The same change in spectral properties of the metalloporphyrin occurs in the absence of added pH indicator or with added tetraphenylborate derivative anionic sites, but optical responses to fluoride in these cases are shown to be irreversible. The presence of the pH indicator and the simultaneous fluoride/proton coextraction equilibrium chemistry is shown to greatly enhance the reversibility of fluoride binding to the Al(III) porphyrin. Optical response toward fluoride can be observed in the range of 0.1 microM-1.6 mM. Optical selectivity coefficients of <10(-6) for common anions (e.g., sulfate, chloride, nitrate, etc.) and <10(-4) for perchlorate and thiocyanate are obtained. Measurements of fluoride in drinking water via the new optical sensor are shown to correlate well with values obtained for the same samples using a classical LaF3-based fluoride ion-selective electrode method.

Fluoride Selective Optical Sensor Based on Aluminum(III)-Octaethylporphyrin in Thin Polymeric Film: Further Characterization and Practical Application

PubMed Central

Badr, Ibrahim H. A.; Meyerhoff, Mark E.

2008-01-01

More detailed analytical studies of a new fluoride selective optical sensor based on the use of aluminum(III)-octaethylporphyrin and a lipophilic pH indicator (4′,5′-dibromofluorescein octadecyl ester; ETH-7075) within a thin plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) film are reported. The sensor exhibits extraordinary optical selectivity for fluoride over a wide range of other anions, including anions with far more positive free energies of hydration (e.g., perchlorate, thiocyanate, nitrate, etc.). UV-VIS spectrophotometric studies of the sensing films indicate that fluoride interacts with the Al(III) center of the porphyrin structure, yielding both a change in the Soret band λmax of the porphyrin as well as a change in the protonation state of the pH indicator within the film. The same change in spectral properties of the metalloporphyrin occurs in the absence of added pH indicator or with added tetraphenylborate derivative anionic sites, but optical responses to fluoride in these cases are shown to be irreversible. The presence of the pH indicator and the simultaneous fluoride/proton coextraction equilibrium chemistry is shown to greatly enhance the reversibility of fluoride binding to the Al(III) porphyrin. Optical response toward fluoride can be observed in the range of 0.1 μM to 1.6 mM. Optical selectivity coefficients of < 10−6 for common anions (e.g., sulfate, chloride, nitrate etc.) and < 10−4 for perchlorate and thiocyanate are obtained. Measurements of fluoride in drinking water via the new optical sensor are shown to correlate well with values obtained for the same samples using a classical LaF3 based fluoride ion-selective electrode method. PMID:16223262

In Situ Molecular Imaging of the Biofilm and Its Matrix

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ding, Yuanzhao; Zhou, Yufan; Yao, Juan

2016-11-15

Molecular mapping of live biofilms at submicron resolution presents a grand challenge. Here, we present the first chemical mapping results of biofilm extracellular polymeric sub-stance (EPS) components in biofilms using correlative imaging be-tween super resolution florescence microscopy and liquid time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). Shewanella oneidensis is used as a model organism. Heavy metal anions chro-mate (Cr2O72-) consisting of chromium Cr (VI) was a model envi-ronmental stressor used to treat the biofilms. Of particular interest, biologically relevant water clusters have been first observed in the biofilms. Characteristic fragments of biofilm matrix components such as proteins, polysaccharides, and lipids canmore » be spatially im-aged. Furthermore, characteristic fatty acids (e.g., palmitic acid), quinolone signal, and riboflavin fragments are found to respond af-ter the biofilm is treated with Cr (VI), leading to biofilm dispersion. Significant changes in water clusters and quorum sensing signals indicative of intercellular communication in the aqueous environ-ment are observed, suggesting that they might result in fatty acid synthesis and inhibit riboflavin production. The Cr (VI) reduction seems to follow the Mtr pathway leading to Cr (III) formation. Our approach potentially opens a new avenue for mechanistic insight of microbial community processes and communications using in situ imaging mass spectrometry and superresolution optical micros-copy.« less

Fluoride-sulfophosphate glasses as hosts for broadband optical amplification through transition metal activators† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c7tc01853c

PubMed Central

Wang, W. C.; Le, Q. H.; Zhang, Q. Y.

2017-01-01

Unusually stable multi-anion glasses of the fluoride-sulfophosphate type (FPS) are introduced as a new host material for optically active cation species. Despite a notoriously low polymerization grade, anion mixing in this glass system enables facile manufacture of bulk or fiber devices which combine several advantages of fluoride and phosphate glasses while using the stabilizing effect of sulfate additions. Using the example of chromium doping, we demonstrate broad red photoluminescence at 734 nm and inhomogeneous broadening of the R-line at 694 nm, originating from the 4T2 → 4A2 and 2E → 4A2 transitions of Cr3+, respectively. The luminescence mechanism is further analyzed on the basis of the corresponding Tanabe–Sugano diagram. Tailored through chemical composition, internally nucleated precipitation of a nanocrystalline fluoride phase enables switching between high-field and low-field configurations of the Cr3+ ion, resulting in the specific emission properties and setting the path towards FPS-based optical devices. PMID:29308205

Controlling the Formation of Ionic-Liquid-based Aqueous Biphasic Systems by Changing the Hydrogen-Bonding Ability of Polyethylene Glycol End Groups.

PubMed

Pereira, Jorge F B; Kurnia, Kiki A; Freire, Mara G; Coutinho, João A P; Rogers, Robin D

2015-07-20

The formation of aqueous biphasic systems (ABS) when mixing aqueous solutions of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and an ionic liquid (IL) can be controlled by modifying the hydrogen-bond-donating/-accepting ability of the polymer end groups. It is shown that the miscibility/immiscibility in these systems stems from both the solvation of the ether groups in the oxygen chain and the ability of the PEG terminal groups to preferably hydrogen bond with water or the anion of the salt. The removal of even one hydrogen bond in PEG can noticeably affect the phase behavior, especially in the region of the phase diagram in which all the ethylene oxide (EO) units of the polymeric chain are completely solvated. In this region, removing or weakening the hydrogen-bond-donating ability of PEG results in greater immiscibility, and thus, in a higher ability to form ABS, as a result of the much weaker interactions between the IL anion and the PEG end groups. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Crystal structure of triaquamaleatostrontium(II) monohydrate, [Sr(C{sub 4}H{sub 2}O{sub 4})(OH{sub 2}{sub 3}) {center_dot}] H{sub 2}O

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Diaz de Delgado, G.; Parra, P.P.; Briceno, A.

1995-05-01

(Sr(C{sub 4}H{sub 2}O{sub 4})(OH{sub 2}{sub 3}) {center_dot} H{sub 2}O is monoclinic, P2{sub 1}/n, with a = 11.476(2), b = 7.027(1), c = 12.344(2) {angstrom}, {beta} = 115.74(3){degrees}, V= 896.67 {angstrom}{sup 3}, Z = 4. The Sr atom is surrounded by nine oxygen atoms which come from four different maleate anions and three water molecules. The Sr-O distances range from 2.546(2) to 2.808(2) {angstrom}. The C-O distances are equal within the standard deviation 1.263(3) to 1.258(3) {angstrom}). In the maleate anion, the planes that contain the carboxylate groups form an angle of 74.44(9){degrees}. Both carboxylate groups deviate significantly from planarity. Themore » different coordination modes of the carboxylate group and the extensive hydrogen bonding present are responsible for the polymeric nature of the structure.« less

Radiation-induced controlled polymerization of acrylic acid by RAFT and RAFT-MADIX methods in protic solvents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sütekin, S. Duygu; Güven, Olgun

2018-01-01

The kinetic investigation of one-pot synthesis of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) prepared via gamma radiation induced controlled polymerization was reported. PAA homopolymers were prepared by Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT) polymerization in the presence of trithiocarbonate-based chain transfer agent (CTA) 2-(Dodecylthiocarbonothioylthio)-2-methylpropionic acid (DDMAT) and also by Reversible Addition-Fragmentation/Macromolecular Design by Inter-change of Xanthates (RAFT/MADIX) polymerization in the presence of a xanthate based CTA O-ethyl-S-(1-methoxycarbonyl) ethyl dithiocarbonate (RA1). The polymerizations were performed at room temperature by the virtue of ionizing radiation. Protic solvents were used for the RAFT polymerization of AA considering environmental profits. The linear first-order kinetic plot, close control of molecular weight by the monomer/CTA molar ratio supported that the polymerization proceeds in a living fashion. The linear increase in molecular weight with conversion monitored by Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) is another proof of controlling of polymerization. [Monomer]/[RAFT] ratio and conversion was controlled to obtain PAA in the molecular weight range of 6900-35,800 with narrow molecular weight distributions. Reaction kinetics and effect of the amount of RAFT agent were investigated in detail. Between two different types of CTA, trithiocarbonate based DDMAT was found to be more efficient in terms of low dispersity (Đ) and linear first-order kinetic behavior for the radiation induced controlled synthesis of PAA homopolymers.

Synthesis and characterization of a material derived from 4-mercaptobenzoic acid: A novel platform for oligonucleotide immobilization.

PubMed

Alves, Rafael da Fonseca; da Silva, Amanda Gonçalves; Ferreira, Lucas Franco; Franco, Diego Leoni

2017-04-01

This paper reports the electrochemical modification of pencil carbon graphite electrodes with a polymeric material derived from 4-mercaptobenzoic acid. Acidic solutions (pH 0 and 5.02) yielded an insulating polymeric film with anionic permselective properties. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis showed a complete coverage of the carbon graphite electrodes with a laminar-like polymeric structure. Different characterization studies indicate that the carboxyl group remained unchanged since the absorbance peak and oxidation potential did not change with the increase in pH at the pK a accounting for the carboxyl/carboxylate redox transition. The functionalized matrix was activated using carbodiimide, succinimide and an amine-modified oligonucleotide. The immobilization and hybridization processes were successfully verified using the redox electroactive indicator methylene blue, where better electrochemical signals were obtained when compared with the traditional self-assembled monolayer system. The selectivity of the system was verified using a noncomplementary target where no significant difference in electric current was observed when compared to the system containing only the probe. The method showed a good linear correlation coefficient (r 2 =0.9915), low limit of detection (1.17nmolL -1 ), and an acceptable precision (RSD=2.75%). The proposed method is suitable for further studies using different sequences of oligonucleotides. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Potential anti-cholinesterase and β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 inhibitory activities of cornuside and gallotannins from Cornus officinalis fruits.

PubMed

Bhakta, Himanshu Kumar; Park, Chan Hum; Yokozawa, Takako; Tanaka, Takashi; Jung, Hyun Ah; Choi, Jae Sue

2017-07-01

Cholinesterase (ChE) and β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) inhibitors are promising agents for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the present study, we examined the inhibitory activity of seven compounds isolated from the fruits of Cornus officinalis, cornuside, polymeric proanthocyanidins, 1,2,3-tri-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose, 1,2,3,6-tetra-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose, tellimagrandin I, tellimagrandin II, and isoterchebin, against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and BACE1. All of the compounds displayed concentration-dependent in vitro inhibitory activity toward the ChEs and BACE1. Among them, tellimagrandin II exhibited the best inhibitory activity toward ChEs, whereas the best BACE1 inhibitor was 1,2,3,6-tetra-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose. Isoterchebin and polymeric proanthocyanidins were also significant ChE inhibitors. The kinetic and docking studies demonstrated that all compounds interacted with both the catalytic active sites and the peripheral anionic sites of the ChEs and BACE1. Tellimagrandin II, isoterchebin, and the polymeric proanthocyanidins exhibited concentration-dependent inhibition of peroxynitrite-mediated protein tyrosine nitration. In conclusion, we identified significant ChE and BACE1 inhibitors from Corni Fructus that could have value as new multi-targeted compounds for anti-AD agents.

'One-component' ultrathin multilayer films based on poly(vinyl alcohol) as stabilizing coating for phenytoin-loaded liposomes.

PubMed

Zasada, Katarzyna; Łukasiewicz-Atanasov, Magdalena; Kłysik, Katarzyna; Lewandowska-Łańcucka, Joanna; Gzyl-Malcher, Barbara; Puciul-Malinowska, Agnieszka; Karewicz, Anna; Nowakowska, Maria

2015-11-01

Ultrathin "one-component" multilayer polymeric films for potential biomedical applications were designed based on polyvinyl alcohol,-a non-toxic, fully degradable synthetic polymer. Good uniformity of the obtained film and adequate adsorption properties of the polymeric layers were achieved by functional modification of the polymer, which involved synthesis of cationic and anionic derivatives. Synthesized polymers were characterized by FTIR, NMR spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering measurements and elemental analysis. The layer by layer assembly technique was used to build up a multilayer film and this process was followed using UV-Vis spectroscopy and ellipsometry. The morphology and thickness of the obtained multilayered film material was evaluated by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Preliminary studies on the application of the obtained multilayer film for coating of liposomal nanocarriers containing phenytoin, an antiarrhythmic drug, were performed. The coating effectively stabilizes liposomes and the effect increases with an increasing number of deposited layers until the polymeric film reaches the optimal thickness. The obtained release profiles suggest that bilayer-coated liposomes release phenytoin less rapidly than uncoated ones. The cytotoxicity studies performed for all obtained nanocarriers confirmed that none of them has negative effect on cell viability. All of the performed experiments suggest that liposomes coated with ultrathin film obtained from PVA derivatives can be attractive drug nanocarriers. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Phosphoniums as catalysts for metal-free polymerization: Synthesis of well-defined poly(propylene oxide)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jie; Liu, Quan; Ren, Haojun; Zhang, Nanjie; Li, Pengfei; Yang, Kang

2017-11-01

The anionic ring-opening polymerization of propylene oxide (PO) was initiated with glycerol and catalyzed by three new synthetic phosphonium salts, tetrakis (pyrrolidino) phosphonium (Py4P1+), tetrakis (piperidino) phosphonium (Pi4P1+), tetrakis (morpholino) phosphonium (Mo4P1+), and the known tetrakis [cyclohexyl (methyl) amino] phosphonium (Cy4P1+) and tetrakis [tris (dimethylamino) phosphonoamino] phosphazene (P5+). The effects of substituents on the polymerization behavior, especially the molecular weight and its distribution, degree of unsaturation, and the sequential structures of poly (propylene oxide) (PPO) were investigated. The structures of these catalysts and PPOs were characterized by FT-IR, 1H and 13C NMR, and GPC. The results indicate that Cy4P1+, Py4P1+, and Pi4P1+ have lower optimum reaction temperatures at 90, 70, and 70 °C, respectively, and are better than traditional catalysts KOH and double metal cyanide. PPO samples with high molecular weight, narrow polydispersity, and high functionality were accessible when catalyzed with Cy4P1+, Pi4P1+, and P5+ at the optimum temperature. Notably, Pi4P1+ formed unimodal distribution PPO with 9000 g/mol, 2.93 of functionality, and 0.008 mmol/g degree of unsaturation. Majority segments of PPO from five catalysts adopted the stereoregular head-to-tail structure, exhibiting excellent regularity.

Prebiotic potential of Agave angustifolia Haw fructans with different degrees of polymerization.

PubMed

Velázquez-Martínez, José Rodolfo; González-Cervantes, Rina M; Hernández-Gallegos, Minerva Aurora; Mendiola, Roberto Campos; Aparicio, Antonio R Jiménez; Ocampo, Martha L Arenas

2014-08-19

Inulin-type fructans are the most studied prebiotic compounds because of their broad range of health benefits. In particular, plants of the Agave genus are rich in fructans. Agave-derived fructans have a branched structure with both β-(2→1) and β-(2→6) linked fructosyl chains attached to the sucrose start unit with a degree of polymerization (DP) of up to 80 fructose units. The objective of this work was to assess the prebiotic potential of three Agave angustifolia Haw fructan fractions (AFF) with different degrees of polymerization. The three fructan fractions were extracted from the agave stem by lixiviation and then purified by ultrafiltration and ion exchange chromatography: AFF1, AFF2 and AFF3 with high (3-60 fructose units), medium (2-40) and low (2-22) DP, respectively. The fructan profile was determined with high-performance anion exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD), which confirmed a branched fructan structure. Structural elucidation was performed by Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy. The AFF spectrum shows characteristic fructan bands. The prebiotic effect of these fractions was assessed in vitro through fermentation by Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains. Four growth patterns were observed. Some bacteria did not grow with any of the AFF, while other strains grew with only AFF3. Some bacteria grew according to the molecular weight of the AFF and some grew indistinctly with the three fructan fractions.

Synthesis, Structure, and Pressure-Induced Polymerization of Li3Fe(CN)6 Accompanied with Enhanced Conductivity.

PubMed

Li, Kuo; Zheng, Haiyan; Hattori, Takanori; Sano-Furukawa, Asami; Tulk, Christopher A; Molaison, Jamie; Feygenson, Mikhail; Ivanov, Ilia N; Yang, Wenge; Mao, Ho-Kwang

2015-12-07

Pressure-induced polymerization of charged triple-bond monomers like acetylide and cyanide could lead to formation of a conductive metal-carbon network composite, thus providing a new route to synthesize inorganic/organic conductors with tunable composition and properties. The industry application of this promising synthetic method is mainly limited by the reaction pressure needed, which is often too high to be reached for gram amounts of sample. Here we successfully synthesized highly conductive Li3Fe(CN)6 at maximum pressure around 5 GPa and used in situ diagnostic tools to follow the structural and functional transformations of the sample, including in situ X-ray and neutron diffraction and Raman and impedance spectroscopy, along with the neutron pair distribution function measurement on the recovered sample. The cyanide anions start to react around 1 GPa and bond to each other irreversibly at around 5 GPa, which are the lowest reaction pressures in all known metal cyanides and within the technologically achievable pressure range for industrial production. The conductivity of the polymer is above 10(-3) S · cm(-1), which reaches the range of conductive polymers. This investigation suggests that the pressure-induced polymerization route is practicable for synthesizing some types of functional conductive materials for industrial use, and further research like doping and heating can hence be motivated to synthesize novel materials under lower pressure and with better performances.

MontanideTM Gel01 ST adjuvant enhances PRRS modified live vaccine efficacy by regulating porcine humoral and cellular immune responses

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a devastating disease caused by the PRRS virus. The MontanideTM class of flexible polymeric adjuvants has recently been shown to enhance protective immunity against PRRSV infection in piglets when used in combination with PRRS modified live vac...

Block Copolymer Membranes for Biofuel Purification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evren Ozcam, Ali; Balsara, Nitash

2012-02-01

Purification of biofuels such as ethanol is a matter of considerable concern as they are produced in complex multicomponent fermentation broths. Our objective is to design pervaporation membranes for concentrating ethanol from dilute aqueous mixtures. Polystyrene-b-polydimethylsiloxane-b-polystyrene block copolymers were synthesized by anionic polymerization. The polydimethylsiloxane domains provide ethanol-transporting pathways, while the polystyrene domains provide structural integrity for the membrane. The morphology of the membranes is governed by the composition of the block copolymer while the size of the domains is governed by the molecular weight of the block copolymer. Pervaporation data as a function of these two parameters will be presented.

Adsorption of ethoxylated styrene oxide and polyacrylic acid and mixtures there of on organic pigment.

PubMed

Wijting, W K; Laven, J; van Benthem, R A T M; de With, G

2008-11-01

The adsorption of two polymeric surfactants on an organic pigment was investigated. As surfactants the anionic polyacrylic acid sodium salt (PANa, M(W)=15,000) and a non-ionic block copolymer surfactant based on styrene oxide (SO) and ethylene oxide (EO) (M(W)=1500) were used. The adsorption behavior was analyzed by size exclusion chromatography of the supernatant after centrifugation of the pigment dispersions. It was found that PANa has no affinity to the pigment, whereas SO-EO has a strong affinity to the pigment surface. Competitive adsorption of PANa and SO-EO was not observed. Addition of SO-EO yields stable dispersions.

Eutectic phase in water-ice: a self-assembled environment conducive to metal-catalyzed non-enzymatic RNA polymerization.

PubMed

Monnard, Pierre-Alain; Ziock, Hans

2008-08-01

Information and catalytic polymers play an essential role in contemporary cellular life, and their emergence must have been crucial during the complex processes that led to the assembly of the first living systems. Polymerization reactions producing these molecules would have had to occur in aqueous medium, which is known to disfavor such reactions. Thus, it was proposed early on that these polymerizations had to be supported by particular environments, such as mineral surfaces and eutectic phases in water-ice, which would have led to the concentration of the monomers out of the bulk aqueous medium and their condensation. This review presents the work conducted to understand how the eutectic phases in water-ice might have promoted RNA polymerization, thereby presumably contributing to the emergence of the ancient information and catalytic system envisioned by the 'RNA-World' hypothesis.

Well-Defined High Molecular Weight Polystyrene with High Rates and High Livingness Synthesized via Two-Stage RAFT Emulsion Polymerization.

PubMed

Yan, Kun; Gao, Xiang; Luo, Yingwu

2015-07-01

A highly living polymer with over 100 kg mol(-1) molecular weight is very difficult to achieve by controlled radical polymerization since the unavoidable side reactions of irreversible radical termination and radical chain transfer to monomer reaction become significant. It is reported that over 500 kg mol(-1) polystyrene with high livingness and low dispersity could be synthesized by a facile two-stage reversible addition-fragmentation transfer emulsion polymerization. The monomer conversion reaches 90% within 10 h. High livingness of the product is ascribed to the extremely low initiator concentration and the chain transfer constant for monomer unexpectedly much lower than the well-accepted values in the conventional radical polymerization. The two-stage monomer feeding policy much decreases the dispersity of the product. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Ferrocene adsorbed into the porous octakis(hydridodimethylsiloxy)silsesquioxane after thermolysis in tetrahydrofuran media: An applied surface for ascorbic acid determination

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ribeiro do Carmo, Devaney, E-mail: docarmo@dfq.feis.unesp.br; Lataro Paim, Leonardo; Ramos Stradiotto, Nelson

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Octakis(hydridodimethylsiloxi)silsesquioxane was synthesized and Ferrocene was adsorbed. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Polymeric net through electrostatic interactions was observed. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The novel materials presents electroacatalytic activity for Ascorbic acid. -- Abstract: Octakis(hydridodimethylsiloxi)silsesquioxane (Q{sub 8}M{sub 8}{sup H}) was synthesized and Ferrocene was adsorbed in a polymeric net through electrostatic interactions, with anion forming after the cleavage of any siloxy groups (ESFc). The nanostructured materials (Q{sub 8}M{sub 8}{sup H} and EsFc) were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analyses and Voltammetric technique The cyclic voltammograms of the graphite paste electrode modified with ESFc showed onemore » redox couple with E{sup 0} Prime = 0.320 V (1.0 mol L{sup -1} NaCl, v = 50 mV s{sup -1}), with a diffusion-controlled process and the redox process shows electrocatalytic activity for the oxidation of ascorbic acid.« less

Visualizing transient Watson-Crick-like mispairs in DNA and RNA duplexes.

PubMed

Kimsey, Isaac J; Petzold, Katja; Sathyamoorthy, Bharathwaj; Stein, Zachary W; Al-Hashimi, Hashim M

2015-03-19

Rare tautomeric and anionic nucleobases are believed to have fundamental biological roles, but their prevalence and functional importance has remained elusive because they exist transiently, in low abundance, and involve subtle movements of protons that are difficult to visualize. Using NMR relaxation dispersion, we show here that wobble dG•dT and rG•rU mispairs in DNA and RNA duplexes exist in dynamic equilibrium with short-lived, low-populated Watson-Crick-like mispairs that are stabilized by rare enolic or anionic bases. These mispairs can evade Watson-Crick fidelity checkpoints and form with probabilities (10(-3) to 10(-5)) that strongly imply a universal role in replication and translation errors. Our results indicate that rare tautomeric and anionic bases are widespread in nucleic acids, expanding their structural and functional complexity beyond that attainable with canonical bases.

Glue-Free Stacked Luminescent Nanosheets Enable High-Resolution Ratiometric Temperature Mapping in Living Small Animals.

PubMed

Miyagawa, Takuya; Fujie, Toshinori; Ferdinandus; Vo Doan, Tat Thang; Sato, Hirotaka; Takeoka, Shinji

2016-12-14

In this paper, a microthermograph, temperature mapping with high spatial resolution, was established using luminescent molecules embedded ultrathin polymeric films (nanosheets), and demonstrated in a living small animal to map out and visualize temperature shift due to animal's muscular activity. Herein, we report super flexible and self-adhesive (no need of glue) nanothermosensor consisting of stacked two different polymeric nanosheets with thermosensitive (Eu-tris (dinaphthoylmethane)-bis-trioctylphosphine oxide: EuDT) and insensitive (Rhodamine 800) dyes being embedded. Such stacked nanosheets allow for the ratiometric thermometry, with which the undesired luminescence intensity shift due to focal drift or animal's z-axis displacement is eliminated and the desired intensity shift solely due to the temperature shift of the sample (living muscle) can be acquired. With the stacked luminescent nanosheets, we achieved the first-ever demonstration of video filming of chronologically changing temperature-shift distribution from the rest state to the active state of the muscles in the living animal. The polymer nanosheet engineering and in vivo microthermography presented in the paper are promising technologies to microscopically explore the heat production and heat transfer in living cells, tissues, and organisms with high spatial resolution beyond what existing thermometric technologies such as infrared thermography have ever achieved.

Block copolymer adhesion promoters via ring-opening metathesis polymerization

DOEpatents

Kent, M.S.; Saunders, R.

1997-02-18

Coupling agents are disclosed based on functionalized block copolymers for bonding thermoset polymers to solid materials. These are polymers which possess at least two types of functional groups, one which is able to attach to and react with solid surfaces, and another which can react with a thermoset resin, which are incorporated as pendant groups in monomers distributed in blocks (typically two) along the backbone of the chain. The block copolymers in this invention are synthesized by living ring-opening metathesis polymerization. 18 figs.

DELIVERY OF THERAPEUTIC PROTEINS

PubMed Central

Pisal, Dipak S.; Kosloski, Matthew P.; Balu-Iyer, Sathy V.

2009-01-01

The safety and efficacy of protein therapeutics are limited by three interrelated pharmaceutical issues, in vitro and in vivo instability, immunogenicity and shorter half-lives. Novel drug modifications for overcoming these issues are under investigation and include covalent attachment of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), polysialic acid, or glycolic acid, as well as developing new formulations containing nanoparticulate or colloidal systems (e.g. liposomes, polymeric microspheres, polymeric nanoparticles). Such strategies have the potential to develop as next generation protein therapeutics. This review includes a general discussion on these delivery approaches. PMID:20049941

End-functionalized ROMP polymers for Biomedical Applications

PubMed Central

Madkour, Ahmad E.; Koch, Amelie H. R.; Lienkamp, Karen; Tew, Gregory N.

2010-01-01

We present two novel allyl-based terminating agents that can be used to end-functionalize living polymer chains obtained by ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) using Grubbs’ third generation catalyst. Both terminating agents can be easily synthesized and yield ROMP polymers with stable, storable activated ester groups at the chain-end. These end-functionalized ROMP polymers are attractive building blocks for advanced polymeric materials, especially in the biomedical field. Dye-labeling and surface-coupling of antimicrobially active polymers using these end-groups were demonstrated. PMID:21499549

Block copolymer adhesion promoters via ring-opening metathesis polymerization

DOEpatents

Kent, Michael S.; Saunders, Randall

1997-01-01

Coupling agents based on functionalized block copolymers for bonding thermoset polymers to solid materials. These are polymers which possess at least two types of functional groups, one which is able to attach to and react with solid surfaces, and another which can react with a thermoset resin, which are incorporated as pendant groups in monomers distributed in blocks (typically two) along the backbone of the chain. The block copolymers in this invention are synthesized by living ring-opening metathesis polymerization.

Transportation and Accumulation of Redox Active Species at the Buried Interfaces of Plasticized Membrane Electrodes.

PubMed

Sohail, Manzar; De Marco, Roland; Jarolímová, Zdeňka; Pawlak, Marcin; Bakker, Eric; He, Ning; Latonen, Rose-Marie; Lindfors, Tom; Bobacka, Johan

2015-09-29

The transportation and accumulation of redox active species at the buried interface between glassy carbon electrodes and plasticized polymeric membranes have been studied using synchrotron radiation X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (SR-XPS), near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS), in situ electrochemical Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry (CA), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Ferrocene tagged poly(vinyl chloride) [FcPVC], ferrocene (Fc), and its derivatives together with tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) doped plasticized polymeric membrane electrodes have been investigated, so as to extend the study of the mechanism of this reaction chemistry to different time scales (both small and large molecules with variable diffusion coefficients) using a range of complementary electrochemical and surface analysis techniques. This study also provides direct spectroscopic evidence for the transportation and electrochemical reactivity of redox active species, regardless of the size of the electrochemically reactive molecule, at the buried interface of the substrate electrode. With all redox dopants, when CA electrolysis was performed, redox active species were undetectable (<1 wt % of signature elements or below the detection limit of SR-XPS and NEXAFS) in the outermost surface layers of the membrane, while a high concentration of redox species was located at the electrode substrate as a consequence of the deposition of the reaction product (Fc(+)-anion complex) at the buried interface between the electrode and the membrane. This reaction chemistry for redox active species within plasticized polymeric membranes may be useful in the fashioning of multilayered polymeric devices (e.g., chemical sensors, organic electronic devices, protective laminates, etc.) based on an electrochemical tunable deposition of redox molecules at the buried substrate electrode beneath the membrane.

Hydrophobic Modification of Layered Clays and Compatibility for Epoxy Nanocomposites

PubMed Central

Lin, Jiang-Jen; Chan, Ying-Nan; Lan, Yi-Fen

2010-01-01

Recent studies on the intercalation and exfoliation of layered clays with polymeric intercalating agents involving poly(oxypropylene)-amines and the particular uses for epoxy nanocomposites are reviewed. For intercalation, counter-ionic exchange reactions of clays including cationic layered silicates and anionic Al-Mg layered double hydroxide (LDH) with polymeric organic ions afforded organoclays led to spatial interlayer expansion from 12 to 92 Å (X-ray diffraction) as well as hydrophobic property. The inorganic clays of layered structure could be modified by the poly(oxypropylene)amine-salts as the intercalating agents with molecular weights ranging from 230 to 5,000 g/mol. Furthermore, natural montmorillonite (MMT) clay could be exfoliated into thin layer silicate platelets (ca. 1 nm thickness) in one step by using polymeric types of exfoliating agents. Different lateral dimensions of MMT, synthetic fluorinated Mica and LDH clays had been cured into epoxy nanocomposites. The hydrophobic amine-salt modification resulting in high spacing of layered or exfoliation of individual clay platelets is the most important factor for gaining significant improvements of properties. In particular, these modified clays were reported to gain significant improvements such as reduced coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), enhanced thermal stability, and hardness. The utilization of these layered clays for initiating the epoxy self-polymerization was also reported to have a unique compatibility between clay and organic resin matrix. However, the matrix domain lacks of covalently bonded crosslink and leads to the isolation of powder material. It is generally concluded that the hydrophobic expansion of the clay inter-gallery spacing is the crucial step for enhancing the compatibility and the ultimate preparation of the advanced epoxy materials.

Novel biomimetic composite material for potentiometric screening of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter in Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Sacramento, Ana S; Moreira, Felismina T C; Guerreiro, Joana L; Tavares, Ana P; Sales, M Goreti F

2017-10-01

This work describes a novel approach to produce an antibody-like biomimetic material. It includes preparing composite imprinted material never presented before, with highly conductive support nanostructures and assembling a high conductivity polymeric layer at low temperature. Overall, such highly conductive material may enhance the final features of electrically-based devices. Acetylcholine (ACh) was selected as target analyte, a neurotransmitter of importance in Alzheimer's disease. Potentiometric transduction was preferred, allowing quick responses and future adaptation to point-of-care requirements. The biomimetic material was obtained by bulk polymerization, where ACh was placed in a composite matrix of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and aniline (ANI). Subsequent polymerization, initiated by radical species, yielded a polymeric structure of polyaniline (PANI) acting as physical support of the composite. A non-imprinted material (NIM) having only PANI/MWCNT (without ACh) has been prepared for comparison of the biomimetic-imprinted material (BIM). RAMAN and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission Electron microscopy (TEM), and Scanning Electron microscope (SEM) analysis characterized the structures of the materials. The ability of this biomaterial to rebind ACh was confirmed by including it as electroactive compound in a PVC/plasticizer mixture. The membranes with imprinted material and anionic additive presented the best analytical characteristics, with a sensitivity of 83.86mV decade -1 and limit of detection (LOD) of 3.45×10 -5 mol/L in HEPES buffer pH4.0. Good selectivity was observed against creatinine, creatine, glucose, cysteine and urea. The electrodes were also applied on synthetic serum samples and seemed a reliable tool for screening ACh in synthetic serum samples. The overall performance showed fast response, reusability, simplicity and low price. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Precise control of surface electrostatic forces on polymer brush layers with opposite charges for resistance to protein adsorption.

PubMed

Sakata, Sho; Inoue, Yuuki; Ishihara, Kazuhiko

2016-10-01

Various molecular interaction forces are generated during protein adsorption process on material surfaces. Thus, it is necessary to control them to suppress protein adsorption and the subsequent cell and tissue responses. A series of binary copolymer brush layers were prepared via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization, by mixing the cationic monomer unit and anionic monomer unit randomly in various ratios. Surface characterization revealed that the constructed copolymer brush layers exhibited an uniform super-hydrophilic nature and different surface potentials. The strength of the electrostatic interaction forces operating on these mixed-charge copolymer brush surfaces was evaluated quantitatively using force-versus-distance (f-d) curve measurements by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and probes modified by negatively charged carboxyl groups or positively charged amino groups. The electrostatic interaction forces were determined based on the charge ratios of the copolymer brush layers. Notably, the surface containing equivalent cationic/anionic monomer units hardly interacted with both the charged groups. Furthermore, the protein adsorption force and the protein adsorption mass on these surfaces were examined by AFM f-d curve measurement and surface plasmon resonance measurement, respectively. To clarify the influence of the electrostatic interaction on the protein adsorption behavior on the surface, three kinds of proteins having negative, positive, and relatively neutral net charges under physiological conditions were used in this study. We quantitatively demonstrated that the amount of adsorbed proteins on the surfaces would have a strong correlation with the strength of surface-protein interaction forces, and that the strength of surface-protein interaction forces would be determined from the combination between the properties of the electrostatic interaction forces on the surfaces and the charge properties of the proteins. Especially, the copolymer brush surface composed of equivalent cationic/anionic monomer units exhibited no significant interaction forces, and dramatically suppressed the adsorption of proteins regardless of their charge properties. We conclude that the established methodology could elucidate relationship between the protein adsorption behavior and molecular interaction, especially the electrostatic interaction forces, and demonstrated that the suppression of the electrostatic interactions with the ionic functional groups would be important for the development of new polymeric biomaterials with a high repellency of protein adsorption. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Block copolymers for alkaline fuel cell membrane materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yifan

Alkaline fuel cells (AFCs) using anion exchange membranes (AEMs) as electrolyte have recently received considerable attention. AFCs offer some advantages over proton exchange membrane fuel cells, including the potential of non-noble metal (e.g. nickel, silver) catalyst on the cathode, which can dramatically lower the fuel cell cost. The main drawback of traditional AFCs is the use of liquid electrolyte (e.g. aqueous potassium hydroxide), which can result in the formation of carbonate precipitates by reaction with carbon dioxide. AEMs with tethered cations can overcome the precipitates formed in traditional AFCs. Our current research focuses on developing different polymer systems (blend, block, grafted, and crosslinked polymers) in order to understand alkaline fuel cell membrane in many aspects and design optimized anion exchange membranes with better alkaline stability, mechanical integrity and ionic conductivity. A number of distinct materials have been produced and characterized. A polymer blend system comprised of poly(vinylbenzyl chloride)-b-polystyrene (PVBC-b-PS) diblock copolymer, prepared by nitroxide mediated polymerization (NMP), with poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO) or brominated PPO was studied for conversion into a blend membrane for AEM. The formation of a miscible blend matrix improved mechanical properties while maintaining high ionic conductivity through formation of phase separated ionic domains. Using anionic polymerization, a polyethylene based block copolymer was designed where the polyethylene-based block copolymer formed bicontinuous morphological structures to enhance the hydroxide conductivity (up to 94 mS/cm at 80 °C) while excellent mechanical properties (strain up to 205%) of the polyethylene block copolymer membrane was observed. A polymer system was designed and characterized with monomethoxy polyethylene glycol (mPEG) as a hydrophilic polymer grafted through substitution of pendent benzyl chloride groups of a PVBC-b-PS. The incorporation of the hydrophilic polymer allows for an investigation of the effect of hydration on ionic conductivity, resulting in the increase in membrane water affinity, enhancement of conductivity and reduced dependence of conductivity on relative humidity. A study of crosslinking of block copolymers was done wherein the crosslinking occurs in the non-matrix phase in order to maintain mechanical properties. The formation of a cationic crosslinked structure improves the mechanical integrity of the membrane in water while showing little deleterious effect on ionic conductivity and mechanical properties.

Reagent Anions for Charge Inversion of Polypeptide/Protein Cations in the Gas Phase

PubMed Central

He, Min; Emory, Joshua F.; McLuckey, Scott A.

2005-01-01

Various reagent anions capable of converting polypeptide cations to anions via ion/ion reactions have been investigated. The major charge inversion reaction channels include multiple proton transfer and adduct formation. Dianions composed of sulfonate groups as the negative charge carriers show essentially exclusive adduct formation in converting protonated peptides and proteins to anions. Dianions composed of carboxylate groups, on the other hand, show far more charge inversion via multiple proton transfer, with the degree of adduct formation dependent upon both the size of the polypeptide and the spacings between carboxylate groups in the dianion. More highly charged carboxylate-containing anions, such as those derived from carboxylate-terminated polyamidoamine half-generation dendrimers show charge inversion to give anion charges as high in magnitude as −4, with the degree of adduct formation being inversely related to dendrimer generation. All observations can be interpreted on the basis of charge inversion taking place via a long-lived chemical complex. The lifetime of this complex is related to the strengths and numbers of the interactions of the reactants in the complex. Calculations with model systems are fully consistent with sulfonate groups giving rise to more stable complexes. The kinetic stability of the complex can also be affected by the presence of electrostatic repulsion if it is multiply charged. In general, this situation destabilizes the complex and reduces the likelihood for observation of adducts. The findings highlight the characteristics of multiply charged anions that play roles in determining the nature of charge inversion products associated with protonated peptides and proteins. PMID:15889906

Living Additive Manufacturing: Transformation of Parent Gels into Diversely Functionalized Daughter Gels Made Possible by Visible Light Photoredox Catalysis

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Light-initiated additive manufacturing techniques typically rely on layer-by-layer addition or continuous extraction of polymers formed via nonliving, free radical polymerization methods that render the final materials “dead” toward further monomer insertion; the polymer chains within the materials cannot be reactivated to induce chain extension. An alternative “living additive manufacturing” strategy would involve the use of photocontrolled living radical polymerization to spatiotemporally insert monomers into dormant “parent” materials to generate more complex and diversely functionalized “daughter” materials. Here, we demonstrate a proof-of-concept study of living additive manufacturing using end-linked polymer gels embedded with trithiocarbonate iniferters that can be activated by photoinduced single-electron transfer from an organic photoredox catalyst in solution. This system enables the synthesis of a wide range of chemically and mechanically differentiated daughter gels from a single type of parent gel via light-controlled modification of the parent’s average composition, strand length, and/or cross-linking density. Daughter gels that are softer than their parent, stiffer than their parent, larger but with the same modulus as their parent, thermally responsive, polarity responsive, healable, and weldable are all realized. PMID:28280779

Living Additive Manufacturing: Transformation of Parent Gels into Diversely Functionalized Daughter Gels Made Possible by Visible Light Photoredox Catalysis.

PubMed

Chen, Mao; Gu, Yuwei; Singh, Awaneesh; Zhong, Mingjiang; Jordan, Alex M; Biswas, Santidan; Korley, LaShanda T J; Balazs, Anna C; Johnson, Jeremiah A

2017-02-22

Light-initiated additive manufacturing techniques typically rely on layer-by-layer addition or continuous extraction of polymers formed via nonliving, free radical polymerization methods that render the final materials "dead" toward further monomer insertion; the polymer chains within the materials cannot be reactivated to induce chain extension. An alternative "living additive manufacturing" strategy would involve the use of photocontrolled living radical polymerization to spatiotemporally insert monomers into dormant "parent" materials to generate more complex and diversely functionalized "daughter" materials. Here, we demonstrate a proof-of-concept study of living additive manufacturing using end-linked polymer gels embedded with trithiocarbonate iniferters that can be activated by photoinduced single-electron transfer from an organic photoredox catalyst in solution. This system enables the synthesis of a wide range of chemically and mechanically differentiated daughter gels from a single type of parent gel via light-controlled modification of the parent's average composition, strand length, and/or cross-linking density. Daughter gels that are softer than their parent, stiffer than their parent, larger but with the same modulus as their parent, thermally responsive, polarity responsive, healable, and weldable are all realized.

Reversible Addition Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT) Polymerization of 4-Vinylbenzaldehyde

PubMed Central

Sun, Guorong; Cheng, Chong; Wooley, Karen L.

2008-01-01

The direct reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of 4-vinylbenzaldehyde (VBA) was established as a new synthetic method for the preparation of well-defined poly(vinylbenzaldehyde) (PVBA), a polymer having reactive aldehyde side chain substiuents. RAFT polymerization of VBA was investigated using S-1-dodecyl-S’-(α,α’-dimethyl-α”-acetic acid)trithiocarbonate (DDMAT) as chain transfer agent (CTA) and 2,2′-azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN) as initiator in 1,4-dioxane or 2-butanone at 70-75 °C for 7.5-22.5 h. With 45-76% of monomer conversion, the resulting PVBA had well controlled number-average molecular weight (Mn) and low polydispersity (PDI < 1.17). The living characteristic of the RAFT polymerization process was confirmed by the linearity between the Mn values of PVBA and monomer conversions. Well-defined PVBA was further used as a macromolecular chain transfer agent (macro-CTA) in RAFT polymerization of styrene (St), and a block copolymer PVBA-b-PSt with relatively low polydispersity (PDI = 1.20) was successfully synthesized. PMID:19066633

Tunable, Quantitative Fenton-RAFT Polymerization via Metered Reagent Addition.

PubMed

Nothling, Mitchell D; McKenzie, Thomas G; Reyhani, Amin; Qiao, Greg G

2018-05-10

A continuous supply of radical species is a key requirement for activating chain growth and accessing quantitative monomer conversions in reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. In Fenton-RAFT, activation is provided by hydroxyl radicals, whose indiscriminate reactivity and short-lived nature poses a challenge to accessing extended polymerization times and quantitative monomer conversions. Here, an alternative Fenton-RAFT procedure is presented, whereby radical generation can be finely controlled via metered dosing of a component of the Fenton redox reaction (H 2 O 2 ) using an external pumping system. By limiting the instantaneous flux of radicals and ensuring sustained radical generation over tunable time periods, metered reagent addition reduces unwanted radical "wasting" reactions and provides access to consistent quantitative monomer conversions with high chain-end fidelity. Fine tuning of radical concentration during polymerization is achieved simply via adjustment of reagent dose rate, offering significant potential for automation. This modular strategy holds promise for extending traditional RAFT initiation toward more tightly regulated radical concentration profiles and affords excellent prospects for the automation of Fenton-RAFT polymerization. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Ion distribution in quaternary-ammonium-functionalized aromatic polymers: effects on the ionic clustering and conductivity of anion-exchange membranes.

PubMed

Weiber, E Annika; Jannasch, Patric

2014-09-01

A series of copoly(arylene ether sulfone)s that have precisely two, three, or four quaternary ammonium (QA) groups clustered directly on single phenylene rings along the backbone are studied as anion-exchange membranes. The copolymers are synthesized by condensation polymerizations that involve either di-, tri-, or tetramethylhydroquinone followed by virtually complete benzylic bromination using N-bromosuccinimide and quaternization with trimethylamine. This synthetic strategy allows excellent control and systematic variation of the local density and distribution of QA groups along the backbone. Small-angle X-ray scattering of these copolymers shows extensive ionic clustering, promoted by an increasing density of QA on the single phenylene rings. At an ion-exchange capacity (IEC) of 2.1 meq g(-1), the water uptake decreases with the increasing local density of QA groups. Moreover, at moderate IECs at 20 °C, the Br(-) conductivity of the densely functionalized copolymers is higher than a corresponding randomly functionalized polymer, despite the significantly higher water uptake of the latter. Thus, the location of multiple cations on single aromatic rings in the polymers facilitates the formation of a distinct percolating hydrophilic phase domain with a high ionic concentration to promote efficient anion transport, despite probable limitations by reduced ion dissociation. These findings imply a viable strategy to improve the performance of alkaline membrane fuel cells. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Polymeric microchip for the simultaneous determination of anions and cations by hydrodynamic injection using a dual-channel sequential injection microchip electrophoresis system.

PubMed

Gaudry, Adam J; Nai, Yi Heng; Guijt, Rosanne M; Breadmore, Michael C

2014-04-01

A dual-channel sequential injection microchip capillary electrophoresis system with pressure-driven injection is demonstrated for simultaneous separations of anions and cations from a single sample. The poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microchips feature integral in-plane contactless conductivity detection electrodes. A novel, hydrodynamic "split-injection" method utilizes background electrolyte (BGE) sheathing to gate the sample flows, while control over the injection volume is achieved by balancing hydrodynamic resistances using external hydrodynamic resistors. Injection is realized by a unique flow-through interface, allowing for automated, continuous sampling for sequential injection analysis by microchip electrophoresis. The developed system was very robust, with individual microchips used for up to 2000 analyses with lifetimes limited by irreversible blockages of the microchannels. The unique dual-channel geometry was demonstrated by the simultaneous separation of three cations and three anions in individual microchannels in under 40 s with limits of detection (LODs) ranging from 1.5 to 24 μM. From a series of 100 sequential injections the %RSDs were determined for every fifth run, resulting in %RSDs for migration times that ranged from 0.3 to 0.7 (n = 20) and 2.3 to 4.5 for peak area (n = 20). This system offers low LODs and a high degree of reproducibility and robustness while the hydrodynamic injection eliminates electrokinetic bias during injection, making it attractive for a wide range of rapid, sensitive, and quantitative online analytical applications.

Investigation of the interactions between 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium-based ionic liquids and isobutylene using density functional theory.

PubMed

Li, Xiaoning; Guo, Wenli; Wu, Yibo; Li, Wei; Gong, Liangfa; Zhang, Xiaoqian; Li, Shuxin; Shang, Yuwei; Yang, Dan; Wang, Hao

2018-03-06

To identify ionic liquids (ILs) that could be used as solvents in isobutylene (IB) polymerization, the interactions between IB and eight different ILs based on the 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium cation ([Bmim] + ) were investigated using density functional theory (DFT). The anions in the ILs were chloride, hexafluorophosphate, tetrafluoroborate, bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]imide, tetrachloroaluminate ([AlCl 4 ] - ), tetrachloroferrate, acetate, and trifluoroacetate. The interaction geometries were explained by changes in the total energy, intermolecular distances, Hirshfeld charges, and the electrostatic potential surface. The IL solvents were screened by comparing their interaction intensities with IB to the interaction intensities of reference ILs ([AlCl 4 ] - -based ILs) with IB. The microscopic mechanism for IB dissolution was rationalized by invoking a previously reported microscopic mechanism for the dissolution of gases in ILs. Computation results revealed that hydrogen (H) bonding between C2-H on the imidazolium ring and the anions plays a key role in ion pair (IP) formation. The addition of IB leads to slight changes in the dominant interactions of the IP. IB molecules occupied cavities created by small angular rearrangements of the anions, just as CO 2 does when it is dissolved in an IL. The limited total free space in the ILs and the much larger size of IB than CO 2 were found to be responsible for the poor solubility of IB compared with that of CO 2 in the ILs.

Perpendicularly Aligned, Anion Conducting Nanochannels in Block Copolymer Electrolyte Films

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Arges, Christopher G.; Kambe, Yu; Suh, Hyo Seon

Connecting structure and morphology to bulk transport properties, such as ionic conductivity, in nanostructured polymer electrolyte materials is a difficult proposition because of the challenge to precisely and accurately control order and the orientation of the ionic domains in such polymeric films. In this work, poly(styrene-block-2-vinylpyridine) (PSbP2VP) block copolymers were assembled perpendicularly to a substrate surface over large areas through chemical surface modification at the substrate and utilizing a versatile solvent vapor annealing (SVA) technique. After block copolymer assembly, a novel chemical vapor infiltration reaction (CVIR) technique selectively converted the 2-vinylpyridine block to 2-vinyl n-methylpyridinium (NMP+ X-) groups, which aremore » anion charge carriers. The prepared block copolymer electrolytes maintained their orientation and ordered nanostructure upon the selective introduction of ion moieties into the P2VP block and post ion-exchange to other counterion forms (X- = chloride, hydroxide, etc.). The prepared block copolymer electrolyte films demonstrated high chloride ion conductivities, 45 mS cm(-1) at 20 degrees C in deionized water, the highest chloride ion conductivity for anion conducting polymer electrolyte films. Additionally, straight-line lamellae of block copolymer electrolytes were realized using chemoepitaxy and density multiplication. The devised scheme allowed for precise and accurate control of orientation of ionic domains in nanostructured polymer electrolyte films and enables a platform for future studies that examines the relationship between polymer electrolyte structure and ion transport.« less

Arsenate removal from water by a weak-base anion exchange fibrous adsorbent.

PubMed

Awual, Md Rabiul; Urata, Shinya; Jyo, Akinori; Tamada, Masao; Katakai, Akio

2008-02-01

A weak-base anion exchange fiber named FVA with primary amino groups for selective and rapid removal of arsenate species was prepared by means of electron irradiation induced liquid phase graft polymerization of N-vinylformamide onto polyethylene coated polypropylene fibers and by the subsequent alkaline hydrolysis of amide group on the grafted polymer chains. Two types of FVA were prepared. One was a non-woven cloth type named FVA-c for the batch-mode study, which clarified that uptake of arsenate species decreases with an increase in pH, and chloride and sulfate do not strongly interfere with uptake of arsenate species different from conventional anion exchange resins based on crosslinked polystyrene matrices. The other was a filamentary type one named FVA-f used in the column-mode study, which clarified that arsenate species were successfully removed from neutral pH arsenate solutions containing 1.0-99 mg of As/L at feed flow rates of 100-1050 h(-1) in space velocity (SV). The most important findings are that the 1% breakthrough point in uptake from the arsenate solution containing 1.0mg of As/L at the high feed flow rate of 1050h(-1) in SV was as large as 4670 bed volumes, giving the 1% breakthrough capacity of 0.298 mmol/g of FVA-f. Adsorbed arsenate was able to be quantitatively eluted with 1M hydrochloric acid and FVA-f was simultaneously regenerated. Then, the repeated use of FVA-f was possible.

Specific effects of surface carboxyl groups on anionic polystyrene particles in their interactions with mesenchymal stem cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Xiue; Musyanovych, Anna; Röcker, Carlheinz; Landfester, Katharina; Mailänder, Volker; Nienhaus, G. Ulrich

2011-05-01

Nanoparticle uptake by living cells is governed by chemical interactions between functional groups on the nanoparticle as well as the receptors on cell surfaces. Here we have investigated the uptake of anionic polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles of ~100 nm diameter by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) using spinning-disk confocal optical microscopy combined with a quantitative analysis of the fluorescence images. Two types of anionic PS nanoparticles with essentially identical sizes and ζ-potentials were employed in this study, carboxyl-functionalized nanoparticles (CPS) and plain PS nanoparticles, both coated with anionic detergent for stabilization. CPS nanoparticles were observed to internalize more rapidly and accumulate to a much higher level than plain PS nanoparticles. The relative importance of different uptake mechanisms for the two types of nanoparticles was investigated by using specific inhibitors. CPS nanoparticles were internalized mainly via the clathrin-mediated mechanism, whereas plain PS nanoparticles mainly utilized the macropinocytosis pathway. The pronounced difference in the internalization behavior of CPS and plain PS nanoparticles points to a specific interaction of the carboxyl group with receptors on the cell surface.

A highly sensitive and selective fluorescent sensor for detection of sulfide anion based on the steric hindrance effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Guanfan; Tang, Mengzhuo; Fu, Xiufang; Cheng, Fenmin; Zou, Xianghua; Wang, Jingpei; Zeng, Rongjin

2018-01-01

Sulfide anions are not only generated as a byproduct from industrial processes but also as a crucial kind of element in biological systems. Therefore, fluorescent probes for detecting sulfide anion with sensitive and selective characters are highly popular. In this study, we report a highly sensitive and selective fluorescent sensor M1 for detection of sulfide anion based on the steric hindrance effect, where the recognition unit, dinitrobenzenesulfonate ester group is linked to aromatic ortho-position in the porphyrin, and correspondingly the fluorescence of fluorescein is efficiently quenched. Compared with the sensors with recognition unit linked to the other aromatic positions, the fluorescent sensor M1 has a lower fluorescence background. Furthermore, the corresponding fluorescence responses (F/F0) of M1 for mercapto amino-acid GSH, Hcy and Cys, were all far lower than the relative fluorescence ratio F/F0 values for S2-. It means that M1 is sensitive and selective to detection of S2-, and has an anti-disturbance ability to the biologically-relevant thiols, GSH, Hcy and Cys, and has the prospect of application in the exact detection of sulfide anions in living organisms. This approach offers some useful insights for realizing sensitive and selective fluorescent turn-on sensing in the detection assays for other analytes.

Blood clearance and biodistribution of polymer brush-afforded silica particles prepared by surface-initiated living radical polymerization.

PubMed

Ohno, Kohji; Akashi, Tatsuki; Tsujii, Yoshinobu; Yamamoto, Masaya; Tabata, Yasuhiko

2012-03-12

The physiological properties of polymer brush-afforded silica particles prepared by surface-initiated living radical polymerization were investigated in terms of the circulation lifetime in the blood and distribution in tissues. Hydrophilic polymers consisting mainly of poly(poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) were grafted onto silica particles by surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization that was mediated by a copper complex to produce hairy hybrid particles. A series of hybrid particles was synthesized by varying the diameter of the silica core and the chain length of the polymer brush to examine the relationship between their physicochemical and physiological properties. The hybrid particles were injected intravenously into mice to investigate systematically their blood clearance and body distribution. It was revealed that the structural features of the hybrid particles significantly affected their in vivo pharmacokinetics. Some hybrid particles exhibited an excellently prolonged circulation lifetime in the blood with a half life of ∼20 h. When such hybrid particles were injected intravenously into a tumor-bearing mouse, they preferentially accumulated in tumor tissue. The tumor-targeted delivery was optically visualized using hybrid particles grafted with fluorescence-labeled polymer brushes.

Visualizing Transient Watson-Crick Like Mispairs in DNA and RNA Duplexes

PubMed Central

Kimsey, Isaac J.; Petzold, Katja; Sathyamoorthy, Bharathwaj; Stein, Zachary W.; Al-Hashimi, Hashim M.

2015-01-01

Rare tautomeric and anionic nucleobases are believed to play fundamental biological roles but their prevalence and functional importance has remained elusive because they exist transiently, in low-abundance, and involve subtle movements of protons that are difficult to visualize. Using NMR relaxation dispersion, we show that wobble dG•dT and rG•rU mispairs in DNA and RNA duplexes exist in dynamic equilibrium with short-lived, low-populated Watson-Crick like mispairs that are stabilized by rare enolic or anionic bases. These mispairs can evade Watson-Crick fidelity checkpoints and form with probabilities (10−3-10−5) that strongly imply a universal role in replication and translation errors. Our results indicate that rare tautomeric and anionic bases are widespread in nucleic acids, expanding their structural and functional complexity beyond that attainable with canonical bases. PMID:25762137

New insights in low-energy electron-fullerene interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Msezane, Alfred Z.; Felfli, Zineb

2018-03-01

The robust Regge-pole methodology has been used to probe for long-lived metastable anionic formation in Cn (n = 20, 24, 26, 28, 44, 70, 92 and 112) through the calculated electron elastic scattering total cross sections (TCSs). All the TCSs are found to be characterized by Ramsauer-Townsend minima, shape resonances and dramatically sharp resonances manifesting metastable anionic formation during the collisions. The energy positions of the anionic ground states resonances are found to match the measured electron affinities (EAs). We also investigated the size-effect through the correlation and polarization induced metastable resonances as the fullerene size varied from C20 through C112. The C20 TCSs exhibit atomic behavior while the C112 TCSs demonstrate strong departure from atomic behavior attributed to the size effect. Surprisingly C24 is found to have the largest EA among the investigated fullerenes making it suitable for use in organic solar cells and nanocatalysis.

A ligand exchange strategy for one-pot sequential synthesis of (hyperbranched polyethylene)-b-(linear polyketone) block polymers.

PubMed

Zhang, Zhichao; Ye, Zhibin

2012-08-18

Upon the addition of an equimolar amount of 2,2'-bipyridine, a cationic Pd-diimine complex capable of facilitating "living" ethylene polymerization is switched to catalyze "living" alternating copolymerization of 4-tertbutylstyrene and CO. This unique chemistry is thus employed to synthesize a range of well-defined treelike (hyperbranched polyethylene)-b-(linear polyketone) block polymers.

Facile preparation of fluorescent layered double hydroxide polymeric composites through the photo-induced surface-initiated controlled living polymerization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Junyu; Liu, Meiying; Huang, Qiang; Jiang, Ruming; Huang, Hongye; Deng, Fengjie; Wen, Yuanqing; Tian, Jianwen; Zhang, Xiaoyong; Wei, Yen

2018-05-01

(Zn/Al) layered double hydroxide (LDH) based fluorescence probes have been facilely fabricated via photo-induced surface-initiated reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, which demonstrated green fluorescence, good biocompatibility and excellent dispersion performance in aqueous solution. The as prepared (Zn/Al)LDH polymeric composites were modified with 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC), acrylic acid (AA) and diacroloyl-fluorescein (Ac-Fl). Among them, the comonomers MPC and AA were used to endow their water dispersibility, biocompatibility and potential drug carriers, while the Ac-Fl was served both as the fluorescence signal and photocatalyst for RAFT polymerization. A series of characterization methods, including 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electronic microscopy, thermogravimetric analyses, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were employed to conform the successful of surface modification of LDH through photo-induced surface-initiated RAFT polymerization. Besides, UV-vis absorption spectra and fluorescence spectra were adopted to evaluate the optical characteristics of as prepared (Zn/Al)LDH-co-Poly(MPC-AA-Fl) composites, which exhibited high intense green fluorescence. Furthermore, the endocytosis behavior indicates that (Zn/Al)LDH-co-Poly(MPC-AA-Fl) composites could be potentially used in cell imaging and even drug delivery application for their excellent biocompatibility and all advantages described above.

Ionic Liquid Crystals: Versatile Materials.

PubMed

Goossens, Karel; Lava, Kathleen; Bielawski, Christopher W; Binnemans, Koen

2016-04-27

This Review covers the recent developments (2005-2015) in the design, synthesis, characterization, and application of thermotropic ionic liquid crystals. It was designed to give a comprehensive overview of the "state-of-the-art" in the field. The discussion is focused on low molar mass and dendrimeric thermotropic ionic mesogens, as well as selected metal-containing compounds (metallomesogens), but some references to polymeric and/or lyotropic ionic liquid crystals and particularly to ionic liquids will also be provided. Although zwitterionic and mesoionic mesogens are also treated to some extent, emphasis will be directed toward liquid-crystalline materials consisting of organic cations and organic/inorganic anions that are not covalently bound but interact via electrostatic and other noncovalent interactions.

Detection of Inulin, a Prebiotic Polysaccharide, in Maple Syrup.

PubMed

Sun, Jiadong; Ma, Hang; Seeram, Navindra P; Rowley, David C

2016-09-28

Maple syrup is a widely consumed plant-derived natural sweetener produced by concentrating xylem sap collected from certain maple (Acer) species. During thermal evaporation of water, natural phytochemical components are concentrated in maple syrup. The polymeric components from maple syrup were isolated by ethanol precipitation, dialysis, and anion exchange chromatography and structurally characterized by glycosyl composition analysis, glycosyl linkage analysis, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Among the maple syrup polysaccharides, one neutral polysaccharide was characterized as inulin with a broad molecular weight distribution, representing the first isolation of this prebiotic carbohydrate from a xylem sap. In addition, two acidic polysaccharides with structural similarity were identified as arabinogalactans derived from rhamnogalacturonan type I pectic polysaccharides.

Removal of heavy metals and pollutants by membrane adsorption techniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khulbe, K. C.; Matsuura, T.

2018-03-01

Application of polymeric membranes for the adsorption of hazardous pollutants may lead to the development of next-generation reusable and portable water purification appliances. Membranes for membrane adsorption (MA) have the dual function of membrane filtration and adsorption to be very effective to remove trace amounts of pollutants such as cationic heavy metals, anionic phosphates and nitrates. In this review article, recent progresses in the development of MA membranes are surveyed. In addition, recent progresses in the development of advanced adsorbents such as nanoparticles are summarized, since they are potentially useful as fillers in the host membrane to enhance its performance. The future directions of R&D in this field are also shown in the conclusion section.

Peptide/protein-polymer conjugates: synthetic strategies and design concepts.

PubMed

Gauthier, Marc A; Klok, Harm-Anton

2008-06-21

This feature article provides a compilation of tools available for preparing well-defined peptide/protein-polymer conjugates, which are defined as hybrid constructs combining (i) a defined number of peptide/protein segments with uniform chain lengths and defined monomer sequences (primary structure) with (ii) a defined number of synthetic polymer chains. The first section describes methods for post-translational, or direct, introduction of chemoselective handles onto natural or synthetic peptides/proteins. Addressed topics include the residue- and/or site-specific modification of peptides/proteins at Arg, Asp, Cys, Gln, Glu, Gly, His, Lys, Met, Phe, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr and Val residues and methods for producing peptides/proteins containing non-canonical amino acids by peptide synthesis and protein engineering. In the second section, methods for introducing chemoselective groups onto the side-chain or chain-end of synthetic polymers produced by radical, anionic, cationic, metathesis and ring-opening polymerization are described. The final section discusses convergent and divergent strategies for covalently assembling polymers and peptides/proteins. An overview of the use of chemoselective reactions such as Heck, Sonogashira and Suzuki coupling, Diels-Alder cycloaddition, Click chemistry, Staudinger ligation, Michael's addition, reductive alkylation and oxime/hydrazone chemistry for the convergent synthesis of peptide/protein-polymer conjugates is given. Divergent approaches for preparing peptide/protein-polymer conjugates which are discussed include peptide synthesis from synthetic polymer supports, polymerization from peptide/protein macroinitiators or chain transfer agents and the polymerization of peptide side-chain monomers.

Synthesis, Structure, and Pressure-Induced Polymerization of Li 3 Fe(CN) 6 Accompanied with Enhanced Conductivity

DOE PAGES

Li, Kuo; Zheng, Haiyan; Hattori, Takanori; ...

2015-11-17

By providing a new route to synthesize inorganic/organic conductors with tunable composition and properties, pressure-induced polymerization of charged triple-bond monomers like acetylide and cyanide could lead to formation of a conductive metal–carbon network composite. The industry application of this promising synthetic method is mainly limited by the reaction pressure needed, which is often too high to be reached for gram amounts of sample. Here we successfully synthesized highly conductive Li 3Fe(CN) 6 at maximum pressure around 5 GPa and used in situ diagnostic tools to follow the structural and functional transformations of the sample, including in situ X-ray and neutronmore » diffraction and Raman and impedance spectroscopy, along with the neutron pair distribution function measurement on the recovered sample. The cyanide anions start to react around 1 GPa and bond to each other irreversibly at around 5 GPa, which are the lowest reaction pressures in all known metal cyanides and within the technologically achievable pressure range for industrial production. Moreover, the conductivity of the polymer is above 10 –3 S·cm –1, which reaches the range of conductive polymers. Our investigation suggests that the pressure-induced polymerization route is practicable for synthesizing some types of functional conductive materials for industrial use, and further research like doping and heating can hence be motivated to synthesize novel materials under lower pressure and with better performances.« less

Photo-induced living radical polymerization of acrylates utilizing a discrete copper(II)-formate complex.

PubMed

Anastasaki, Athina; Nikolaou, Vasiliki; Brandford-Adams, Francesca; Nurumbetov, Gabit; Zhang, Qiang; Clarkson, Guy J; Fox, David J; Wilson, Paul; Kempe, Kristian; Haddleton, David M

2015-04-04

A photo-polymerization protocol, utilizing a pre-formed and well-characterized Cu(II) formate complex, [Cu(Me6-Tren)(O2CH)](ClO4), mediated by UV light is described. In the absence of additional reducing agents and/or photosensitizers, ppm concentrations of the oxidatively stable [Cu(Me6-Tren)(O2CH)](ClO4), furnish near-quantitative conversions within 2 h, yielding poly(acrylates) with low dispersities (∼1.10) and exceptional end-group fidelity, capable of undergoing in situ chain extension and block copolymerization.

Motion of single MreB bacterial actin proteins in Caulobacter show treadmilling in vivo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moerner, W. E.; Kim, Soyeon; Gitai, Zemer; Kinkhabwala, Anika; McAdams, Harley; Shapiro, Lucy

2006-03-01

Ensemble imaging of a bacterial actin homologue, the MreB protein, suggests that the MreB proteins form a dynamic filamentous spiral along the long axis of the cell in Caulobacter crescentus. MreB contracts and expands along the cell axis and plays an important role in cell shape and polarity maintenance, as well as chromosome segregation and translocation of the origin of replication during cell division. In this study we investigated the real-time polymerization of MreB in Caulobacter crescentus using single-molecule fluorescence imaging. With time-lapse imaging, polymerized MreB could be distinguished from cytoplasmic MreB monomers, because single monomeric MreB showed fast motion characteristic of Brownian diffusion, while single polymerized MreB displayed slow, directed motion. This directional movement of labeled MreB in the growing polymer implies that treadmilling is the predominant mechanism in MreB filament formation. These single-molecule imaging experiments provide the first available information on the velocity of bacterial actin polymerization in a living cell.

Initiator and Photocatalyst-Free Visible Light Induced One-Pot Reaction: Concurrent RAFT Polymerization and CuAAC Click Reaction.

PubMed

Wang, Jie; Wang, Xinbo; Xue, Wentao; Chen, Gaojian; Zhang, Weidong; Zhu, Xiulin

2016-05-01

A new, visible light-catalyzed, one-pot and one-step reaction is successfully employed to design well-controlled side-chain functionalized polymers, by the combination of ambient temperature revisible addtion-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and click chemistry. Polymerizations are well controlled in a living way under the irradiation of visible light-emitting diode (LED) light without photocatalyst and initiator, using the trithiocarbonate agent as iniferter (initiator-transfer agent-terminator) agent at ambient temperature. Fourier transfer infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), NMR, and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) data confirm the successful one-pot reaction. Compared to the reported zero-valent metal-catalyzed one-pot reaction, the polymerization rate is much faster than that of the click reaction, and the visible light-catalyzed one-pot reaction can be freely and easily regulated by turning on and off the light. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Ratiometric sensing of fluoride and acetate anions based on a BODIPY-azaindole platform and its application to living cell imaging.

PubMed

Mahapatra, Ajit Kumar; Maji, Rajkishor; Maiti, Kalipada; Adhikari, Susanta Sekhar; Das Mukhopadhyay, Chitrangada; Mandal, Debasish

2014-01-07

A new BODIPY-azaindole based fluorescent sensor 1 was designed and synthesized as a new colorimetric and ratiometric fluorescent chemosensor for fluoride. The binding and sensing abilities of sensor 1 towards various anions were studied by absorption, emission and (1)H NMR titration spectroscopies. The spectral responses of 1 to fluoride in acetonitrile-water were studied: an approximately 69 nm red shift in absorption and ratiometric fluorescent response was observed. The striking light yellow to deep brown color change in ambient light and green to blue emission color change are thought to be due to the deprotonation of the indole moiety of the azaindole fluorophore. From the changes in the absorption, fluorescence, and (1)H NMR titration spectra, proton-transfer mechanisms were deduced. Density function theory and time-dependent density function theory calculations were conducted to rationalize the optical response of the sensor. Results were supported by confocal fluorescence imaging and MTT assay of live cells.

Design of latex-layered double hydroxide composites by tuning the aggregation in suspensions.

PubMed

Pavlovic, Marko; Rouster, Paul; Bourgeat-Lami, Elodie; Prevot, Vanessa; Szilagyi, Istvan

2017-01-25

Colloidal stability of polymeric latex particles was studied in the presence of oppositely charged layered double hydroxide (LDH) platelets of different interlayer anions. Adsorption of the LDH particles led to charge neutralization and to overcharging of the latex at appropriate concentrations. Mixing stable colloidal suspensions of individual particles results in rapid aggregation once the LDH adsorption neutralizes the negative charges of the polymer spheres, while stable suspensions were observed at high and low LDH doses. The governing interparticle interactions included repulsive electrical double layer forces as well as van der Waals and patch-charge attractions, whose strength depended on the amount of LDH particles adsorbed on the latex surface. The type of the LDH interlayer anions did not affect the colloidal stability of the samples. Structural investigation of the obtained latex-LDH composites revealed that the polymer spheres were completely coated with the inorganic platelets once their concentration was sufficiently high. These results are especially important for designing synthetic routes for hybrid systems in suspensions, where stable colloids are required for uniform film-formation and for the homogeneous distribution of the inorganic filler within the composite materials.

Double Transfer Voltammetry in Two-Polarizable Interface Systems: Effects of the Lipophilicity and Charge of the Target and Compensating Ions.

PubMed

Molina, Ángela; Laborda, Eduardo; Olmos, José Manuel; Millán-Barrios, Enrique

2018-03-06

Analytical expressions are obtained for the study of the net current and individual fluxes across macro- and micro-liquid/liquid interfaces in series as those found in ion sensing with solvent polymeric membranes and in ion-transfer batteries. The mathematical solutions deduced are applicable to any voltammetric technique, independently of the lipophilicity and charge number of the target and compensating ions. When supporting electrolytes of semihydrophilic ions are employed, the so-called double transfer voltammograms have a tendency to merge into a single signal, which complicates notably the modeling and analysis of the electrochemical response. The present theoretical results point out that the appearance of one or two voltammetric waves is highly dependent on the size of the interfaces and on the viscosity of the organic solution. Hence, the two latter can be adjusted experimentally in order to "split" the voltammograms and extract information about the ions involved. This has been illustrated in this work with the experimental study in water | 1,2-dichloroethane | water cells of the transfer of the monovalent tetraethylammonium cation compensated by anions of different lipophilicity, and also of the divalent hexachloroplatinate anion.

M13 bacteriophage purification using poly(ionic liquids) as alternative separation matrices.

PubMed

Jacinto, Maria João; Patinha, David J S; Marrucho, Isabel M; Gonçalves, João; Willson, Richard C; Azevedo, Ana M; Aires-Barros, M Raquel

2018-01-12

M13 is a filamentous, non-lytic bacteriophage that infects Escherichia coli via the F pilus. Currently, phage M13 is widely used in phage display technology and bio-nanotechnology, and is considered a possible antibacterial therapeutic agent, among other applications. Conventional phage purification involves 5-7 operational steps, with high operational costs and significant product loss (approximately 60%). In this work, we propose a scalable purification process for M13 bacteriophage using a novel stationary phase based on a polymeric ionic liquid (PIL) with a positively charged backbone structure. Poly (1-vinyl-3-ethyl imidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide) - poly(VEIM-TFSI) predominantly acted as an anion exchanger under binding-elution mode. This revealed to be a rapid and simple method for the recovery of phage M13 with an overall separation yield of over 70% after a single downstream step. To the best of our knowledge, PILs have never been used as separation matrices for biological products and the results obtained, together with the large number of cations and anions available to prepare PILs, illustrate well the large potential of the proposed methodology. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Organoboron compounds as Lewis acid receptors of fluoride ions in polymeric membranes.

PubMed

Jańczyk, Martyna; Adamczyk-Woźniak, Agnieszka; Sporzyński, Andrzej; Wróblewski, Wojciech

2012-07-06

Newly synthesized organoboron compounds - 4-octyloxyphenylboronic acid (OPBA) and pinacol ester of 2,4,6-trifluorophenylboronic acid (PE-PBA) - were applied as Lewis acid receptors of fluoride anions. Despite enhanced selectivity, the polymer membrane electrodes containing the lipophilic receptor OPBA exhibited non-Nernstian slopes of the responses toward fluoride ions in acidic conditions. Such behavior was explained by the lability of the B-O bond in the boronic acids, and the OH(-)/F(-) exchange at higher fluoride content in the sample solution. In consequence, the stoichiometry of the OPBA-fluoride complexes in the membrane could vary during the calibration, changing the equilibrium concentration of the primary anion in membrane and providing super-Nernstian responses. The proposed mechanism was supported by (19)F NMR studies, which indicated that the fluoride complexation proceeds more effectively in acidic solution leading mainly to PhBF(3)(-) species. Finally, the performances of the membranes based on the phenylboronic acid pinacol ester, with a more stable B-O bond, were tested. As it was expected, Nernstian fluoride responses were recorded for such membranes with worsened fluoride selectivity. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Highly conductive side chain block copolymer anion exchange membranes.

PubMed

Wang, Lizhu; Hickner, Michael A

2016-06-28

Block copolymers based on poly(styrene) having pendent trimethyl styrenylbutyl ammonium (with four carbon ring-ionic group alkyl linkers) or benzyltrimethyl ammonium groups with a methylene bridge between the ring and ionic group were synthesized by reversible addition-fragmentation radical (RAFT) polymerization as anion exchange membranes (AEMs). The C4 side chain polymer showed a 17% increase in Cl(-) conductivity of 33.7 mS cm(-1) compared to the benzyltrimethyl ammonium sample (28.9 mS cm(-1)) under the same conditions (IEC = 3.20 meq. g(-1), hydration number, λ = ∼7.0, cast from DMF/1-propanol (v/v = 3 : 1), relative humidity = 95%). As confirmed by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), the side chain block copolymers with tethered ammonium cations showed well-defined lamellar morphologies and a significant reduction in interdomain spacing compared to benzyltrimethyl ammonium containing block copolymers. The chemical stabilities of the block copolymers were evaluated under severe, accelerated conditions, and degradation was observed by (1)H NMR. The block copolymer with C4 side chain trimethyl styrenylbutyl ammonium motifs displayed slightly improved stability compared to that of a benzyltrimethyl ammonium-based AEM at 80 °C in 1 M NaOD aqueous solution for 30 days.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kabalka, George W

The goal of this research was on the development of new, rapid, and efficient synthetic methods for incorporating short-lived radionuclides into agents of use in measuring dynamic processes. The initial project period (Year 1) was focused on the preparation of stable, solid state precursors that could be used to efficiently incorporate short-lived radioisotopes into small molecules of use in biological applications (environmental, plant, and animal). The investigation included development and evaluation of new methods for preparing carbon-carbon and carbon-halogen bonds for use in constructing the substrates to be radiolabeled. The second phase (Year 2) was focused on developing isotope incorporationmore » techniques using the stable, boronated polymeric precursors. The final phase (Year 3), was focused on the preparation of specific radiolabeled agents and evaluation of their biodistribution using micro-PET and micro-SPECT. In addition, we began the development of a new series of polymeric borane reagents based on polyethylene glycol backbones.« less

Living additive manufacturing: Transformation of parent gels into diversely functionalized daughter gels made possible by visible light photoredox catalysis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chen, Mao; Gu, Yuwei; Singh, Awaneesh

Light-initiated additive manufacturing techniques typically rely on layer-by-layer addition or continuous extraction of polymers formed via nonliving, free radical polymerization methods that render the final materials “dead” toward further monomer insertion; the polymer chains within the materials cannot be reactivated to induce chain extension. An alternative “living additive manufacturing” strategy would involve the use of photocontrolled living radical polymerization to spatiotemporally insert monomers into dormant “parent” materials to generate more complex and diversely functionalized “daughter” materials. Here, we demonstrate a proof-of-concept study of living additive manufacturing using end-linked polymer gels embedded with trithiocarbonate iniferters that can be activated by photoinducedmore » single-electron transfer from an organic photoredox catalyst in solution. This system enables the synthesis of a wide range of chemically and mechanically differentiated daughter gels from a single type of parent gel via light-controlled modification of the parent’s average composition, strand length, and/or cross-linking density. Furthermore, daughter gels that are softer than their parent, stiffer than their parent, larger but with the same modulus as their parent, thermally responsive, polarity responsive, healable, and weldable are all realized.« less

Living additive manufacturing: Transformation of parent gels into diversely functionalized daughter gels made possible by visible light photoredox catalysis

DOE PAGES

Chen, Mao; Gu, Yuwei; Singh, Awaneesh; ...

2017-01-13

Light-initiated additive manufacturing techniques typically rely on layer-by-layer addition or continuous extraction of polymers formed via nonliving, free radical polymerization methods that render the final materials “dead” toward further monomer insertion; the polymer chains within the materials cannot be reactivated to induce chain extension. An alternative “living additive manufacturing” strategy would involve the use of photocontrolled living radical polymerization to spatiotemporally insert monomers into dormant “parent” materials to generate more complex and diversely functionalized “daughter” materials. Here, we demonstrate a proof-of-concept study of living additive manufacturing using end-linked polymer gels embedded with trithiocarbonate iniferters that can be activated by photoinducedmore » single-electron transfer from an organic photoredox catalyst in solution. This system enables the synthesis of a wide range of chemically and mechanically differentiated daughter gels from a single type of parent gel via light-controlled modification of the parent’s average composition, strand length, and/or cross-linking density. Furthermore, daughter gels that are softer than their parent, stiffer than their parent, larger but with the same modulus as their parent, thermally responsive, polarity responsive, healable, and weldable are all realized.« less

A two-step flocculation process on oil sands tailings treatment using oppositely charged polymer flocculants.

PubMed

Lu, Qiuyi; Yan, Bin; Xie, Lei; Huang, Jun; Liu, Yang; Zeng, Hongbo

2016-09-15

Water management and treatment of mineral tailings and oil sands tailings are becoming critical challenges for the sustainable development of natural resources. Polymeric flocculants have been widely employed to facilitate the flocculation and settling of suspended fine solid particles in tailings, resulting in the separation of released water and solid sediments. In this study, a new flocculation process was developed for the treatment of oil sands tailings by using two oppositely charged polymers, i.e. an anionic polyacrylamide and a natural cationic biopolymer, chitosan. The new process was able to not only improve the clarity of supernatant after settling but also achieve a high settling efficiency. Treatment of the oil sands tailings using pure anionic polyacrylamide showed relatively high initial settling rate (ISR) of ~10.3m/h but with poor supernatant clarity (>1000NTU); while the treatment using pure cationic polymer resulted in clear supernatant (turbidity as low as 22NTU) but relatively low ISR of >2m/h. In the new flocculation process, the addition of anionic polyacrylamide to the tailings was followed by a cationic polymer, which showed both a high ISR (~7.7m/h) and a low turbidity (71NTU) of the supernatant. The flocculation mechanism was further investigated via the measurements of floc size, zeta potential and surface forces. The new flocculation process was revealed to include two steps: (1) bridging of fine solids by anionic polyacrylamide, and (2) further aggregation and flocculation mediated by charge neutralisation of the cationic polymer, which significantly eliminated the fine solids in the supernatants as well as increases floc size. Our results provide insights into the basic understanding of the interactions between polymer flocculants and solid particles in tailings treatment, as well as the development of novel tailings treatment technologies. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Adsorption of Synthetic Cationic Polymers on Model Phospholipid Membranes: Insight from Atomic-Scale Molecular Dynamics Simulations.

PubMed

Kostritskii, Andrei Yu; Kondinskaia, Diana A; Nesterenko, Alexey M; Gurtovenko, Andrey A

2016-10-11

Although synthetic cationic polymers represent a promising class of effective antibacterial agents, the molecular mechanisms behind their antimicrobial activity remain poorly understood. To this end, we employ atomic-scale molecular dynamics simulations to explore adsorption of several linear cationic polymers of different chemical structure and protonation (polyallylamine (PAA), polyethylenimine (PEI), polyvinylamine (PVA), and poly-l-lysine (PLL)) on model bacterial membranes (4:1 mixture of zwitterionic phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and anionic phosphatidylglycerol (PG) lipids). Overall, our findings show that binding of polycations to the anionic membrane surface effectively neutralizes its charge, leading to the reorientation of water molecules close to the lipid/water interface and to the partial release of counterions to the water phase. In certain cases, one has even an overcharging of the membrane, which was shown to be a cooperative effect of polymer charges and lipid counterions. Protonated amine groups of polycations are found to interact preferably with head groups of anionic lipids, giving rise to formation of hydrogen bonds and to a noticeable lateral immobilization of the lipids. While all the above findings are mostly defined by the overall charge of a polymer, we found that the polymer architecture also matters. In particular, PVA and PEI are able to accumulate anionic PG lipids on the membrane surface, leading to lipid segregation. In turn, PLL whose charge twice exceeds charges of PVA/PEI does not induce such lipid segregation due to its considerably less compact architecture and relatively long side chains. We also show that partitioning of a polycation into the lipid/water interface is an interplay between its protonation level (the overall charge) and hydrophobicity of the backbone. Therefore, a possible strategy in creating highly efficient antimicrobial polymeric agents could be in tuning these polycation's properties through proper combination of protonated and hydrophobic blocks.

Two polymeric nickel(II) complexes with aromatic benzene-1,2,4,5-tetracarboxylate and pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylate linkers.

PubMed

Atria, Ana María; Corsini, Gino; González, Lissette; Garland, Maria Teresa; Baggio, Ricardo

2009-07-01

(Mu-benzene-1,2,4,5-tetracarboxylato-kappa(2)O(1):O(4))bis[aquabis(2,2-methylpropane-1,3-diamine-kappa(2)N,N')nickel(II)] methanol disolvate tetrahydrate, [Ni(2)(C(10)H(2)O(8))(C(5)H(14)N(2))(4)(H(2)O)(2)].2CH(4)O.4H(2)O, (I), is dinuclear, with elemental units built up around an inversion centre halving the benzene-1,2,4,5-tetracarboxylate (btc) anion, which bridges two symmetry-related Ni(II) cations. The octahedral Ni polyhedron is completed by two chelating 2,2-methylpropane-1,3-diamine (dmpda) groups and a terminal aqua ligand. Two methanol and four water solvent molecules are involved in a number of N-H...O and O-H...O hydrogen bonds which define a strongly bound two-dimensional supramolecular structure. The structure of catena-poly[[[bis(2,2-methylpropane-1,3-diamine-kappa(2)N,N')nickel(II)]-mu-pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylato-kappa(3)O(5):N,O(2)-[(2,2-methylpropane-1,3-diamine-kappa(2)N,N')nickel(II)]-mu-pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylato-kappa(3)N,O(2):O(5)] octahydrate], {[Ni(2)(C(7)H(3)NO(4))(2)(C(5)H(14)N(2))(3)].8H(2)O}(n), (II), is polymeric, forming twisted chains around three independent Ni centres, two of which lie on inversion centres and the third in a general position. There are three chelating dmpda ligands (one disordered over two equally populated positions), which are each attached to a different cation, and two pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylate (pdc) anions, both chelating the Ni centre in general positions through an -O-C-C-N- loop, while acting as bridges to the remaining two centrosymmetric Ni atoms. There are, in addition, eight noncoordinated water molecules in the structure, some of which are disordered.

Characterization of poly(allylamine) as a polymeric ligand for ion-exchange protein chromatography.

PubMed

Li, Ming; Li, Yanying; Yu, Linling; Sun, Yan

2017-02-24

This work reports poly(allylamine) (PAA), as a polymeric ion-exchange ligand for protein chromatography. Sepharose FF was modified with PAA, and six anion exchangers with ionic capacities (ICs) from 165 to 618mmol/L were prepared. Inverse size exclusion chromatography, adsorption equilibrium, uptake kinetics and column elution were performed. It was found that both the adsorption capacity and effective diffusivity maintained low values in the IC range of 165-373mmol/L, but they started to increase beyond 373mmol/L, and increased by 80% and 23 times, respectively, when the IC reached 618mmol/L. Interestingly, a drastic decrease of pore size was observed around the IC of 373mmol/L. The results suggest that the PAA chains played an important role in protein adsorption by altering the inner pore structure of the gels. It is considered that, PAA chains turn from inextensible states with multipoint-grafting on the pore surface at low coupling densities (IC<373mmol/L) to closer, extended and flexible grafting states with less coupling points at higher coupling densities (IC>373mmol/L). These characters of the grafted chains at higher IC values benefit in protein adsorption by three-dimensional binding and encouraged the happening of "chain delivery" of bound proteins on the chains. Besides, the ion exchangers showed favorable adsorption and uptake properties in a wide ionic strength range, 0-500mmol/L NaCl, indicating much better salt tolerance feature than the so-far reported ion exchangers. Moreover, a mild condition of pH 5.0 offered effective recovery of bound proteins in elution chromatography. The results indicate that the PAA-based anion exchanger of a high IC value is promising for high-capacity protein chromatography dealing with feedstock of a wide range of ionic strengths. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Solubility of lysozyme in polyethylene glycol-electrolyte mixtures: the depletion interaction and ion-specific effects.

PubMed

Boncina, Matjaz; Rescic, Jurij; Vlachy, Vojko

2008-08-01

The solubility of aqueous solutions of lysozyme in the presence of polyethylene glycol and various alkaline salts was studied experimentally. The protein-electrolyte mixture was titrated with polyethylene glycol, and when precipitation of the protein occurred, a strong increase of the absorbance at 340 nm was observed. The solubility data were obtained as a function of experimental variables such as protein and electrolyte concentrations, electrolyte type, degree of polymerization of polyethylene glycol, and pH of the solution; the last defines the net charge of the lysozyme. The results indicate that the solubility of lysozyme decreases with the addition of polyethylene glycol; the solubility is lower for a polyethylene glycol with a higher degree of polymerization. Further, the logarithm of the protein solubility is a linear function of the polyethylene glycol concentration. The process is reversible and the protein remains in its native form. An increase of the electrolyte (NaCl) concentration decreases the solubility of lysozyme in the presence and absence of polyethylene glycol. The effect can be explained by the screening of the charged amino residues of the protein. The solubility experiments were performed at two different pH values (pH = 4.0 and 6.0), where the lysozyme net charge was +11 and +8, respectively. Ion-specific effects were systematically investigated. Anions such as Br(-), Cl(-), F(-), and H(2)PO(4)(-) (all in combination with Na(+)), when acting as counterions to a protein with positive net charge, exhibit a strong effect on the lysozyme solubility. The differences in protein solubility for chloride solutions with different cations Cs(+), K(+), and Na(+) (coions) were much smaller. The results at pH = 4.0 show that anions decrease the lysozyme solubility in the order F(-) < H(2)PO(4)(-) < Cl(-) < Br(-) (the inverse Hofmeister series), whereas cations follow the direct Hofmeister series (Cs(+) < K(+) < Na(+)) in this situation.

Reversible Morphological Control of Tubulin-Encapsulating Giant Liposomes by Hydrostatic Pressure.

PubMed

Hayashi, Masahito; Nishiyama, Masayoshi; Kazayama, Yuki; Toyota, Taro; Harada, Yoshie; Takiguchi, Kingo

2016-04-19

Liposomes encapsulating cytoskeletons have drawn much recent attention to develop an artificial cell-like chemical-machinery; however, as far as we know, there has been no report showing isothermally reversible morphological changes of liposomes containing cytoskeletons because the sets of various regulatory factors, that is, their interacting proteins, are required to control the state of every reaction system of cytoskeletons. Here we focused on hydrostatic pressure to control the polymerization state of microtubules (MTs) within cell-sized giant liposomes (diameters ∼10 μm). MT is the cytoskeleton formed by the polymerization of tubulin, and cytoskeletal systems consisting of MTs are very dynamic and play many important roles in living cells, such as the morphogenesis of nerve cells and formation of the spindle apparatus during mitosis. Using real-time imaging with a high-pressure microscope, we examined the effects of hydrostatic pressure on the morphology of tubulin-encapsulating giant liposomes. At ambient pressure (0.1 MPa), many liposomes formed protrusions due to tubulin polymerization within them. When high pressure (60 MPa) was applied, the protrusions shrank within several tens of seconds. This process was repeatedly inducible (around three times), and after the pressure was released, the protrusions regenerated within several minutes. These deformation rates of the liposomes are close to the velocities of migrating or shape-changing living cells rather than the shortening and elongation rates of the single MTs, which have been previously measured. These results demonstrate that the elongation and shortening of protrusions of giant liposomes is repeatedly controllable by regulating the polymerization state of MTs within them by applying and releasing hydrostatic pressure.

Inhibition of Radiolytic Molecular Hydrogen Formation by Quenching of Excited State Water

DOE PAGES

Horne, Gregory P.; Pimblott, Simon M.; LaVerne, Jay A.

2017-05-11

Comparison of experimental measurements of the yield of molecular hydrogen produced in the gamma radiolysis of water and aqueous nitrate solutions with predictions of a Monte Carlo track chemistry model shows that the nitrate anion scavenging of the hydrated electron, its precursor, and hydrogen atom cannot account for the observed decrease in the yield at high nitrate anion concentrations. Inclusion of the quenching of excited states of water (formed by either direct excitation or reaction of the water radical cation with the precursor to the hydrated electron) by the nitrate anion into the reaction scheme provides excellent agreement between themore » stochastic calculations and experiment demonstrating the existence of this short-lived species and its importance in water radiolysis. Energy transfer from the excited states of water to the nitrate anion producing an excited state provides an additional pathway for the production of nitrogen containing products not accounted for in traditional radiation chemistry scenarios. Such reactions are of central importance in predicting the behavior of liquors common in the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel and the storage of highly radioactive liquid waste prior to vitrification.« less

Polymeric Sulfated Amino Acid Surfactants: A New Class of Versatile Chiral Selectors for Micellar Electrokinetic Chromatography (MEKC) and MEKC-MS

PubMed Central

Ali Rizvi, Syed Asad; Zheng, Jie; Apkarian, Robert P.; Dublin, Steven N.; Shamsi, Shahab A.

2008-01-01

In this work, three amino acids derived (L-leucinol, L-isoleucinol and L-valinol) sulfated chiral surfactants are synthesized and polymerized. These chiral sulfated surfactants are thoroughly characterized to determine critical micelle concentration, aggregation number, polarity, optical rotation and partial specific volume. For the first time the morphological behavior of polymeric sulfated surfactants is revealed using cryogenic high-resolution electron microscopy (cryo-HRSEM). The polysodium N-undecenoyl-L-leucine sulfate (poly-L-SUCLS) shows distinct tubular structure, while polysodium N-undecenoyl-L-valine sulfate (poly-L-SUCVS) also shows tubular morphology but without any distinct order of the tubes. On the other hand, polysodium N-undecenoyl-L-isoleucine sulfate (poly-L-SUCILS) displays random distribution of coiled/curved filaments with heavy association of tightly and loosely bound water. All three polymeric sulfated surfactants are compared for enantio-separation of broad range of structurally diverse racemic compounds at very acidic, neutral and basic pH conditions in micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC). A small combinatorial library of 10 structurally related phenylethylamines (PEAs) is investigated for chiral separation under acidic and moderately acidic to neutral pH conditions using an experimental design. In contrast to neutral pH conditions, at acidic pH, significantly enhanced chiral resolution is obtained for class I and class II PEAs due to the compact structure of polymeric sulfated surfactants. It is observed that the presence of hydroxy group on the benzene ring of PEAs resulted in deterioration of enantioseparation. A sensitive MEKC-mass spectrometry (MS) method is developed for one of the PEA (e.g., (±)-pseudoephedrine) in human urine. Very low limit of detection (LOD) is obtained at pH 2.0 (LOD 325 ng/mL), which is ca 16 times better compared to pH 8.0 (LOD 5.2 µg/mL). Other broad range of chiral analytes (β-blockers, phenoxypropionic acid, benzoin derivatives, PTH-amino acids, and benzodiazepinones) studied also provided improved chiral separation at low pH compared to high pH conditions. Among the three polymeric sulfated surfactants, poly-L-SUCILS with two chiral centers on the polymer head group provided overall higher enantioresolution for the investigated acidic, basic and neutral compounds. This work clearly demonstrates for the first time the superiority of chiral separation and sensitive MS detection at low pH over conventional high pH chiral separation and detection employing anionic chiral polymeric surfactants in MEKC and MEKC-MS. PMID:17263313

Influence of halide binding on the hydrogen bonding network in the active site of Salinibacter sensory rhodopsin I.

PubMed

Reissig, Louisa; Iwata, Tatsuya; Kikukawa, Takashi; Demura, Makoto; Kamo, Naoki; Kandori, Hideki; Sudo, Yuki

2012-11-06

In nature, organisms are subjected to a variety of environmental stimuli to which they respond and adapt. They can show avoidance or attractive behaviors away from or toward such stimuli in order to survive in the various environments in which they live. One such stimuli is light, to which, for example, the receptor sensory rhodopsin I (SRI) has been found to respond by regulating both negative and positive phototaxis in, e.g., the archaeon Halobacterium salinarum. Interestingly, to date, all organisms having SRI-like proteins live in highly halophilic environments, suggesting that salt significantly influences the properties of SRIs. Taking advantage of the discovery of the highly stable SRI homologue from Salinibacter ruber (SrSRI), which maintains its color even in the absence of salt, the importance of the chloride ion for the color tuning and for the slow M-decay, which is thought to be essential for the phototaxis function of SRIs, has been reported previously [Suzuki, D., et al. (2009) J. Mol. Biol.392, 48-62]. Here the effects of the anion binding on the structure and structural changes of SRI during its photocycle are investigated by means of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and electrochemical experiments. Our results reveal that, among other things, the structural change and proton movement of a characteristic amino acid residue, Asp102 in SrSRI, is suppressed by the binding of an anion in its vicinity, both in the K- and M-intermediate. The presence of this anion also effects the extent of chromophore distrotion, and tentative results indicate an influence on the number and/or properties of internal water molecules. In addition, a photoinduced proton transfer could only be observed in the absence of the bound anion. Possible proton movement pathways, including the residues Asp102 and the putative Cl binding site His131, are discussed. In conclusion, the results show that the anion binding to SRI is not only important for the color tuning, and for controlling the photocycle kinetics, but also induces some structural changes which facilitate the observed properties.

Design of Stomach Acid-Stable and Mucin-Binding Enzyme Polymer Conjugates.

PubMed

Cummings, Chad S; Campbell, Alan S; Baker, Stefanie L; Carmali, Sheiliza; Murata, Hironobu; Russell, Alan J

2017-02-13

The reduced immunogenicity and increased stability of protein-polymer conjugates has made their use in therapeutic applications particularly attractive. However, the physicochemical interactions between polymer and protein, as well as the effect of this interaction on protein activity and stability, are still not fully understood. In this work, polymer-based protein engineering was used to examine the role of polymer physicochemical properties on the activity and stability of the chymotrypsin-polymer conjugates and their degree of binding to intestinal mucin. Four different chymotrypsin-polymer conjugates, each with the same polymer density, were synthesized using "grafting-from" atom transfer radical polymerization. The influence of polymer charge on chymotrypsin-polymer conjugate mucin binding, bioactivity, and stability in stomach acid was determined. Cationic polymers covalently attached to chymotrypsin showed high mucin binding, while zwitterionic, uncharged, and anionic polymers showed no mucin binding. Cationic polymers also increased chymotrypsin activity from pH 6-8, while zwitterionic polymers had no effect, and uncharged and anionic polymers decreased enzyme activity. Lastly, cationic polymers decreased the tendency of chymotrypsin to structurally unfold at extremely low pH, while uncharged and anionic polymers induced unfolding more quickly. We hypothesized that when polymers are covalently attached to the surface of a protein, the degree to which those polymers interact with the protein surface is the predominant determinant of whether the polymer will stabilize or inactivate the protein. Preferential interactions between the polymer and the protein lead to removal of water from the surface of the protein, and this, we believe, inactivates the enzyme.

Performance of solid state supercapacitors based on polymer electrolytes containing different ionic liquids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tiruye, Girum Ayalneh; Muñoz-Torrero, David; Palma, Jesus; Anderson, Marc; Marcilla, Rebeca

2016-09-01

Four Ionic Liquid based Polymer Electrolytes (IL-b-PE) were prepared by blending a Polymeric Ionic Liquid, Poly(diallyldimethylammonium) bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (PILTFSI), with four different ionic liquids: 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (PYR14TFSI) (IL-b-PE1), 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (PYR14FSI) (IL-b-PE2), 1-(2-hydroxy ethyl)-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (HEMimTFSI) (IL-b-PE3), and 1-Butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium dicyanamide, (PYR14DCA) (IL-b-PE4). Physicochemical properties of IL-b-PE such as ionic conductivity, thermal and electrochemical stability were found to be dependent on the IL properties. For instance, ionic conductivity was significantly higher for IL-b-PE2 and IL-b-PE4 containing IL with small size anions (FSI and DCA) than IL-b-PE1 and IL-b-PE3 bearing IL with bigger anion (TFSI). On the other hand, wider electrochemical stability window (ESW) was found for IL-b-PE1 and IL-b-PE2 having ILs with electrochemically stable pyrrolidinium cation and FSI and TFSI anions. Solid state Supercapacitors (SCs) were assembled with activated carbon electrodes and their electrochemical performance was correlated with the polymer electrolyte properties. Best performance was obtained with SC having IL-b-PE2 that exhibited a good compromise between ionic conductivity and electrochemical window. Specific capacitance (Cam), real energy (Ereal) & real power densities (Preal) as high as 150 F g-1, 36 Wh kg-1 & 1170 W kg-1 were found at operating voltage of 3.5 V.

Ionic liquids as an electrolyte for the electro synthesis of organic compounds.

PubMed

Kathiresan, Murugavel; Velayutham, David

2015-12-25

The use of ionic liquids (ILs) as a solvent and an electrolyte for electro organic synthesis has been reviewed. To date several ILs exist, however the ILs based on tetraalkylammonium, pyrrolidinium, piperidinium and imidazolium cations with BF4(-), PF6(-), and TFSI anions have been widely used and explored the most. Electro organic synthesis in ionic liquid media leading to the synthesis of a wide range of organic compounds has been discussed. Anodic oxidation or cathodic reduction will generate radical cation or anion intermediates, respectively. These radicals can undergo self coupling or coupling with other molecules yielding organic compounds of interest. The cation of the IL is known to stabilize the radical anion extensively. This stabilization effect has a specific impact on the electrochemical CO2 reduction and coupling to various organics. The relative stability of the intermediates in IL leads to the formation of specific products in higher yields. Electrochemical reduction of imidazolium or thiazolium based ILs generates N-heterocyclic carbenes that have been shown to catalyze a wide range of base or nucleophile catalyzed organic reactions in IL media, an aspect that falls into the category of organocatalysis. Electrochemical fluorination or selective electrochemical fluorination is another fascinating area that delivers selectively fluorinated organic products in Et3N·nHF or Et4NF·nHF adducts (IL) via anodic oxidation. Oxidative polymerization in ILs has been explored the most; although morphological changes were observed compared to the conventional methods, polymers were obtained in good yields and in some cases ILs were used as dopants to improve the desired properties.

Anionic poly(amino acid)s dissolve F-actin and DNA bundles, enhance DNase activity, and reduce the viscosity of cystic fibrosis sputum.

PubMed

Tang, Jay X; Wen, Qi; Bennett, Andrew; Kim, Brian; Sheils, Catherine A; Bucki, Robert; Janmey, Paul A

2005-10-01

Bundles of F-actin and DNA present in the sputum of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients but absent from normal airway fluid contribute to the altered viscoelastic properties of sputum that inhibit clearance of infected airway fluid and exacerbate the pathology of CF. Previous strategies to remove these filamentous aggregates have focused on DNase to enzymatically depolymerize DNA to constituent monomers and gelsolin to sever F-actin to small fragments. The high densities of negative surface charge on DNA and F-actin suggest that the bundles of these filaments, which alone exhibit a strong electrostatic repulsion, may be stabilized by multivalent cations such as histones, antimicrobial peptides, and other positively charged molecules prevalent in airway fluid. This study reports that bundles of DNA or F-actin formed after addition of histone H1 or lysozyme are efficiently dissolved by soluble multivalent anions such as polymeric aspartate or glutamate. Addition of poly-aspartate or poly-glutamate also disperses DNA and actin-containing bundles in CF sputum and lowers the elastic moduli of these samples to levels comparable to those obtained after treatment with DNase I or gelsolin. Addition of poly-aspartic acid also increased DNase activity when added to samples containing DNA bundles formed with histone H1. When added to CF sputum, poly-aspartic acid significantly reduced the growth of bacteria, suggesting activation of endogenous antibacterial factors. These findings suggest that soluble multivalent anions have potential alone or in combination with other mucolytic agents to selectively dissociate the large bundles of charged biopolymers that form in CF sputum.

Copper-mediated homogeneous living radical polymerization of acrylamide with waxy potato starch-based macroinitiator.

PubMed

Fan, Yifei; Cao, Huatang; van Mastrigt, Frank; Pei, Yutao; Picchioni, Francesco

2018-07-15

Cu 0 -mediated living radical polymerization (Cu 0 -mediated LRP) was employed in this research for the synthesis of starch-g-polyacrylamide (St-g-PAM). The use of a controlled radical grafting technique is necessary, as compared to the traditional free-radical polymerization methods, in order to obtain a well-defined structure of the final product. This is in turn essential for studying the relationship between such structure and the end-properties. Waxy potato starch-based water-soluble macroinitiator was first synthesized by esterification with 2-bromopropionyl bromide in the mixture of dimethylacetamide and lithium chloride. With the obtained macroinitiator, St-g-PAM was homogeneously synthesized by aqueous Cu 0 -mediated LRP using CuBr/hexamethylated tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (Me 6 Tren) as catalyst. The successful synthesis of the macroinitiator and St-g-PAM was proved by NMR, FT-IR, SEM, XRD and TGA analysis. The molecular weight and polydispersity of PAM chains were analyzed by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) after hydrolyzing the starch backbone. Monomer conversion was monitored by gas chromatography (GC), on the basis of which the kinetics were determined. A preliminarily rheological study was performed on aqueous solutions of the prepared materials. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

TEMPO addition into pre-irradiated fluoropolymers and living-radical graft polymerization of styrene for preparation of polymer electrolyte membranes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sawada, Shin-ichi; Suzuki, Akihiro; Terai, Takayuki; Maekawa, Yasunari

2010-04-01

We prepared proton exchange membranes (PEMs) by 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxy (TEMPO)-mediated living-radical graft polymerization (LRGP) of styrene into fluoropolymer films and subsequent sulfonation. Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and poly(ethylene- co-tetrafluoroethylene) (ETFE) films were first irradiated and then treated with TEMPO solutions in various solvents. TEMPO addition was confirmed by the test of styrene grafting into TEMPO-treated films at 60 °C, at which the LRGP never proceeds. This test enabled us to differentiate the LRGP from the conventional graft polymerization. In order to gain a deep insight about TEMPO-addition reaction, the TEMPO-penetration behavior into the base polymer films was examined by a permeation experiment and computer simulation. Xylene and dioxane were appropriate solvents for the complete introduction of TEMPO into PVDF and ETFE films, respectively. Then, the LRGP of styrene was performed based on the fully TEMPO-capped films at 125 °C with various solvents. By using an alcoholic solvent, the degree of grafting was enhanced and it reached a maximum of 38%. This grafted film was sulfonated to prepare a PEM showing an ion exchange capacity of 2.2 meq/g and proton conductivity of 1.6×10 -1 S/cm.

Neodymium(III) Complexes of Dialkylphosphoric and Dialkylphosphonic Acids Relevant to Liquid-Liquid Extraction Systems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lumetta, Gregg J.; Sinkov, Sergey I.; Krause, Jeanette A.

2016-01-27

The complexes formed during the extraction of neodymium(III) into hydrophobic solvents containing acidic organophosphorus extractants were probed by single-crystal X-ray diffractometry, visible spectrophotometry, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The crystal structure of the compound Nd(DMP)3 (1, DMP = dimethyl phosphate) revealed a polymeric arrangement in which each Nd(III) center is surrounded by six DMP oxygen atoms in a pseudo-octahedral environment. Adjacent Nd(III) ions are bridged by (MeO)2POO– anions, forming the polymeric network. The diffuse reflectance visible spectrum of 1 is nearly identical to that of the solid that is formed when an n-dodecane solution of di-(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (HA) is saturated withmore » Nd(III), indicating a similar coordination environment around the Nd center in the NdA3 solid. The visible spectrum of the HA solution fully loaded with Nd(III) is very similar to that of the NdA3 material, both displaying hypersensitive bands characteristic of an pseudo-octahedral coordination environment around Nd. These spectral characteristics persisted across a wide range of organic Nd concentrations, suggesting that the pseudo-octahedral coordination environment is maintained from dilute to saturated conditions.« less

Electropolymerized polyazulene as active material in flexible supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suominen, Milla; Lehtimäki, Suvi; Yewale, Rahul; Damlin, Pia; Tuukkanen, Sampo; Kvarnström, Carita

2017-07-01

We report the capacitive behavior of electrochemically polymerized polyazulene films in different ionic liquids. The ionic liquids in this study represent conventional imidazolium based ionic liquids with tetrafluoroborate and bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anions as well as an unconventional choline based ionic liquid. The effect of different ionic liquids on the polymerization and capacitive performance of polyazulene films is demonstrated by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in a 3-electrode cell configuration. The films exhibit the highest capacitances in the lowest viscosity ionic liquid (92 mF cm-2), while synthesis in high viscosity ionic liquid shortens the conjugation length and results in lower electroactivity (25 mF cm-2). The obtained films also show good cycling stabilities retaining over 90% of their initial capacitance over 1200 p-doping cycles. We also demonstrate, for the first time, flexible polyazulene supercapacitors of symmetric and asymmetric configurations using the choline based ionic liquid as electrolyte. In asymmetric configuration, capacitance of 55 mF (27 mF cm-2) with an equivalent series resistance of 19 Ω is obtained at operating voltage of 1.5 V. Upon increasing the operating voltage up to 2.4 V, the capacitance increases to 72 mF (36 mF cm-2).

Polymer stability and function for electrolyte and mixed conductor applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hammond, Paula; Davis, Nicole; Liu, David; Amanchukwu, Chibueze; Lewis, Nate; Shao-Horn, Yang

2015-03-01

Polymers exhibit a number of attractive properties as solid state electrolytes for electrochemical energy devices, including the light weight, flexibility, low cost and adaptive transport properties that polymeric materials can exhibit. For a number of applications, mixed ionic and electronic conducting materials are of interest to achieve transport of electrons and holes or ions within an electrode or at the electrode-electrolyte interface (e.g. aqueous batteries, solar water splitting, lithium battery electrode). Using layer-by-layer assembly, a mode of alternating adsorption of charged or complementary hydrogen bonding group, we can design composite thin films that contain bicontinuous networks of electronically and ionically conducting polymers. We have found that manipulation of salt concentration and the use of divalent ions during assembly can significantly enhance the number of free acid anions available for ion hopping. Unfortunately, for certain electrochemical applications, polymer stability is a true challenge. In separate studies, we have been investigating macromolecular systems that may provide acceptable ion transport properties, but withstand the harsh oxidative environment of lithium air systems. An investigation of different polymeric materials commonly examined for electrochemical applications provides insight into polymer design for these kinds of environments. NSF Center for Chemical Innovation, NDSEG Fellowship and Samsung Corporation.

Effect of Chain Rigidity on the Decoupling of Ion Motion from Segmental Relaxation in Polymerized Ionic Liquids: Ambient and Elevated Pressure Studies

DOE PAGES

Wojnarowska, Zaneta; Feng, Hongbo; Fu, Yao; ...

2017-08-21

Conductivity in polymer electrolytes has been generally discussed with the assumption that the segmental motions control charge transport. However, much less attention has been paid to the mechanism of ion conductivity where the motions of ions are less dependent (decoupled) on segmental dynamics. We present that this phenomenon is observed in ionic materials as they approach their glass transition temperature and becomes essential for design and development of highly conducting solid polymer electrolytes. In this paper, we study the effect of chain rigidity on the decoupling of ion transport from segmental motion in three polymerized ionic liquids (polyILs) containing themore » same cation–anion pair but differing in flexibility of the polymer backbones and side groups. Analysis of dielectric and rheology data reveals that decoupling is strong in vinyl-based rigid polymers while almost negligible in novel siloxane-based flexible polyILs. To explain this behavior, we investigated ion and chain dynamics at ambient and elevated pressure. Our results suggest that decoupling has a direct relationship to the frustration in chain packing and free volume. Finally, these conclusions are also supported by coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations.« less

Evaluation of soy-based surface active copolymers as surfactant ingredients in model shampoo formulations.

PubMed

Popadyuk, A; Kalita, H; Chisholm, B J; Voronov, A

2014-12-01

A new non-toxic soybean oil-based polymeric surfactant (SBPS) for personal-care products was developed and extensively characterized, including an evaluation of the polymeric surfactant performance in model shampoo formulations. To experimentally assure applicability of the soy-based macromolecules in shampoos, either in combination with common anionic surfactants (in this study, sodium lauryl sulfate, SLS) or as a single surface-active ingredient, the testing of SBPS physicochemical properties, performance and visual assessment of SBPS-based model shampoos was carried out. The results obtained, including foaming and cleaning ability of model formulations, were compared to those with only SLS as a surfactant as well as to SLS-free shampoos. Overall, the results show that the presence of SBPS improves cleaning, foaming, and conditioning of model formulations. SBPS-based formulations meet major requirements of multifunctional shampoos - mild detergency, foaming, good conditioning, and aesthetic appeal, which are comparable to commercially available shampoos. In addition, examination of SBPS/SLS mixtures in model shampoos showed that the presence of the SBPS enables the concentration of SLS to be significantly reduced without sacrificing shampoo performance. © 2014 Society of Cosmetic Scientists and the Société Française de Cosmétologie.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kang, Beom-Goo; Pramanik, Nabendu B.; Singha, Nikhil K.

The anionic block copolymerization of 4,4' -vinylphenyl-N,N-bis(4-tert-butylphenyl)benzenamine (A) with furfuryl isocyanate (B) was carried out using potassium naphthalenide (K-Naph) in tetrahydrofuran at -78 and -98 °C to prepare well-defined block copolymers containing furan groups for the formation of thermoreversible networks via a Diels Alder (DA) reaction. While no block copolymerization was observed in the absence of sodium tetraphenylborate (NaBPh 4) due to side reactions, well-defined poly-(B-b-A-b-B) (PBAB) copolymers with controlled molecular weights (M n = 18 700 19 500 g mol -1) and narrow molecular weight distributions (M w/M n = 1.08 -1.17) were successfully synthesized in the presence ofmore » excess NaBPh 4. We prevented the occurrence of the undesirable side reactions during polymerization of B of NaBPh 4, which results in the change in the countercation from K + to Na + for further polymerization of B. Moreover, the cross-linking via the DA reaction between the furan groups of PBAB and bismaleimide was proved by FT-IR and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and the thermoreversible properties of the cross-linked polymer were subsequently investigated using DSC and solubility testing.« less

Comparison of Positively and Negatively Charged Achiral Co-Monomers Added to Cyclodextrin Monolith: Improved Chiral Separations in Capillary Electrochromatography

PubMed Central

Lu, Yang; Shamsi, Shahab A.

2014-01-01

Cyclodextrins (CDs) and their derivatives have been one of the most popular and successful chiral additives used in electrokinetic chromatography because of the presence of multiple chiral centers, which leads to multiple chiral interactions. However, there has been relatively less published work on the use of CDs as monolithic media for capillary electrochromatography (CEC). The goal of this study was to show how the addition of achiral co-monomer to a polymerizable CD such as glycidyl methacrylate β-cyclodextrin (GMA/β-CD) can affect the enantioselective separations in monolithic CEC. To achieve this goal, polymeric monoliths columns were prepared by co-polymerizing GMA/β-CD with cationic or anionic achiral co-monomers [(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (AMPS) and vinyl benzyltrimethyl-ammonium (VBTA)] in the presence of conventional crosslinker (ethylene dimethacrylate) and ternary porogen system including butanediol, propanol and water. A total of 34 negatively charged compounds, 30 positively charged compounds and 33 neutral compounds were screened to compare the enantioresolution capability on the GMA/β-CD, GMA/β-CD-VBTA and GMA/β-CD-AMPS monolithic columns. PMID:24108813

Effect of Chain Rigidity on the Decoupling of Ion Motion from Segmental Relaxation in Polymerized Ionic Liquids: Ambient and Elevated Pressure Studies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wojnarowska, Zaneta; Feng, Hongbo; Fu, Yao

Conductivity in polymer electrolytes has been generally discussed with the assumption that the segmental motions control charge transport. However, much less attention has been paid to the mechanism of ion conductivity where the motions of ions are less dependent (decoupled) on segmental dynamics. We present that this phenomenon is observed in ionic materials as they approach their glass transition temperature and becomes essential for design and development of highly conducting solid polymer electrolytes. In this paper, we study the effect of chain rigidity on the decoupling of ion transport from segmental motion in three polymerized ionic liquids (polyILs) containing themore » same cation–anion pair but differing in flexibility of the polymer backbones and side groups. Analysis of dielectric and rheology data reveals that decoupling is strong in vinyl-based rigid polymers while almost negligible in novel siloxane-based flexible polyILs. To explain this behavior, we investigated ion and chain dynamics at ambient and elevated pressure. Our results suggest that decoupling has a direct relationship to the frustration in chain packing and free volume. Finally, these conclusions are also supported by coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations.« less

Neodymium(III) Complexes of Dialkylphosphoric and Dialkylphosphonic Acids Relevant to Liquid-Liquid Extraction Systems.

PubMed

Lumetta, Gregg J; Sinkov, Sergey I; Krause, Jeanette A; Sweet, Lucas E

2016-02-15

The complexes formed during the extraction of neodymium(III) into hydrophobic solvents containing acidic organophosphorus extractants were probed by single-crystal X-ray diffractometry, visible spectrophotometry, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The crystal structure of the compound Nd(DMP)3 (1, DMP = dimethyl phosphate) revealed a polymeric arrangement in which each Nd(III) center is surrounded by six DMP oxygen atoms in a pseudo-octahedral environment. Adjacent Nd(III) ions are bridged by (MeO)2POO(-) anions, forming the polymeric network. The diffuse reflectance visible spectrum of 1 is nearly identical to that of the solid that is formed when an n-dodecane solution of di(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (HA) is saturated with Nd(III), indicating a similar coordination environment around the Nd center in the NdA3 solid. The visible spectrum of the HA solution fully loaded with Nd(III) is very similar to that of the NdA3 material, both displaying hypersensitive bands characteristic of an pseudo-octahedral coordination environment around Nd. These spectral characteristics persisted across a wide range of organic Nd concentrations, suggesting that the pseudo-octahedral coordination environment is maintained from dilute to saturated conditions.

Colorful Polyelectrolytes: An Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization Route to Fluorescent Polystyrene Sulfonate.

PubMed

Huberty, Wayne; Tong, Xiaowei; Balamurugan, Sreelatha; Deville, Kyle; Russo, Paul S; Zhang, Donghui

2016-03-01

A labeled green fluorescent polystyrene sulfonate (LNaPSS) has been synthesized using atom transfer radical polymerization of a styrene sulfonate monomer with a fluorescent co-monomer, fluorescein thiocyanate-vinyl aniline. As a result this 100 % sulfonated polymer contains no hydrophobic patches along the chain backbone besides the fluorescent marker itself. The concentration of the fluorescent monomer was kept low to maintain the characteristic properties of the anionic polyelectrolyte, LNaPSS. ATRP conditions facilitated the production of polymers spanning a range of molecular weights from 35,000 to 175,000 in gram-scale batches with polydispersity indices of 1.01-1.24. Molecular weight increased with the monomer to initiator ratio. Gel permeation chromatography results show a unimodal distribution, and the polymer structure was also confirmed by (1)H NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy. Fluorescence spectroscopy confirmed covalent bonding of fluorescein isothiocyanate to the polymer, indicating that the polymer is suitable as a probe in fluorescence microscopy. To demonstrate this ability, the polymer was used to locate structural features in salt crystals formed during drying, as in the evaporation of sea mist. A second application to probe diffusion studies is also demonstrated.

ApoE3 mediated polymeric nanoparticles containing curcumin: apoptosis induced in vitro anticancer activity against neuroblastoma cells.

PubMed

Mulik, Rohit S; Mönkkönen, Jukka; Juvonen, Risto O; Mahadik, Kakasaheb R; Paradkar, Anant R

2012-11-01

Curcumin, a natural phytoconstituent, is known to be therapeutically effective in the treatment of various cancers such as, breast cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, brain cancer, etc. However, low bioavailability and photodegradation of curcumin hampers its overall therapeutic efficacy. Anionic polymerization method was employed for the preparation of apolipoprotein-E3 mediated curcumin loaded poly(butyl)cyanoacrylate nanoparticles (ApoE3-C-PBCA) and characterized for size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, photostability, morphology, and in vitro release study. ApoE3-C-PBCA were found to be effective against SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells compared to curcumin solution (CSSS) and curcumin loaded PBCA nanoparticles (C-PBCA) from in vitro cell culture investigations. Flow cytometry techniques employed for the detection of anticancer activity revealed enhanced activity of curcumin against SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells with ApoE3-C-PBCA compared to CSSS and C-PBCA, and apoptosis being the underlying mechanism. Present study revealed that ApoE3-C-PBCA has tremendous potential to develop into an effective therapeutic treatment modality against brain cancer. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Fabrications of Polyaniline Films by Pulse Electrodeposition in Acidic Solutions with Different Anions and Their Thermoelectric Performances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Weifang; Xu, Han; Li, Yuanyuan; Wang, Wei

2017-08-01

Polymerization of aniline was prepared by the pulse potentiostatic method in H3PO4, HClO4 and H2SO4 acidic solutions. The morphologies and thermoelectric performances were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, Seebeck coefficient ( S) and resistivity ( R) measurements. The results show that flake polyaniline (PANI) films can be obtained in H3PO4 and HClO4 acidic solutions, and porous PANI films with nanofiber-overlapped structures can be prepared in H2SO4 solution under the same pulse parameters. PANI films prepared in the three solutions are all p-type thermoelectric materials. PANI films polymerized in H2SO4 solution possess the highest S (30.2 μV K-1) and lowest R (1.6 × 10-3 Ω m) compared with those prepared in H3PO4 and HClO4 solutions, indicating that nanofiber-overlapped structures formed in H2SO4 solution contribute better thermoelectric performance. In addition, the effects of pulse parameters (anodic potential φ a, anodic pulse duration t a and cathodic pulse duration t c) on the surface morphologies and thermoelectric performances of PANI films were systematically investigated.

Synthesis and structure of a ferric complex of 2,6-di(1H-pyrazol-3-yl)pyridine and its excellent performance in the redox-controlled living ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone.

PubMed

Fang, Yang-Yang; Gong, Wei-Jie; Shang, Xiu-Juan; Li, Hong-Xi; Gao, Jun; Lang, Jian-Ping

2014-06-14

The reaction of FeCl3 with a pincer ligand, 2,6-di(1H-pyrazol-3-yl)pyridine (bppyH2), produced a mononuclear Fe(III) complex [Fe(bppyH2)Cl3] (1), which could be reduced to the corresponding Fe(II) dichloride complex [Fe(bppyH2)Cl2] (2) by suitable reducing agents such as Cp2Co or Fe powder. 1 and 2 exhibited a reversible transformation from each other with appropriate redox reagents. 1 could be utilized as a pre-catalyst to initiate the ring-opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone in the presence of alcohol but did not work. The 1/alcohol system displayed characteristics of a well-controlled polymerization with the resulting poly(ε-caprolactone) having low molecular weight distributions, a linear tendency of molecular weight evolution with conversion, and polymer growth observed for the sequential additions of ε-caprolactone monomer to the polymerization reaction. The polymerization was completely turned off by the in situ reduction of the catalytic Fe center via Cp2Co and then turned back upon the addition of [Cp2Fe]PF6. The rate of polymerization was modified by switching in situ between the Fe(III) and Fe(II) species.

Branched multifunctional polyether polyketals: variation of ketal group structure enables unprecedented control over polymer degradation in solution and within cells.

PubMed

Shenoi, Rajesh A; Narayanannair, Jayaprakash K; Hamilton, Jasmine L; Lai, Benjamin F L; Horte, Sonja; Kainthan, Rajesh K; Varghese, Jos P; Rajeev, Kallanthottathil G; Manoharan, Muthiah; Kizhakkedathu, Jayachandran N

2012-09-12

Multifunctional biocompatible and biodegradable nanomaterials incorporating specific degradable linkages that respond to various stimuli and with defined degradation profiles are critical to the advancement of targeted nanomedicine. Herein we report, for the first time, a new class of multifunctional dendritic polyether polyketals containing different ketal linkages in their backbone that exhibit unprecedented control over degradation in solution and within the cells. High-molecular-weight and highly compact poly(ketal hydroxyethers) (PKHEs) were synthesized from newly designed α-epoxy-ω-hydroxyl-functionalized AB(2)-type ketal monomers carrying structurally different ketal groups (both cyclic and acyclic) with good control over polymer properties by anionic ring-opening multibranching polymerization. Polymer functionalization with multiple azide and amine groups was achieved without degradation of the ketal group. The polymer degradation was controlled primarily by the differences in the structure and torsional strain of the substituted ketal groups in the main chain, while for polymers with linear (acyclic) ketal groups, the hydrophobicity of the polymer may play an additional role. This was supported by the log P values of the monomers and the hydrophobicity of the polymers determined by fluorescence spectroscopy using pyrene as the probe. A range of hydrolysis half-lives of the polymers at mild acidic pH values was achieved, from a few minutes to a few hundred days, directly correlating with the differences in ketal group structures. Confocal microscopy analyses demonstrated similar degradation profiles for PKHEs within live cells, as seen in solution and the delivery of fluorescent marker to the cytosol. The cell viability measured by MTS assay and blood compatibility determined by complement activation, platelet activation, and coagulation assays demonstrate that PKHEs and their degradation products are highly biocompatible. Taken together, these data demonstrate the utility this new class of biodegradable polymer as a highly promising candidate in the development of multifunctional nanomedicine.

Self-folding micropatterned polymeric containers.

PubMed

Azam, Anum; Laflin, Kate E; Jamal, Mustapha; Fernandes, Rohan; Gracias, David H

2011-02-01

We demonstrate self-folding of precisely patterned, optically transparent, all-polymeric containers and describe their utility in mammalian cell and microorganism encapsulation and culture. The polyhedral containers, with SU-8 faces and biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL) hinges, spontaneously assembled on heating. Self-folding was driven by a minimization of surface area of the liquefying PCL hinges within lithographically patterned two-dimensional (2D) templates. The strategy allowed for the fabrication of containers with variable polyhedral shapes, sizes and precisely defined porosities in all three dimensions. We provide proof-of-concept for the use of these polymeric containers as encapsulants for beads, chemicals, mammalian cells and bacteria. We also compare accelerated hinge degradation rates in alkaline solutions of varying pH. These optically transparent containers resemble three-dimensional (3D) micro-Petri dishes and can be utilized to sustain, monitor and deliver living biological components.

Synthesis of branched polymers under continuous-flow microprocess: an improvement of the control of macromolecular architectures.

PubMed

Bally, Florence; Serra, Christophe A; Brochon, Cyril; Hadziioannou, Georges

2011-11-15

Polymerization reactions can benefit from continuous-flow microprocess in terms of kinetics control, reactants mixing or simply efficiency when high-throughput screening experiments are carried out. In this work, we perform for the first time the synthesis of branched macromolecular architecture through a controlled/'living' polymerization technique, in tubular microreactor. Just by tuning process parameters, such as flow rates of the reactants, we manage to generate a library of polymers with various macromolecular characteristics. Compared to conventional batch process, polymerization kinetics shows a faster initiation step and more interestingly an improved branching efficiency. Due to reduced diffusion pathway, a characteristic of microsystems, it is thus possible to reach branched polymers exhibiting a denser architecture, and potentially a higher functionality for later applications. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Design and synthesis study of the thermo-sensitive poly (N-vinylpyrrolidone-b- N, N-diethylacrylamide).

PubMed

Zhang, Xiayun; Yang, Zhongduo; Xie, Dengmin; Liu, Donglei; Chen, Zhenbin; Li, Ke; Li, Zhizhong; Tichnell, Brandon; Liu, Zhen

2018-01-01

The reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization method was adopted here to prepare a series of thermo-sensitive copolymers, poly (N,N-diethyl- acrylamide-b-N-vinylpyrrolidone). Their structures, molecular weight distribution and temperature sensitivity performances were characterized by the nuclear magnetic resonance ( 1 HNMR), the gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and the fluorescence spectrophotometer, respectively. It has been identified that the synthesis reaction of the block copolymer was living polymerization. The thermo-sensitivity study suggested that N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP), played a key role on the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) performance.

Light-emitting block copolymers composition, process and use

DOEpatents

Ferraris, John P.; Gutierrez, Jose J.

2006-11-14

Generally, and in one form, the present invention is a composition of light-emitting block copolymer. In another form, the present invention is a process producing a light-emitting block copolymers that intends polymerizing a first di(halo-methyl) aromatic monomer compound in the presence of an anionic initiator and a base to form a polymer and contacting a second di(halo-methyl) aromatic monomer compound with the polymer to form a homopolymer or block copolymer wherein the block copolymer is a diblock, triblock, or star polymer. In yet another form, the present invention is an electroluminescent device comprising a light-emitting block copolymer, wherein the electroluminescent device is to be used in the manufacturing of optical and electrical devices.

Electrochemical ion transfer mediated by a lipophilic Os(ii)/Os(iii) dinonyl bipyridyl probe incorporated in thin film membranes.

PubMed

Jansod, Sutida; Wang, Lu; Cuartero, Maria; Bakker, Eric

2017-09-28

A new lipophilic dinonyl bipyridyl Os(ii)/Os(iii) complex successfully mediates ion transfer processes across voltammetric thin membranes. An added lipophilic cation-exchanger may impose voltammetric anion or cation transfer waves of Gaussian shape that are reversible and repeatable. The peak potential is found to shift with the ion concentration in agreement with the Nernst equation. The addition of tridodecylmethylammonium nitrate to the polymeric film dramatically reduces the peak separation from 240 mV to 65 mV, and the peak width to a near-theoretical value of 85 mV, which agrees with a surface confined process. It is suggested that the cationic additive serves as a phase transfer catalyst.

Ion-conducting membranes

DOEpatents

Masel, Richard I.; Sajjad, Syed Dawar; Gao, Yan; Liu, Zengcai; Chen, Qingmei

2017-12-26

An anion-conducting polymeric membrane comprises a terpolymer of styrene, vinylbenzyl-R.sub.s and vinylbenzyl-R.sub.x. R.sub.s is a positively charged cyclic amine group. R.sub.x is at least one constituent selected from the group consisting Cl, OH and a reaction product between an OH or Cl and a species other than a simple amine or a cyclic amine. The total weight of the vinylbenzyl-R.sub.x groups is greater than 0.3% of the total weight of the membrane. In a preferred embodiment, the membrane is a Helper Membrane that increases the faradaic efficiency of an electrochemical cell into which the membrane is incorporated, and also allows product formation at lower voltages than in cells without the Helper Membrane.

Optical Imaging of Mammary and Prostate Tumors in Living Animals using a Synthetic Near Infrared Zinc(II)-Dipicolylamine Probe for Anionic Cell Surfaces

PubMed Central

Smith, Bryan A.; Akers, Walter J.; Leevy, W. Matthew; Lampkins, Andrew J.; Xiao, Shuzhang; Wolter, William; Suckow, Mark A.; Achilefu, Samuel; Smith, Bradley D.

2009-01-01

In vivo optical imaging shows that a fluorescent imaging probe, comprised of a near-infrared fluorophore attached to an affinity group containing two zinc(II)-dipicolylamine (Zn-DPA) units, targets prostate and mammary tumors in two different xenograft animal models. The tumor selectivity is absent with control fluorophores whose structures do not have appended Zn-DPA targeting ligands. Ex vivo biodistribution and histological analyses indicate that the probe is targeting the necrotic regions of the tumors, which is consistent with in vitro microscopy showing selective targeting of the anionic membrane surfaces of dead and dying cells. PMID:20014845

Simultaneous Fluorescence Visualization of Endoplasmic Reticulum Superoxide Anion and Polarity in Myocardial Cells and Tissue.

PubMed

Xiao, Haibin; Wu, Chuanchen; Li, Ping; Tang, Bo

2018-05-15

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a critical complication of diabetes, the accurate pathogenesis of which remains elusive. It is widely accepted that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and abnormal fluctuations of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are considered to be closely associated with progress of DCM. In addition, DCM-induced changes of myocardial tissue and ROS-derived oxidation of proteins will cause changes of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains and may further seriously alter the myocardial cell polarity. Thus, real-time detection of ROS and polarity in ER of live cells and in tissue will contribute to revealing the exact molecular mechanisms of DCM. In this article, we first present an ER-targetable fluorogenic probe termed ER-NAPC for sensitive and selective detection of superoxide anion (O 2 •- ). ER-NAPC can precisely target ER and visualize the increase of O 2 •- level in a live H9c2 cardiomyocyte cell during ER stress. Meanwhile, by combining ER-NAPC with a polarity-sensitive probe, ER-P, we accomplish the simultaneous fluorescence visualization of O 2 •- and polarity in ER of live cells and diabetic myocardial tissue. The dual-color fluorescence imaging results indicate that the O 2 •- level and polarity will synergistically rise during ER stress in live cells and diabetic myocardial tissue. The proposed dual-color imaging strategy may offer a proven methodology for studying coordinated variation of different parameters during ER stress oriented disease.

Fibronectin Deposition Participates in Extracellular Matrix Assembly and Vascular Morphogenesis

PubMed Central

Hielscher, Abigail; Ellis, Kim; Qiu, Connie; Porterfield, Josh; Gerecht, Sharon

2016-01-01

The extracellular matrix (ECM) has been demonstrated to facilitate angiogenesis. In particular, fibronectin has been documented to activate endothelial cells, resulting in their transition from a quiescent state to an active state in which the cells exhibit enhanced migration and proliferation. The goal of this study is to examine the role of polymerized fibronectin during vascular tubulogenesis using a 3 dimensional (3D) cell-derived de-cellularized matrix. A fibronectin-rich 3D de-cellularized ECM was used as a scaffold to study vascular morphogenesis of endothelial cells (ECs). Confocal analyses of several matrix proteins reveal high intra- and extra-cellular deposition of fibronectin in formed vascular structures. Using a small peptide inhibitor of fibronectin polymerization, we demonstrate that inhibition of fibronectin fibrillogenesis in ECs cultured atop de-cellularized ECM resulted in decreased vascular morphogenesis. Further, immunofluorescence and ultrastructural analyses reveal decreased expression of stromal matrix proteins in the absence of polymerized fibronectin with high co-localization of matrix proteins found in association with polymerized fibronectin. Evaluating vascular kinetics, live cell imaging showed that migration, migration velocity, and mean square displacement, are disrupted in structures grown in the absence of polymerized fibronectin. Additionally, vascular organization failed to occur in the absence of a polymerized fibronectin matrix. Consistent with these observations, we tested vascular morphogenesis following the disruption of EC adhesion to polymerized fibronectin, demonstrating that block of integrins α5β1 and αvβ3, abrogated vascular morphogenesis. Overall, fibronectin deposition in a 3D cell-derived de-cellularized ECM appears to be imperative for matrix assembly and vascular morphogenesis. PMID:26811931

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Goodwin, Andrew; Wang, Weiyu; Kang, Nam -Goo

We present in this paper the synthesis of poly(n-butyl acrylate)-g-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PnBA-g-PMMA) multigraft copolymers via a grafting-through (macromonomer) approach. The synthesis was performed using two controlled polymerization techniques. The PMMA macromonomer was obtained by high-vacuum anionic polymerization followed by the copolymerization of n-butyl acrylate and PMMA macromonomer using reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization to yield the desired all-acrylic multigraft structures. The PnBA-g-PMMA multigraft structures exhibit randomly spaced branch points with various PMMA contents, ranging from 15 to 40 vol %, allowing an investigation into how physical properties vary with differences in the number of branch points and molecular weightmore » of grafted side chains. The determination of molecular weight and polydispersity indices of both the PMMA macromonomer and the graft copolymers was carried out using size exclusion chromatography with triple detection, and the structural characteristics of both the macromonomer and PnBA-g-PMMA graft materials were characterized by 1H and 13C NMR. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry was employed for monitoring the macromonomer synthesis. Thermal characteristics of the materials were analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The mechanical performance of the graft materials was characterized by rheology and dynamic mechanical analysis, revealing that samples with PMMA content of 25–40 vol % exhibit superior elastomeric properties as compared to materials containing short PMMA side chains or <25 vol % PMMA. In conclusion, atomic force microscopy showed a varying degree of microphase separation between the glassy and rubbery components that is strongly dependent on PMMA side chain molecular weight.« less

Molecular dynamics modeling the synthetic and biological polymers interactions pre-studied via docking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsvetkov, Vladimir B.; Serbin, Alexander V.

2014-06-01

In previous works we reported the design, synthesis and in vitro evaluations of synthetic anionic polymers modified by alicyclic pendant groups (hydrophobic anchors), as a novel class of inhibitors of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 ( HIV-1) entry into human cells. Recently, these synthetic polymers interactions with key mediator of HIV-1 entry-fusion, the tri-helix core of the first heptad repeat regions [ HR1]3 of viral envelope protein gp41, were pre-studied via docking in terms of newly formulated algorithm for stepwise approximation from fragments of polymeric backbone and side-group models toward real polymeric chains. In the present article the docking results were verified under molecular dynamics ( MD) modeling. In contrast with limited capabilities of the docking, the MD allowed of using much more large models of the polymeric ligands, considering flexibility of both ligand and target simultaneously. Among the synthesized polymers the dinorbornen anchors containing alternating copolymers of maleic acid were selected as the most representative ligands (possessing the top anti-HIV activity in vitro in correlation with the highest binding energy in the docking). To verify the probability of binding of the polymers with the [HR1]3 in the sites defined via docking, various starting positions of polymer chains were tried. The MD simulations confirmed the main docking-predicted priority for binding sites, and possibilities for axial and belting modes of the ligands-target interactions. Some newly MD-discovered aspects of the ligand's backbone and anchor units dynamic cooperation in binding the viral target clarify mechanisms of the synthetic polymers anti-HIV activity and drug resistance prevention.

Interfacial interactions between calcined hydroxyapatite nanocrystals and substrates.

PubMed

Okada, Masahiro; Furukawa, Keiko; Serizawa, Takeshi; Yanagisawa, Yoshihiko; Tanaka, Hidekazu; Kawai, Tomoji; Furuzono, Tsutomu

2009-06-02

Interfacial interactions between calcined hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanocrystals and surface-modified substrates were investigated by measuring adsorption behavior and adhesion strength with a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and a contact-mode atomic force microscope (AFM), respectively. The goal was to develop better control of HAp-nanocrystal coatings on biomedical materials. HAp nanocrystals with rodlike or spherical morphology were prepared by a wet chemical process followed by calcination at 800 degrees C with an antisintering agent to prevent the formation of sintered polycrystals. The substrate surface was modified by chemical reaction with a low-molecular-weight compound, or graft polymerization with a functional monomer. QCM measurement showed that the rodlike HAp nanocrystals adsorbed preferentially onto anionic COOH-modified substrates compared to cationic NH2- or hydrophobic CH3-modified substrates. On the other hand, the spherical nanocrystals adsorbed onto NH2- and COOH-modified substrates, which indicates that the surface properties of the HAp nanocrystals determined their adsorption behavior. The adhesion strength, which was estimated from the force required to move the nanocrystal in contact-mode AFM, on a COOH-grafted substrate prepared by graft polymerization was almost 9 times larger than that on a COOH-modified substrate prepared by chemical reaction with a low-molecular-weight compound, indicating that the long-chain polymer grafted on the substrate mitigated the surface roughness mismatch between the nanocrystal and the substrate. The adhesion strength of the nanocrystal bonded covalently by the coupling reaction to a Si(OCH3)-grafted substrate prepared by graft polymerization was approximately 1.5 times larger than that when adsorbed on the COOH-grafted substrate.

Polymeric nanoparticulate system augmented the anticancer therapeutic efficacy of gemcitabine.

PubMed

Arias, José L; Reddy, L Harivardhan; Couvreur, Patrick

2009-09-01

Gemcitabine hydrochloride is an anticancer nucleoside analogue indicated in clinic for the treatment of various solid tumors. Although this drug has been demonstrated to display anticancer activity against a wide variety of tumors, it is needed to be administered at high doses to elicit the required therapeutic response, simultaneously leading to severe adverse effects. We hypothesized that the efficient delivery of gemcitabine to tumors using a biodegradable carrier system could reduce the dose required to elicit sufficient therapeutic response. Thus, we have developed a nanoparticle formulation of gemcitabine suitable for parenteral administration based on the biodegradable polymer poly(octylcyanoacrylate) (POCA). The nanoparticles were synthesized by anionic polymerization of the corresponding monomer. Two drug loading methods were analyzed: the first one based on gemcitabine surface adsorption onto the preformed nanoparticles, and the second method being gemcitabine addition before the polymerization process leading to drug entrapment in the polymeric network. A detailed investigation of the capabilities of the polymer particles to load this drug is described. Gemcitabine entrapment into the polymer matrix yielded a higher drug loading and a slower drug release profile as compared with drug adsorption procedure. The main factors determining the gemcitabine incorporation to the polymer network were the nanoparticles preparation procedure, the monomer concentration, the surfactant concentration, the pH, and the drug concentration. The release kinetic of gemcitabine was found to be controlled by the pH and the type of drug incorporation. The cytotoxicity studies performed on L1210 tumor cells revealed a similar anticancer activity of the gemcitabine-loaded POCA (GPOCA) nanoparticle as free gemcitabine. Following intravenous administration into the mice bearing L1210 wt subcutaneous tumor, the GPOCA nanoparticles displayed significantly greater anticancer activity compared to free gemcitabine; this has been additionally confirmed by histology and immunohistochemistry studies, suggesting the potential of GPOCA for the efficient treatment of cancer.

Unprecedented {sup 1}/{sub {infinity}}[{beta}-Mo{sub 8}O{sub 26}]{sup 4-} polymeric chains and four novel organic-inorganic hybrids based on Mo-POMs and azaheterocycles templates

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Du Haijuan; Zunzhe Shu; Niu Yunyin, E-mail: niuyy@zzu.edu.cn

2012-06-15

Abstrct: Four novel organic-inorganic hybrid materials based on Mo-POMs and organic templates, namely [DEB] [{beta}-Mo{sub 8}O{sub 26}] [NH{sub 4}]{sub 2} (1), [BMIM] [{beta}-Mo{sub 8}O{sub 26}]{sub 0.5}{center_dot}H{sub 2}O (2), [BMIM] [1D-Mo{sub 8}O{sub 26}]{sub 0.5} (3) and {l_brace}3D-[Cu(DIE){sub 2}] [1D-Mo{sub 8}O{sub 26}]{sub 0.5}{r_brace}{sub {infinity}} (4) [DEB= 1,1 Prime -diethyl-4,4 Prime -bipyridinium, BMIM=1,1 Prime -bis(1-methylimidazolium)methylene, DIE=1,2-diimidazoloethane] have been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis(TGA) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Both compounds 1 and 2 are POMs-based supramolecular compounds consisted of independent [{beta}-Mo{sub 8}O{sub 26}]{sup 4-} anions and [DEB]{sup 2+} or [BMIM]{sup 2+} organic cations. Compound 3 is themore » first external template example of Mo-POMs-based supramolecular network incorporated with novel {sup 1}/{sub {infinity}}[{beta}-Mo{sub 8}O{sub 26}]{sup 4-} polymeric chains. Compound 4 is a rare supramolecular structure that contains octamolybdate {sup 1}/{sub {infinity}}[{beta}-Mo{sub 8}O{sub 26}]{sup 4-} polymeric chains interconnected via DIE ligands to form a 3D net. Moreover, it was indicated that these polyacid compounds had definite catalytic activities on the probe reaction of acetaldehyde oxidation to acetic acid with H{sub 2}O{sub 2}. - Graphical abstract: Four novel organic templated polyoxometalates comprising of 0D, 1D and 3D supramolecular frameworks together with the catalytic activities on the acetaldehyde oxidation to acetic acid were reported. Highlights: Using cation templated self-assembly four novel polyoxometalates were prepared. Compounds 1 and 2 consisted of independent [{beta}-Mo{sub 8}O{sub 26}]{sup 4-} anions and organic cations. Compound 3 is the first external template-assisted POMs with {sup 1}/{sub {infinity}}[{beta}-Mo{sub 8}O{sub 26}]{sup 4-} chain. Compound 4 is a rare 3D net containing {sup 1}/{sub {infinity}}[{beta}-Mo{sub 8}O{sub 26}]{sup 4-} 1D chain and DIE ligands. These compounds had definite catalytic activities on the acetaldehyde oxidation.« less

Decorating an individual living cell with a shell of controllable thickness by cytocompatible surface initiated graft polymerization.

PubMed

Wang, Guan; Zhang, Kai; Wang, Yindian; Zhao, Changwen; He, Bin; Ma, Yuhong; Yang, Wantai

2018-05-03

Surface engineering of individual living cells is a promising field for cell-based applications. However, engineering individual cells with controllable thickness by chemical methods has been rarely studied. This article describes the development of a new cytocompatible chemical strategy to decorate individual living cells. The thicknesses of the crosslinked shells could be conveniently controlled by the irradiation time, visible light intensity, or monomer concentration. Moreover, the lag phase of the yeast cell division was extended and their stability against lysis was improved, which could also be tuned by controlling the shell thickness.

Preparing high-density polymer brushes by mechanically assisted polymer assembly (MAPA)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Tao; Efimenko, Kirill; Genzer, Jan

2001-03-01

We introduce a novel method of modifying the surface properties of materials. This technique, called MAPA (="mechanically assisted polymer assembly"), is based on: 1) chemically attaching polymerization initiators to the surface of an elastomeric network that has been previously stretched by a certain length, Δx, and 2) growing end-anchored macromolecules using surface initiated ("grafting from") atom transfer living radical polymerization. After the polymerization, the strain is removed from the substrate, which returns to its original size causing the grafted macromolecules to stretch away from the substrate and form a dense polymer brush. We demonstrate the feasibility of the MAPA method by preparing high-density polymer brushes of poly(acryl amide), PAAm. We show that, as expected, the grafting density of the PAAm brushes can be increased by increasing Δx. We demonstrate that polymer brushes with extremely high grafting densities can be successfully prepared by MAPA.

Spontaneous actin dynamics in contractile rings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kruse, Karsten; Wollrab, Viktoria; Thiagarajan, Raghavan; Wald, Anne; Riveline, Daniel

Networks of polymerizing actin filaments are known to be capable to self-organize into a variety of structures. For example, spontaneous actin polymerization waves have been observed in living cells in a number of circumstances, notably, in crawling neutrophils and slime molds. During later stages of cell division, they can also spontaneously form a contractile ring that will eventually cleave the cell into two daughter cells. We present a framework for describing networks of polymerizing actin filaments, where assembly is regulated by various proteins. It can also include the effects of molecular motors. We show that the molecular processes driven by these proteins can generate various structures that have been observed in contractile rings of fission yeast and mammalian cells. We discuss a possible functional role of each of these patterns. The work was supported by Agence Nationale de la Recherche, France, (ANR-10-LABX-0030-INRT) and by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft through SFB1027.

Organic hydrogels as potential sorbent materials for water purification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Linardatos, George; Bekiari, Vlasoula; Bokias, George

2014-05-01

Hydrogels are three-dimensional, hydrophilic, polymeric networks capable to adsorb large amounts of water or biological fluids. The networks are composed of homopolymers or copolymers and are insoluble due to the presence of chemical or physical cross-links. Depending on the nature of the structural units, swelling or shrinking of these gels can be activated by several external stimuli, such as solvent, heat, pH, electric stimuli. As a consequence, these materials are attractive for several applications in a variety of fields: drug delivery, muscle mimetic soft linear actuators, hosts of nanoparticles and semiconductors, regenerative medicine etc. Of special interest is the application of hydrogels for water purification, since they can effectively adsorb several water soluble pollutants such as metal ions, inorganic or organic anions, organic dyestaff, etc. In the present work, anionic hydrogels bearing negatively charged -COO- groups were prepared and investigated. These are based on the anionic monomer sodium acrylate (ANa) and the nonionic one N,N-dimethylacrylamide (DMAM). A series of copolymeric hydrogels (P(DMAM-co-ANax) were synthesized. The molar content x of ANa units (expressing the molar charged content of the hydrogel) varies from 0 (nonionic poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide), PDMAM, hydrogel) up to 1 (fully charged poly(sodium acrylate), PANa, hydrogel). The hydrogels were used to extract organic or inorganic solutes from water. Cationic and anionic model dyes, as well as multivalent inorganic ions, have been studied. It is found that cationic dyes are strongly adsorbed and retained by the hydrogels, while adsorbance of anionic dyes was negligible. Both maximum adsorption and equilibrium binding constant depend on the chemical structure of the dye, the presence of functional chemical groups and the hydrophobic-hydrophilic balance. In the case of metal cations, adsorption depends mostly on the charge of the cation. In addition, crucial factors controlling the adsorption efficiency is the charge content of the hydrogel x, as well as the pH of the aqueous solution, since acrylic acid is a weak acid. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. This research has been co-financed by the European Union (European Social Fund - ESF) and Greek national funds through the Operational Program "Education and Lifelong Learning" of the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) - Research Funding Program: Archimedes III. Investing in knowledge society through the European Social Fund; research project Archimedes III: "Synthesis and characterization of novel nanostructured materials and study of their use as water purification systems".

Interaction of Nanoparticles with Biofilms

EPA Science Inventory

In this work we have studied the interaction and adsorption of engineered nanoparticles such as TiO2, ZnO, CeO2 , and carbon nanotubes with biofilms. Biofilm is an extracellular polymeric substance coating comprised of living material and it is an aggregation of bacteria, algae, ...

Ion/Ion Reactions with "Onium" Reagents: An Approach for the Gas-phase Transfer of Organic Cations to Multiply-Charged Anions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gilbert, Joshua D.; Prentice, Boone M.; McLuckey, Scott A.

2015-05-01

The use of ion/ion reactions to effect gas-phase alkylation is demonstrated. Commonly used fixed-charge "onium" cations are well-suited for ion/ion reactions with multiply deprotonated analytes because of their tendency to form long-lived electrostatic complexes. Activation of these complexes results in an SN2 reaction that yields an alkylated anion with the loss of a neutral remnant of the reagent. This alkylation process forms the basis of a general method for alkylation of deprotonated analytes generated via electrospray, and is demonstrated on a variety of anionic sites. SN2 reactions of this nature are demonstrated empirically and characterized using density functional theory (DFT). This method for modification in the gas phase is extended to the transfer of larger and more complex R groups that can be used in later gas-phase synthesis steps. For example, N-cyclohexyl- N'-(2-morpholinoethyl)carbodiimide (CMC) is used to transfer a carbodiimide functionality to a peptide anion containing a carboxylic acid. Subsequent activation yields a selective reaction between the transferred carbodiimide group and a carboxylic acid, suggesting the carbodiimide functionality is retained through the transfer process. Many different R groups are transferable using this method, allowing for new possibilities for charge manipulation and derivatization in the gas phase.

Aminopyridinate-FI hybrids, their hafnium and titanium complexes, and their application in the living polymerization of 1-hexene.

PubMed

Haas, Isabelle; Dietel, Thomas; Press, Konstantin; Kol, Moshe; Kempe, Rhett

2013-10-11

Based on two well-established ligand systems, the aminopyridinato (Ap) and the phenoxyimine (FI) ligand systems, new Ap-FI hybrid ligands were developed. Four different Ap-FI hybrid ligands were synthesized through a simple condensation reaction and fully characterized. The reaction of hafnium tetrabenzyl with all four Ap-FI hybrid ligands exclusively led to mono(Ap-FI) complexes of the type [(Ap-FI)HfBn2 ]. The ligands acted as tetradentate dianionic chelates. Upon activation with tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane, the hafnium-dibenzyl complexes led to highly active catalysts for the polymerization of 1-hexene. Ultrahigh molecular weights and extremely narrow polydispersities support the living nature of this polymerization process. A possible deactivation product of the hafnium catalysts was characterized by single-crystal X-ray analysis and is discussed. The coordination modes of these new ligands were studied with the help of model titanium complexes. The reaction of titanium(IV) isopropoxide with ligand 1 led to a mono(Ap-FI) complex, which showed the desired fac-mer coordination mode. Titanium (IV) isopropoxide reacted with ligand 4 to give a complex of the type [(ApH-FI)2 Ti(OiPr)2 ], which featured the ligand in its monoanionic form. The two titanium complexes were characterized by X-ray crystal-structure analysis. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Net-Immobilization of β-glucosidase on Nonwoven Fabrics to Lower the Cost of “Cellulosic Ethanol” and Increase Cellulose Conversions

PubMed Central

Zhu, Xing; He, Bin; Zhao, Changwen; Fan, Rong; Zhang, Lihua; Wang, Guan; Ma, Yuhong; Yang, Wantai

2016-01-01

The main limitation preventing the use of enzymatic cellulosic ethanol in industrial production is its higher cost which is mainly due to the elevated price of β-glucosidase (BG). Herein, we report on a simple strategy for the in-situ encapsulation of BG for repeated cellulosic ethanol production. In this strategy, BG was net-immobilized into a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) net-cloth layer on a PP nonwoven fabric by way of the visible light-induced surface controlled/living graft cross-linking polymerization. The visible light and mild reaction conditions could ensure the activity retention of BG during immobilization, while the non-swelling uniform net-mesh formed by living cross-linking polymerization could prevent the leakage of BG effectively (at the immobilization rate of more than 98.6% and the leakage rate of only 0.4%). When the BG-loaded fabric was used in combination with free cellulase (CEL), the results of the catalytic reaction demonstrated that these BG-loaded fabrics could not only give a 40% increase in cellulose conversions but also be reused for more than fifteen batches without losing the activity. These BG-loaded fabrics with characteristics including easy separation, excellent operation stability, a low cost of the polymeric matrix and a simple fabrication process are particularly interesting for a future bio-fuel production strategy. PMID:27009788

Probing GFP-actin diffusion in living cells using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy.

PubMed

Engelke, Hanna; Heinrich, Doris; Rädler, Joachim O

2010-12-22

The cytoskeleton of eukaryotic cells is continuously remodeled by polymerization and depolymerization of actin. Consequently, the relative content of polymerized filamentous actin (F-actin) and monomeric globular actin (G-actin) is subject to temporal and spatial fluctuations. Since fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) can measure the diffusion of fluorescently labeled actin it seems likely that FCS allows us to determine the dynamics and hence indirectly the structural properties of the cytoskeleton components with high spatial resolution. To this end we investigate the FCS signal of GFP-actin in living Dictyostelium discoideum cells and explore the inherent spatial and temporal signatures of the actin cytoskeleton. Using the free green fluorescent protein (GFP) as a reference, we find that actin diffusion inside cells is dominated by G-actin and slower than diffusion in diluted cell extract. The FCS signal in the dense cortical F-actin network near the cell membrane is probed using the cytoskeleton protein LIM and is found to be slower than cytosolic G-actin diffusion. Furthermore, we show that polymerization of the cytoskeleton induced by Jasplakinolide leads to a substantial decrease of G-actin diffusion. Pronounced fluctuations in the distribution of the FCS correlation curves can be induced by latrunculin, which is known to induce actin waves. Our work suggests that the FCS signal of GFP-actin in combination with scanning or spatial correlation techniques yield valuable information about the local dynamics and concomitant cytoskeletal properties.

Net-Immobilization of β-glucosidase on Nonwoven Fabrics to Lower the Cost of “Cellulosic Ethanol” and Increase Cellulose Conversions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Xing; He, Bin; Zhao, Changwen; Fan, Rong; Zhang, Lihua; Wang, Guan; Ma, Yuhong; Yang, Wantai

2016-03-01

The main limitation preventing the use of enzymatic cellulosic ethanol in industrial production is its higher cost which is mainly due to the elevated price of β-glucosidase (BG). Herein, we report on a simple strategy for the in-situ encapsulation of BG for repeated cellulosic ethanol production. In this strategy, BG was net-immobilized into a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) net-cloth layer on a PP nonwoven fabric by way of the visible light-induced surface controlled/living graft cross-linking polymerization. The visible light and mild reaction conditions could ensure the activity retention of BG during immobilization, while the non-swelling uniform net-mesh formed by living cross-linking polymerization could prevent the leakage of BG effectively (at the immobilization rate of more than 98.6% and the leakage rate of only 0.4%). When the BG-loaded fabric was used in combination with free cellulase (CEL), the results of the catalytic reaction demonstrated that these BG-loaded fabrics could not only give a 40% increase in cellulose conversions but also be reused for more than fifteen batches without losing the activity. These BG-loaded fabrics with characteristics including easy separation, excellent operation stability, a low cost of the polymeric matrix and a simple fabrication process are particularly interesting for a future bio-fuel production strategy.

Synthesis of arborescent model polymer structures by living carbocationic polymerization for structure-property studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dos Santos Freire, Lucas

Polyisobutylene is fully saturated, therefore exhibits outstanding chemical, oxidative and thermal stability,1 which makes it ideally suitable as a model to study mechanical and viscoelastic properties of elastomers, and to correlate properties with structure. The main objective of this dissertation was to develop a fundamental understanding of the mechanism of the synthesis of arborescent (hyperbranched) polyisobutylene (arbPIB) by inimer-type (initiator-monomer) living carbocationic polymerization. The strategy for the effective synthesis of arbPIBs consists of copolymerizing the 4-(2-methoxyisopropyl)styrene (IUPAC name: p-vinylcumyl methyl ether) (IB) via controlled/living carbocationic polymerization using TiCl4 coinitiator. In situ FTIR monitoring showed that the self-condensing vinyl polymerization (SCVP) of MeOIM is possible, and that when copolymerizing MeOIM and IB, a nearly alternating structure and multiple end groups are obtained. arbPIB was synthesized and the repeatability of the polymerization was demonstrated. It was found that higher branching was obtained with increasing [MeOIM] and that branching did not further increase if additional IB was added after the MeOIM had reacted completely. No evident changes were observed when switching solvents from Hx/MeCl to a MeCHx/MeCl mixture. Branching parameters showed that arbPIBs have a behavior between polydisperse stars and polycondensates with the number of branches increasing linearly with molecular weight. Novel arbPIB-based block copolymers (TPEs) were synthesized and it was found that copolymers with low Tg short end blocks and less than 5 mol% of a second monomer exhibit thermoplastic elastomeric properties. The materials were strongly reinforced when compounded with carbon black. arbPIB-b-PS are prospective biomaterials and the establishment of reliable methods for evaluating their short and long term properties is a subject of great importance. A dynamic fatigue testing methodology was developed for small, soft rubbery specimens that can be implanted into small animals and re-tested after explantation. Higher ultimate tensile strength and lower elongation at break were measured on microdumbbells than on standard dumbbells. Fatigue testing microdumbbells induced higher stresses at the same strain rate, thus presenting the worst case scenario and being appropriate for fatigue tests. The fatigue limit of linear polystyrene-b-polyisobutylene- b-polystyrene (SIBS) and analogous arbPIB- b-PS samples were determined by using stepwise increasing strain tests developed for fatigue analysis. The presence of branching and a broader molecular weight distribution arbPIB-b-PS led to better mechanical stability and higher fatigue limit than in analogous linear SIBS samples.

catena-Poly[[[di-aqua-bis-[1,2-bis-(pyridin-4-yl)diazene]copper(II)]-μ-1,2-bis-(pyridin-4-yl)diazene] bis-(perchlorate)].

PubMed

Ballestero-Martínez, Ernesto; Campos-Fernández, Cristian Saul; Soto-Tellini, Victor Hugo; Gonzalez-Montiel, Simplicio; Martínez-Otero, Diego

2013-06-01

In the title compound, {[Cu(C10H8N4)3(H2O)2](ClO4)2} n , the coordination environment of the cationic Cu(II) atom is distorted octa-hedral, formed by pairs of symmetry-equivalent 1,2-bis-(pyridin-4-yl)diazene ligands, bridging 1,2-bis-(pyridin-4-yl)diazene ligands and two non-equivalent water mol-ecules. The 1,2-bis-(pyridin-4-yl)diazene mol-ecules form polymeric chains parallel to [-101] via azo bonds which are situated about inversion centres. Since the Cu(II) atom is situated on a twofold rotation axis, the monomeric unit has point symmetry 2. The perchlorate anions are disordered in a 0.536 (9):0.464 (9) ratio and are acceptors of water H atoms in medium-strong O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds with graph set R 4 (4)(12). The water mol-ecules, which are coordinated to the Cu(II) atom and are hydrogen-bonded to the perchlorate anions, form columns parallel to [010]. A π-π inter-action [centroid-centroid distance = 3.913 (2) Å] occurs between pyridine rings, and weak C-H⋯O inter-actions also occur.

Laser synthesis of aluminium nanoparticles in biocompatible polymer solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Rina; Soni, R. K.

2014-08-01

Pulsed laser ablation of Aluminium (Al) in pure water rapidly forms a thin alumina (Al2O3) layer which drastically modifies surface plasmon resonance (SPR) absorption characteristics in deep-UV region. Initially, pure aluminium nanoparticles (NPs) are generated in water without any stabilizers or surfactants at low laser fluence which gradually transform to stable Al-Al2O3 core-shell nanostructure with increasing either residency time or fluence. The role of laser wavelength and fluence on the SPR properties and oxidation characteristics of Al NPs has been investigated in detail. We also present a one-step in situ synthesis of oxide-free stable Al NPs in biocompatible polymer solutions using laser ablation in liquid method. We have used nonionic polymers (PVP, PVA and PEG) and anionic surfactant (SDS) stabilizer to suppress the Al2O3 formation and studied the effect of polymer functional group, polymeric chain length, polymer concentration and anionic surfactant on the incipient embryonic aluminium particles and their sizes. The different functional groups of polymers resulted in different oxidation states of Al. PVP and PVA polymers resulted in pure Al NPs; however, PEG and SDS resulted in alumina-modified Al NPs. The Al nanoparticles capped with PVP, PVA, and PEG show a good correlation between nanoparticle stability and monomeric length of the polymer chain.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lagrimini, L.M.

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants transformed with a chimeric tobacco anionic peroxidase gene have previously been shown to synthesize high levels of peroxidase in all tissues throughout the plant. One of several distinguishable phenotypes of transformed plants is the rapid browning of pith tissue upon wounding. Pith tissue from plants expressing high levels of peroxidase browned within 24 hours of wounding, while tissue from control plants did not brown as late as 7 days after wounding. A correlation between peroxidase activity and wound-induced browning was observed, whereas no relationship between polyphenol oxidase activity and browning was found. The purified tobacco anionicmore » peroxidase was subjected to kinetic analysis with substrates which resemble the precursors of lignin or polyphenolic acid. The purified enzyme was found to readily polymerize phenolic acids in the presence of H{sub 2}O{sub 2} via a modified ping-pong mechanism. The percentage of lignin and lignin-related polymers in cell walls was nearly twofold greater in pith tissue isolated from peroxidase-overproducer plants compared to control plants. Lignin deposition in wounded pith tissue from control plants closely followed the induction of peroxidase activity. However, wound-induced lignification occurred 24 to 48 hours sooner in plants overexpressing the anionic peroxidase. This suggests that the availability of peroxidase rather than substrate may delay polyphenol deposition in wounded tissue.« less

Catching TFSI: A Computational-Experimental Approach to β-Cyclodextrin-Based Host-Guest Systems as electrolytes for Li-Ion Batteries.

PubMed

Jeschke, Steffen; Jankowski, Piotr; Best, Adam S; Johansson, Patrik

2018-03-12

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are pyranoside-based macromolecules with a hydrophobic cavity to encapsulate small molecules. They are used as molecular vehicles, for instance in pharmaceutical drug delivery or as solubility enhancer of monomers for their polymerization in aqueous solution. In this context, it was discovered about 10 years ago that the bis(trifluoromethylsulonyl)imide (TFSI) anion forms host-guest complexes with βCD in aqueous media. This sparked interest in using the TFSI anion in lithium-based battery electrolytes open for its encapsulation by βCD as an attractive approach to increase the contribution of the cation to the total ion conductivity. By using semi-empirical quantum mechanical (SQM) methods and the conductor-like screening model for a real solvent (COSMO-RS), a randomly methylated βCD (RMβCD) is here identified as a suitable host for TFSI when using organic solvents often used in battery technology. By combining molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with different NMR and FTIR experiments, the formation of the corresponding RMβCD-TFSI complex was investigated. Finally, the effects of the addition RMβCD to a set of electrolytes on the ion conductivity are measured and explained using three distinct scenarios. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Oxidative transformation of a tunichrome model compound provides new insight into the crosslinking and defense reaction of tunichromes.

PubMed

Abebe, Adal; Kuang, Qun F; Evans, Jason; Robinson, William E; Sugumaran, Manickam

2017-04-01

Tunichromes, small oligopeptides with dehydrodopa units isolated from the blood cells of ascidians, have been implicated in the defense reactions, metal binding, wound repair, or tunic formation. Their instability and high reactivity has severely hampered the assessment of their biological role. Experiments conducted with the model compound, 1,2-dehydro-N-acetyldopamine, indicated that the instability of tunichromes is due to this basic structure. Exposure of this catecholamine derivative to even mild alkaline condition such as pH 7.5 causes rapid nonenzymatic oxidation. High performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry studies confirmed the production of dimeric and other oligomeric products in the reaction mixture. The nonenzymatic reaction seemed to proceed through the intermediary formation of semiquinone free radical and superoxide anion. Ultraviolet and visible spectral studies associated with the oxidation of tunichromes isolated from Ascidia nigra by tyrosinase indicated the probable formation of oligomeric tunichrome products. Attempts to monitor the polymerization reaction by mass spectrometry ended in vain. Tunichrome also exhibited instability in mild alkaline conditions generating superoxide anions. Based on these studies, a possible role for oxidative transformation of tunichrome in defense reaction, tunic formation and wound healing is proposed. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Photodynamic effects of methylene blue-loaded polymeric nanoparticles on dental plaque bacteria.

PubMed

Klepac-Ceraj, Vanja; Patel, Niraj; Song, Xiaoqing; Holewa, Colleen; Patel, Chitrang; Kent, Ralph; Amiji, Mansoor M; Soukos, Nikolaos S

2011-09-01

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is increasingly being explored for treatment of oral infections. Here, we investigate the effect of PDT on human dental plaque bacteria in vitro using methylene blue (MB)-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic) (PLGA) nanoparticles with a positive or negative charge and red light at 665 nm. Dental plaque samples were obtained from 14 patients with chronic periodontitis. Suspensions of plaque microorganisms from seven patients were sensitized with anionic, cationic PLGA nanoparticles (50 µg/ml equivalent to MB) or free MB (50 µg/ml) for 20 min followed by exposure to red light for 5 min with a power density of 100 mW/cm2 . Polymicrobial oral biofilms, which were developed on blood agar in 96-well plates from dental plaque inocula obtained from seven patients, were also exposed to PDT as above. Following the treatment, survival fractions were calculated by counting the number of colony-forming units. The cationic MB-loaded nanoparticles exhibited greater bacterial phototoxicity in both planktonic and biofilm phase compared to anionic MB-loaded nanoparticles and free MB, but results were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Cationic MB-loaded PLGA nanoparticles have the potential to be used as carriers of MB for PDT systems. Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Molecular Engineering of Liquid Crystalline Polymers by Living Polymerization. 8. Influence of Molecular Weight on the Phase Behavior pf Poly(Omega-((4-cyano-4’Biphenyl)oxy)alkyl Vinyl Ether)s with Ethyl, Propyl and Butyl Alkyl Groups

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-10-16

methanol (15 ml). The mixture was refluxed for 12 hr. After cooling and filtration (to remove the catalyst ) the solvent was distilled in a rotavapor and...was controlled by the monomer/initiator ([M]/[I]0 ) ratio. After quenching the polymerization with ammoniacal methanol , the reaction mixture was...The Phase Behavior of Poly(co-[(4-cyano-4’- biphenyl)oxy] alkyl Vinyl Ether]s with Ethyl, Propyl and Butyl Alkyl Groups Acc,--.o ,; ., x .... V

Recent aspects of self-oscillating polymeric materials: designing self-oscillating polymers coupled with supramolecular chemistry and ionic liquid science.

PubMed

Ueki, Takeshi; Yoshida, Ryo

2014-06-14

Herein, we summarise the recent developments in self-oscillating polymeric materials based on the concepts of supramolecular chemistry, where aggregates of molecular building blocks with non-covalent bonds evolve the temporal or spatiotemporal structure. By utilising the rhythmic oscillation of the association/dissociation of molecular aggregates coupled with the redox oscillation by the BZ reaction, novel soft materials that express similar functions as those of living matter will be achieved. Further, from the viewpoint of materials science, our recent approach to prepare self-oscillating materials that operate long-term under mild conditions will be introduced.

Bacterial Exopolysaccharide mediated heavy metal removal: A Review on biosynthesis, mechanism and remediation strategies.

PubMed

Gupta, Pratima; Diwan, Batul

2017-03-01

Heavy metal contamination has been recognized as a major public health risk, particularly in developing countries and their toxicological manifestations are well known. Conventional remediation strategies are either expensive or they generate toxic by-products, which adversely affect the environment. Therefore, necessity for an environmentally safe strategy motivates interest towards biological techniques. One of such most profoundly driven approach in recent times is biosorption through microbial biomass and their products. Extracellular polymeric substances are such complex blend of high molecular weight microbial (prokaryotic and eukaryotic) biopolymers. They are mainly composed of proteins, polysaccharides, uronic acids, humic substances, lipids etc. One of its essential constituent is the exopolysaccharide (EPS) released out of self defense against harsh conditions of starvation, pH and temperature, hence it displays exemplary physiological, rheological and physio-chemical properties. Its net anionic makeup allows the biopolymer to effectively sequester positively charged heavy metal ions. The polysaccharide has been expounded deeply in this article with reference to its biosynthesis and emphasizes heavy metal sorption abilities of polymer in terms of mechanism of action and remediation. It reports current investigation and strategic advancements in dealing bacterial cells and their EPS in diverse forms - mixed culture EPS, single cell EPS, live, dead or immobilized EPS. A significant scrutiny is also involved highlighting the existing challenges that still lie in the path of commercialization. The article enlightens the potential of EPS to bring about bio-detoxification of heavy metal contaminated terrestrial and aquatic systems in highly sustainable, economic and eco-friendly manner.

Amyloid-like assembly of the low complexity domain of yeast Nab3.

PubMed

O'Rourke, Thomas W; Loya, Travis J; Head, PamelaSara E; Horton, John R; Reines, Daniel

2015-01-01

Termination of transcription of short non-coding RNAs is carried out in yeast by the Nab3-Nrd1-Sen1 complex. Nab3 and Nrd1 are hnRNP-like proteins that dimerize and bind RNA with sequence specificity. We show here that an essential region of Nab3 that is predicted to be prion-like based upon its sequence bias, formed amyloid-like filaments. A similar region from Nrd1 also assembled into filaments in vitro. The purified Nab3 domain formed a macroscopic gel whose lattice organization was observed by X-ray fiber diffraction. Filaments were resistant to dissociation in anionic detergent, bound the fluorescent dye thioflavin T, and showed a β-sheet rich structure by circular dichroism spectroscopy, similar to human amyloid β which served as a reference amyloid. A version of the Nab3 domain with a mutation that impairs its termination function, also formed fibers as observed by electron microscopy. Using a protein fragment interaction assay, the purified Nab3 domain was seen to interact with itself in living yeast. A similar observation was made for full length Nab3. These results suggest that the Nab3 and Nrd1 RNA-binding proteins can attain a complex polymeric form and raise the possibility that this property is important for organizing their functional state during termination. These findings are congruent with recent work showing that RNA binding proteins with low complexity domains form a dynamic subcellular matrix in which RNA metabolism takes place but can also aberrantly yield pathological aggregated particles.

Cationic polymer brush-modified cellulose nanocrystals for high-affinity virus binding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosilo, Henna; McKee, Jason R.; Kontturi, Eero; Koho, Tiia; Hytönen, Vesa P.; Ikkala, Olli; Kostiainen, Mauri A.

2014-09-01

Surfaces capable of high-affinity binding of biomolecules are required in several biotechnological applications, such as purification, transfection, and sensing. Therein, the rod-shaped, colloidal cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are appealing due to their large surface area available for functionalization. In order to exploit electrostatic binding, their intrinsically anionic surfaces have to be cationized as biological supramolecules are predominantly anionic. Here we present a facile way to prepare cationic CNCs by surface-initiated atom-transfer radical polymerization of poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) and subsequent quaternization of the polymer pendant amino groups. The cationic polymer brush-modified CNCs maintained excellent dispersibility and colloidal stability in water and showed a ζ-potential of +38 mV. Dynamic light scattering and electron microscopy showed that the modified CNCs electrostatically bind cowpea chlorotic mottle virus and norovirus-like particles with high affinity. Addition of only a few weight percent of the modified CNCs in water dispersions sufficed to fully bind the virus capsids to form micrometer-sized assemblies. This enabled the concentration and extraction of the virus particles from solution by low-speed centrifugation. These results show the feasibility of the modified CNCs in virus binding and concentrating, and pave the way for their use as transduction enhancers for viral delivery applications.Surfaces capable of high-affinity binding of biomolecules are required in several biotechnological applications, such as purification, transfection, and sensing. Therein, the rod-shaped, colloidal cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are appealing due to their large surface area available for functionalization. In order to exploit electrostatic binding, their intrinsically anionic surfaces have to be cationized as biological supramolecules are predominantly anionic. Here we present a facile way to prepare cationic CNCs by surface-initiated atom-transfer radical polymerization of poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) and subsequent quaternization of the polymer pendant amino groups. The cationic polymer brush-modified CNCs maintained excellent dispersibility and colloidal stability in water and showed a ζ-potential of +38 mV. Dynamic light scattering and electron microscopy showed that the modified CNCs electrostatically bind cowpea chlorotic mottle virus and norovirus-like particles with high affinity. Addition of only a few weight percent of the modified CNCs in water dispersions sufficed to fully bind the virus capsids to form micrometer-sized assemblies. This enabled the concentration and extraction of the virus particles from solution by low-speed centrifugation. These results show the feasibility of the modified CNCs in virus binding and concentrating, and pave the way for their use as transduction enhancers for viral delivery applications. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: CNC surface chain fraction and degree of substitution after BriBBr modification, NMR spectra of the SI-ATRP reaction mixture at 0 and 120 min, conversion of the DMAEMA monomer during SI-ATRP, DLS size distribution profiles of CNCs and CNC-g-P(QDMAEMA), TEM images of NoV-VLPs and their complexes with CNC-g-P(QDMAEMA) at 0 mM NaCl. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr03584d

Continuous microfluidic assembly of biodegradable poly(beta-amino ester)/DNA nanoparticles for enhanced gene delivery.

PubMed

Wilson, David R; Mosenia, Arman; Suprenant, Mark P; Upadhya, Rahul; Routkevitch, Denis; Meyer, Randall A; Quinones-Hinojosa, Alfredo; Green, Jordan J

2017-06-01

Translation of biomaterial-based nanoparticle formulations to the clinic faces significant challenges including efficacy, safety, consistency and scale-up of manufacturing, and stability during long-term storage. Continuous microfluidic fabrication of polymeric nanoparticles has the potential to alleviate the challenges associated with manufacture, while offering a scalable solution for clinical level production. Poly(beta-amino esters) (PBAE)s are a class of biodegradable cationic polymers that self-assemble with anionic plasmid DNA to form polyplex nanoparticles that have been shown to be effective for transfecting cancer cells specifically in vitro and in vivo. Here, we demonstrate the use of a microfluidic device for the continuous and scalable production of PBAE/DNA nanoparticles followed by lyophilization and long term storage that results in improved in vitro efficacy in multiple cancer cell lines compared to nanoparticles produced by bulk mixing as well as in comparison to widely used commercially available transfection reagents polyethylenimine and Lipofectamine® 2000. We further characterized the nanoparticles using nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) to show that microfluidic mixing resulted in fewer DNA-free polymeric nanoparticles compared to those produced by bulk mixing. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1813-1825, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A new class of dual responsive self-healable hydrogels based on a core crosslinked ionic block copolymer micelle prepared via RAFT polymerization and Diels-Alder "click" chemistry.

PubMed

Banerjee, Sovan Lal; Singha, Nikhil K

2017-12-06

Amphiphilic diblock copolymers of poly(furfuryl methacrylate) (PFMA) with cationic poly(2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyltrimethyl ammonium chloride) (PFMA-b-PMTAC) and anionic poly(sodium 4-vinylbenzenesulfonate) (PFMA-b-PSS) were prepared via reversible addition fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization by using PFMA as a macro-RAFT agent. The formation of the block copolymer was confirmed by FTIR and 1 H NMR analyses. In water, the amphiphilic diblock copolymers, (PFMA-b-PMTAC) and (PFMA-b-PSS), formed micelles with PFMA in the core and the rest of the hydrophilic polymers like PMTAC and PSS in the corona. The PFMA core was crosslinked by using Diels-Alder (DA) "Click" chemistry in water at 60 °C where bismaleimide acted as a crosslinker. Afterwards, both the core crosslinked micelles were mixed at an almost equal charge ratio which was determined by zeta potential analysis to prepare the self-assembled hydrogel. The de-crosslinking of the hydrophobic PFMA core in the self-assembled hydrogel via rDA reaction took place at 165 °C as determined from DSC analysis. This hydrogel showed self-healing behavior using ionic interaction (in the presence of water) and DA chemistry (in the presence of heat).

Innovative Poly(Ionic Liquid)s by the Polymerization of Deep Eutectic Monomers.

PubMed

Isik, Mehmet; Ruiperez, Fernando; Sardon, Haritz; Gonzalez, Alba; Zulfiqar, Sonia; Mecerreyes, David

2016-07-01

The incorporation of ionic liquid (IL) chemistry into functional polymers has extended the properties and applications of polyelectrolytes. However, ILs are expensive due to the presence of fluorinated anions or complicated synthetic steps which limit their technological viability. Here, we show a new family of poly(ionic liquid)s (PILs) which are based in cheap and renewable chemicals and involves facile synthetic approaches. Thus, deep eutectic monomers (DEMs) are prepared for the first time by using quaternary ammonium compounds and various hydrogen bond donors such as citric acid, terephthalic acid or an amidoxime. The deep eutectic formation is made through a simple mixing of the ingredients. Differential scanning calorimetry, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and computational studies reveal the formation of the DEMs due to the ionic interactions. The resulting DEMs are liquid which facilitates their polymerization using mild photopolymerization or polycondensation strategies. Spectroscopic characterizations reveal the successful formation of the polymers. By this way, a new family of PILs can be synthesized which can be used for different applications. As an example, the polymers show promising performance as solid CO2 sorbents. Altogether the deep eutectic monomer route can lead to non-toxic, cheap and easy-to-prepare alternatives to current PILs for different applications. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Structural diversity and electronic properties in potassium silicides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hao, Chun-Mei; Li, Yunguo; Huang, Hong-Mei; Li, Yan-Ling

2018-05-01

Stable potassium silicides in the complete compositional landscape were systematically explored up to 30 GPa using the variable-composition evolutionary structure prediction method. The results show that K4Si, K3Si, K5Si2, K2Si, K3Si2, KSi, KSi2, KSi3, and K8Si46 have their stability fields in the phase diagram. The spatial dimensional diversity of polymerized silicon atoms (0D "isolated" anion, dimer, Si4 group, 1D zigzag chain, 2D layer, and 3D network) under the potassium sublattice was uncovered as silicon content increases. Especially, the 2D layered silicon presents interestingly a variety of shapes, such as the "4 + 6" ring, "4 + 8"ring, and 8-membered ring. K-Si bonding exhibits a mixed covalency and ionicity, while Si-Si bonding is always of covalent character. Semiconductivity or metallicity mainly depends on the form of sublattices and K:Si ratio, which allows us to find more semiconductors in the Si-rich side when closed-shell K cations are encompassed by polymerized Si. The semiconducting silicides present strong absorption in the infrared and visible light range. These findings open up the avenue for experimental synthesis of alkali metal-IVA compounds and potential applications as battery electrode materials or photoelectric materials.

Mechanism of the formation and growth of fine particles clustered polymer microspheres by simple one-step polymerization in aqueous alcohol system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mao, Hui; Wen, Chao; Wu, Shuyao; Liu, Daliang; Zhang, Yu; Song, Xi-Ming

2016-02-01

By using the one-step copolymerization of styrene (St) and 1-vinyl-3-ethylimidazolium bromide (VEIB), fine particles clustered (FPC) poly(St-co-VEIB) microspheres have been successfully prepared in the present of sodium dodecylsulfonate (SDS) in aqueous alcohol system. The FPC poly(St-co-VEIB) microspheres are composed of small poly(St-co-VEIB) nanospheres with the average diameter of 40 nm. The formation mechanism of FPC poly(St-co-VEIB) microspheres is proposed by investigating the influence of reaction conditions on their morphologies and observing their growth process. It can be well convinced that VEIB not only acted as a kind of monomers, which participated in the polymerization and provided electropositivity for FPC poly(St-co-VEIB) microspheres, but also acted as emulsifier and reactive stabilizer. The FPC poly(St-co-VEI[SO3CF3]) microspheres, which were obtained by anion-exchange between -SO3CF3 of HSO3CF3 and Br- in FPC poly(St-co-VEIB) microspheres due to the existence of imidazolium groups with electropositivity, showed higher catalytic efficiency for hydration of 1,2-epoxypropane with H2O and esterification between acetic acid and ethanol than that of H2SO4.

Surface functionalized SiO2 nanoparticles with cationic polymers via the combination of mussel inspired chemistry and surface initiated atom transfer radical polymerization: Characterization and enhanced removal of organic dye.

PubMed

Huang, Qiang; Liu, Meiying; Mao, Liucheng; Xu, Dazhuang; Zeng, Guangjian; Huang, Hongye; Jiang, Ruming; Deng, Fengjie; Zhang, Xiaoyong; Wei, Yen

2017-08-01

Monodispersed SiO 2 particles functionalized with cationic polymers poly-((3-acrylamidopropyl)trimethylammonium chloride) (PAPTCl) were prepared using mussel inspired surface modification strategy and surface initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and zeta potential were employed to characterize these SiO 2 samples. The adsorption performance of the functionalized SiO 2 (donated as SiO 2 -PDA-PAPTCl) towards anionic organic dye Congo red (CR) was investigated to evaluate their potential environmental applications. We demonstrated that the surface of SiO 2 particles can be successfully functionalized with cationic PAPTCl. The adsorption capability of as-prepared SiO 2 was found to increases from 28.70 and 106.65mg/g after surface grafted with cationic polymers. The significant enhancement in the adsorption capability of SiO 2 -PDA-PAPTCl is mainly attributed to the introduction of cationic polymers. More importantly, this strategy is expected to be promising for fabrication of many other functional polymer nanocomposites for environmental applications due to the universality of mussel inspired chemistry and well designability and good monomer adaptability of SI-ATRP. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Polypyrrole electrodes doped with sulfanilic acid azochromotrop for electrochemical supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, S.; Zhitomirsky, I.

2013-12-01

In this work we demonstrate the feasibility of deposition of polypyrrole (PPy) films by electropolymerization on stainless steel substrates and fabrication of PPy powders by chemical polymerization using sulfanilic acid azochromotrop (SPADNS) as a new anionic dopant. The problem of low adhesion of PPy films to stainless steel substrates is addressed by the use of SPADNS, which exhibits chelating properties, promoting film formation. The use of fine particles, prepared by the chemical polymerization method, allows impregnation of Ni foams and fabrication of porous electrodes with high materials loading for electrochemical supercapacitors (ES). PPy films and Ni foam based PPy electrodes show capacitive behaviour in Na2SO4 electrolyte. The electron microscopy studies, impedance spectroscopy data and analysis of the SPADNS structure provide an insight into the factors, controlling capacitive behaviour. The Ni foam based electrodes offer advantages of improved capacitive behaviour at high materials loadings and good cycling stability. The area normalized and volume normalized specific capacitances are as high as 5.43 F cm-2 and 93.6 F cm-3, respectively, for materials loading of 35.4 mg cm-2. The capacitance retention of Ni foam based electrodes is 91.5% after 1000 cycles. The Ni foam based PPy electrodes are promising for application in ES.

Acid-Labile Amphiphilic PEO-b-PPO-b-PEO Copolymers: Degradable Poloxamer Analogs.

PubMed

Worm, Matthias; Kang, Biao; Dingels, Carsten; Wurm, Frederik R; Frey, Holger

2016-05-01

Poly ((ethylene oxide)-b-(propylene oxide)-b-(ethylene oxide)) triblock copolymers commonly known as poloxamers or Pluronics constitute an important class of nonionic, biocompatible surfactants. Here, a method is reported to incorporate two acid-labile acetal moieties in the backbone of poloxamers to generate acid-cleavable nonionic surfactants. Poly(propylene oxide) is functionalized by means of an acetate-protected vinyl ether to introduce acetal units. Three cleavable PEO-PPO-PEO triblock copolymers (Mn,total = 6600, 8000, 9150 g·mol(-1) ; Mn,PEO = 2200, 3600, 4750 g·mol(-1) ) have been synthesized using anionic ring-opening polymerization. The amphiphilic copolymers exhibit narrow molecular weight distributions (Ð = 1.06-1.08). Surface tension measurements reveal surface-active behavior in aqueous solution comparable to established noncleavable poloxamers. Complete hydrolysis of the labile junctions after acidic treatment is verified by size exclusion chromatography. The block copolymers have been employed as surfactants in a miniemulsion polymerization to generate polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles with mean diameters of ≈200 nm and narrow size distribution, as determined by dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy. Acid-triggered precipitation facilitates removal of surfactant fragments from the nanoparticles, which simplifies purification and enables nanoparticle precipitation "on demand." © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Polarized Exocytosis Induces Compensatory Endocytosis by Sec4p-Regulated Cortical Actin Polymerization

PubMed Central

Johansen, Jesper; Alfaro, Gabriel; Beh, Christopher T.

2016-01-01

Polarized growth is maintained by both polarized exocytosis, which transports membrane components to specific locations on the cell cortex, and endocytosis, which retrieves these components before they can diffuse away. Despite functional links between these two transport pathways, they are generally considered to be separate events. Using live cell imaging, in vivo and in vitro protein binding assays, and in vitro pyrene-actin polymerization assays, we show that the yeast Rab GTPase Sec4p couples polarized exocytosis with cortical actin polymerization, which induces endocytosis. After polarized exocytosis to the plasma membrane, Sec4p binds Las17/Bee1p (yeast Wiskott—Aldrich Syndrome protein [WASp]) in a complex with Sla1p and Sla2p during actin patch assembly. Mutations that inactivate Sec4p, or its guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) Sec2p, inhibit actin patch formation, whereas the activating sec4-Q79L mutation accelerates patch assembly. In vitro assays of Arp2/3-dependent actin polymerization established that GTPγS-Sec4p overrides Sla1p inhibition of Las17p-dependent actin nucleation. These results support a model in which Sec4p relocates along the plasma membrane from polarized sites of exocytic vesicle fusion to nascent sites of endocytosis. Activated Sec4p then promotes actin polymerization and triggers compensatory endocytosis, which controls surface expansion and kinetically refines cell polarization. PMID:27526190

Software for Demonstration of Features of Chain Polymerization Processes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sosnowski, Stanislaw

2013-01-01

Free software for the demonstration of the features of homo- and copolymerization processes (free radical, controlled radical, and living) is described. The software is based on the Monte Carlo algorithms and offers insight into the kinetics, molecular weight distribution, and microstructure of the macromolecules formed in those processes. It also…

Amphiphilic, cross-linkable diblock copolymers for multifunctionalized nanoparticles as biological probes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmidtke, Christian; Pöselt, Elmar; Ostermann, Johannes; Pietsch, Andrea; Kloust, Hauke; Tran, Huong; Schotten, Theo; Bastús, Neus G.; Eggers, Robin; Weller, Horst

2013-07-01

Nanoparticles (NPs) play an increasingly important role in biological labeling and imaging applications. However, preserving their useful properties in an aqueous biological environment remains challenging, even more as NPs therein have to be long-time stable, biocompatible and nontoxic. For in vivo applications, size control is crucial in order to route excretion pathways, e.g. renal clearance vs. hepato-biliary accumulation. Equally necessary, cellular and tissue specific targeting demands suitable linker chemistry for surface functionalization with affinity molecules, like peptides, proteins, carbohydrates and nucleotides. Herein, we report a three stage encapsulation process for NPs comprised of (1) a partial ligand exchange by a multidentate polyolefinic amine ligand, PI-N3, (2) micellar encapsulation with a precisely tuned amphiphilic diblock PI-b-PEG copolymer, in which the PI chains intercalate to the PI-N3 prepolymer and (3) radical cross-linking of the adjacent alkenyl bonds. As a result, water-soluble NPs were obtained, which virtually maintained their primal physical properties and were exceptionally stable in biological media. PEG-terminal functionalization of the diblock PI-b-PEG copolymer with numerous functional groups was mostly straightforward by chain termination of the living anionic polymerization (LAP) with the respective reagents. More complex affinity ligands, e.g. carbohydrates or biotin, were introduced in a two-step process, prior to micellar encapsulation. Advantageously, this pre-assembly approach opens up rapid access to precisely tuned multifunctional NPs, just by using mixtures of diverse functional PI-b-PEG polymers in a combinatorial manner. All constructs showed no toxicity from 0.001 to 1 μM (particle concentration) in standard WST and LDH assays on A549 cells, as well as only marginal unspecific cellular uptake, even in serum-free medium.Nanoparticles (NPs) play an increasingly important role in biological labeling and imaging applications. However, preserving their useful properties in an aqueous biological environment remains challenging, even more as NPs therein have to be long-time stable, biocompatible and nontoxic. For in vivo applications, size control is crucial in order to route excretion pathways, e.g. renal clearance vs. hepato-biliary accumulation. Equally necessary, cellular and tissue specific targeting demands suitable linker chemistry for surface functionalization with affinity molecules, like peptides, proteins, carbohydrates and nucleotides. Herein, we report a three stage encapsulation process for NPs comprised of (1) a partial ligand exchange by a multidentate polyolefinic amine ligand, PI-N3, (2) micellar encapsulation with a precisely tuned amphiphilic diblock PI-b-PEG copolymer, in which the PI chains intercalate to the PI-N3 prepolymer and (3) radical cross-linking of the adjacent alkenyl bonds. As a result, water-soluble NPs were obtained, which virtually maintained their primal physical properties and were exceptionally stable in biological media. PEG-terminal functionalization of the diblock PI-b-PEG copolymer with numerous functional groups was mostly straightforward by chain termination of the living anionic polymerization (LAP) with the respective reagents. More complex affinity ligands, e.g. carbohydrates or biotin, were introduced in a two-step process, prior to micellar encapsulation. Advantageously, this pre-assembly approach opens up rapid access to precisely tuned multifunctional NPs, just by using mixtures of diverse functional PI-b-PEG polymers in a combinatorial manner. All constructs showed no toxicity from 0.001 to 1 μM (particle concentration) in standard WST and LDH assays on A549 cells, as well as only marginal unspecific cellular uptake, even in serum-free medium. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Images of the QDs, toxicity data and NMR spectra. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr01520c

Positronium hydride in hydrogen-laden thermochemically reduced MgO single crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pareja, R.; de La Cruz, R. M.; Pedrosa, M. A.; González, R.; Chen, Y.

1990-04-01

Thermochemical reduction of hydrogen-laden MgO single crystals at T~2400 K results in a large concentration of both hydride (H-) ions and anion vacancies (>1024 m-3). Positron-lifetime experiments of these crystals provide evidence for bound positronium hydride states also referred to as [e+-H-] or PsH states. The presence of the anion vacancies was found to inhibit the formation of these states. After thermally annealing out these vacancies, such that H- concentration remains intact, two long-lived components appear in the lifetime spectrum. Furthermore, these two components correlate with the presence of the H-ions. These results suggest the existence of bound [e+-H-] states when positrons are trapped by the H- ions, and the subsequent formation of positronium (Ps) states by the dissociation of the [e+-H-] states. From the values of the intermediate lifetime component, a value of (570+/-50) ps is obtained for the lifetime of the PsH state located in an anion vacancy in MgO. The longest lifetime component ~(1-3) ns is attributed to pick-off annihilation of ortho-Ps states.

Molecular dynamics modeling the synthetic and biological polymers interactions pre-studied via docking: anchors modified polyanions interference with the HIV-1 fusion mediator.

PubMed

Tsvetkov, Vladimir B; Serbin, Alexander V

2014-06-01

In previous works we reported the design, synthesis and in vitro evaluations of synthetic anionic polymers modified by alicyclic pendant groups (hydrophobic anchors), as a novel class of inhibitors of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) entry into human cells. Recently, these synthetic polymers interactions with key mediator of HIV-1 entry-fusion, the tri-helix core of the first heptad repeat regions [HR1]3 of viral envelope protein gp41, were pre-studied via docking in terms of newly formulated algorithm for stepwise approximation from fragments of polymeric backbone and side-group models toward real polymeric chains. In the present article the docking results were verified under molecular dynamics (MD) modeling. In contrast with limited capabilities of the docking, the MD allowed of using much more large models of the polymeric ligands, considering flexibility of both ligand and target simultaneously. Among the synthesized polymers the dinorbornen anchors containing alternating copolymers of maleic acid were selected as the most representative ligands (possessing the top anti-HIV activity in vitro in correlation with the highest binding energy in the docking). To verify the probability of binding of the polymers with the [HR1]3 in the sites defined via docking, various starting positions of polymer chains were tried. The MD simulations confirmed the main docking-predicted priority for binding sites, and possibilities for axial and belting modes of the ligands-target interactions. Some newly MD-discovered aspects of the ligand's backbone and anchor units dynamic cooperation in binding the viral target clarify mechanisms of the synthetic polymers anti-HIV activity and drug resistance prevention.

All-acrylic multigraft copolymers: Effect of side chain molecular weight and volume fraction on mechanical behavior

DOE PAGES

Goodwin, Andrew; Wang, Weiyu; Kang, Nam -Goo; ...

2015-08-21

We present in this paper the synthesis of poly(n-butyl acrylate)-g-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PnBA-g-PMMA) multigraft copolymers via a grafting-through (macromonomer) approach. The synthesis was performed using two controlled polymerization techniques. The PMMA macromonomer was obtained by high-vacuum anionic polymerization followed by the copolymerization of n-butyl acrylate and PMMA macromonomer using reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization to yield the desired all-acrylic multigraft structures. The PnBA-g-PMMA multigraft structures exhibit randomly spaced branch points with various PMMA contents, ranging from 15 to 40 vol %, allowing an investigation into how physical properties vary with differences in the number of branch points and molecular weightmore » of grafted side chains. The determination of molecular weight and polydispersity indices of both the PMMA macromonomer and the graft copolymers was carried out using size exclusion chromatography with triple detection, and the structural characteristics of both the macromonomer and PnBA-g-PMMA graft materials were characterized by 1H and 13C NMR. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry was employed for monitoring the macromonomer synthesis. Thermal characteristics of the materials were analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The mechanical performance of the graft materials was characterized by rheology and dynamic mechanical analysis, revealing that samples with PMMA content of 25–40 vol % exhibit superior elastomeric properties as compared to materials containing short PMMA side chains or <25 vol % PMMA. In conclusion, atomic force microscopy showed a varying degree of microphase separation between the glassy and rubbery components that is strongly dependent on PMMA side chain molecular weight.« less

Amphiphilic Ferrocene-Containing PEG Block Copolymers as Micellar Nanocarriers and Smart Surfactants.

PubMed

Alkan, Arda; Wald, Sarah; Louage, Benoit; De Geest, Bruno G; Landfester, Katharina; Wurm, Frederik R

2017-01-10

An important and usually the only function of most surfactants in heterophase systems is stabilizing one phase in another, for example, droplets or particles in water. Surfactants with additional chemical or physical handles are promising in controlling the colloidal properties by external stimuli. The redox stimulus is an attractive feature; however, to date only a few ionic redox-responsive surfactants have been reported. Herein, the first nonionic and noncytotoxic ferrocene-containing block copolymers are prepared, carrying a hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chain and multiple ferrocenes in the hydrophobic segment. These amphiphiles were studied as redox-sensitive surfactants that destabilize particles as obtained in miniemulsion polymerization. Because of the nonionic nature of such PEG-based copolymers, they can stabilize nanoparticles even after the addition of ions, whereas particles stabilized with ionic surfactants would be destabilized by the addition of salt. The redox-active surfactants were prepared by the anionic ring-opening polymerization of ferrocenyl glycidyl ether, with PEG monomethyl ether as the macroinitiator. The resultant block copolymers with molecular weights (M n ) between 3600 and 8600 g mol -1 and narrow molecular weight distributions (M w /M n = 1.04-1.10) were investigated via 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance and diffusion ordered spectroscopy, size exclusion chromatography, and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Furthermore, the block copolymers were used as building blocks for redox-responsive micelles and as redox-responsive surfactants in radical polymerization in miniemulsion to stabilize model polystyrene nanoparticles. Oxidation of iron to the ferrocenium species converted the amphiphilic block copolymers into double hydrophilic macromolecules, which led to the destabilization of the nanoparticles. This destabilization of nanoparticle dispersions may be useful for the formation of coatings and the recovery of surfactants.

Metal-organic frameworks in cadmium(II) complexes with 5-methoxyindole-2-carboxylic acid: structure, vibrational spectra and DFT calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morzyk-Ociepa, Barbara; Szmigiel, Ksenia; Dysz, Karolina; Turowska-Tyrk, Ilona; Michalska, Danuta

2016-11-01

Two new complexes of Cd(II) with an O-deprotonated anion of 5-methoxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (5-MeOI2CA), of the formulas [Cd(5-MeOI2CA)2(H2O)2]n (1) and [Cd3(5-MeOI2CA)6(H2O)4(DMSO)4]ṡ2DMSO (2) were synthesized. In the polymeric complex 1, the 5-MeOI2CA anion acts as a bidentate bridging ligand and the coordination environment around the Cd(II) ion can be described as a distorted octahedron. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of 2 has revealed that this complex is a trimer and it crystallizes in the monoclinic system (space group P21/c with a = 20.3403(4), b = 14.3079(2), c = 15.0603(3) Å, β = 92.4341(17)°, V = 4379.00(14) Å3 and Z = 2). In 2, the 5-MeOI2CA anions act as bidentate bridging and bidentate chelating ligands. The asymmetric unit of 2 contains two crystallographically independent Cd(II) cations. One of the cations is coordinated to six oxygen atoms and shows an octahedral geometry with a rhombic deformation. The other Cd(II) cation adopts a distorted seven-coordinate pentagonal-bipyramidal geometry involving seven oxygen atoms. In 2, the DMSO solvent molecules play a key role in the formation of metal-organic frameworks by filling voids, which are created by the bridging and chelating 5-MeOI2CA anions, the cadmium cations and the other DMSO molecules coordinated to cadmium. Comprehensive theoretical calculations (including the optimized structural parameters, harmonic frequencies and vibrational intensities) were performed for 2 using the B3LYP method with the 6-311++G(d,p)/LanL2DZ basis sets. The infrared and Ramana spectra were measured and a detailed assignment of the experimental spectra of 2 was performed. All cadmium-oxygen stretching vibrations occur in the range below 400 cm-1.

In situ NMR spectroscopy of supercapacitors: insight into the charge storage mechanism.

PubMed

Wang, Hao; Forse, Alexander C; Griffin, John M; Trease, Nicole M; Trognko, Lorie; Taberna, Pierre-Louis; Simon, Patrice; Grey, Clare P

2013-12-18

Electrochemical capacitors, commonly known as supercapacitors, are important energy storage devices with high power capabilities and long cycle lives. Here we report the development and application of in situ nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methodologies to study changes at the electrode-electrolyte interface in working devices as they charge and discharge. For a supercapacitor comprising activated carbon electrodes and an organic electrolyte, NMR experiments carried out at different charge states allow quantification of the number of charge storing species and show that there are at least two distinct charge storage regimes. At cell voltages below 0.75 V, electrolyte anions are increasingly desorbed from the carbon micropores at the negative electrode, while at the positive electrode there is little change in the number of anions that are adsorbed as the voltage is increased. However, above a cell voltage of 0.75 V, dramatic increases in the amount of adsorbed anions in the positive electrode are observed while anions continue to be desorbed at the negative electrode. NMR experiments with simultaneous cyclic voltammetry show that supercapacitor charging causes marked changes to the local environments of charge storing species, with periodic changes of their chemical shift observed. NMR calculations on a model carbon fragment show that the addition and removal of electrons from a delocalized system should lead to considerable increases in the nucleus-independent chemical shift of nearby species, in agreement with our experimental observations.

In Situ NMR Spectroscopy of Supercapacitors: Insight into the Charge Storage Mechanism

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Electrochemical capacitors, commonly known as supercapacitors, are important energy storage devices with high power capabilities and long cycle lives. Here we report the development and application of in situ nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) methodologies to study changes at the electrode–electrolyte interface in working devices as they charge and discharge. For a supercapacitor comprising activated carbon electrodes and an organic electrolyte, NMR experiments carried out at different charge states allow quantification of the number of charge storing species and show that there are at least two distinct charge storage regimes. At cell voltages below 0.75 V, electrolyte anions are increasingly desorbed from the carbon micropores at the negative electrode, while at the positive electrode there is little change in the number of anions that are adsorbed as the voltage is increased. However, above a cell voltage of 0.75 V, dramatic increases in the amount of adsorbed anions in the positive electrode are observed while anions continue to be desorbed at the negative electrode. NMR experiments with simultaneous cyclic voltammetry show that supercapacitor charging causes marked changes to the local environments of charge storing species, with periodic changes of their chemical shift observed. NMR calculations on a model carbon fragment show that the addition and removal of electrons from a delocalized system should lead to considerable increases in the nucleus-independent chemical shift of nearby species, in agreement with our experimental observations. PMID:24274637

Silica particles encapsulated poly(styrene-divinylbenzene) monolithic stationary phases for micro-high performance liquid chromatography.

PubMed

Bakry, R; Stöggl, W M; Hochleitner, E O; Stecher, G; Huck, C W; Bonn, G K

2006-11-03

In the paper we demonstrate a new approach for the preparation and application of continuous silica bed columns that involve encapsulation (entrapment) of functionalized silica microparticles, which can be used as packing material in micro high performance liquid chromatography (micro-HPLC) and capillary electrochromatography (CEC). Like traditional packed columns, these capillaries possess characterized silica particles that offer high phase ratio and narrow pore size distribution leading to high retention and separation efficiency, respectively. More importantly, immobilization of the microparticles stabilizes the separation bed and eliminates the need for retaining frits. The developed capillary columns were fabricated in exactly the same way as a packed capillary column (slurry packing) but with an additional entrapment step. This immobilization of the packed bed was achieved by in situ polymerization of styrene and divinylbenzene in presence of decanol as a porogen and azobisisobutyronitrile as thermal initiator. Silica particles with different particle sizes and pore sizes ranging from 60 to 4000 A were studied. In addition different modified silica was used, including C-18 reversed phase, anion exchange and chiral stationary phases. Efficient separation of polyphenolic compounds, peptides, proteins and even DNA mutation were achieved using the developed technique depending on the properties of the silica particles used (particles pore size). For example, using 3 microm ProntoSIL C-18 particles with 300 A pore size, separation efficiencies in the range of 120,000-200,000 plates/m were obtained for protein separation, in a 6 cm x 200 microm i.d. capillary column. Using encapsulated silica C-18 with 1000 A pore size, separation of DNA homo and hetero duplexes were achieved under denaturing HPLC conditions for mutation detection. In addition, nucleotides were separated using anion exchange material encapsulated with poly(styrene-divinylbenzene) (PS/DVB), which indicated that the chromatographic properties of the silica packing material were still active after polymerization. The prepared capillary columns were found to be stable and could easily be operated continuously up to a pressure of 350 bar without column damage and capillary can be cut to any desired length.

Photocatalytic CO2 conversion by polymeric carbon nitrides.

PubMed

Fang, Yuanxing; Wang, Xinchen

2018-05-10

CO2 is a vital compond for life, and its concentration significantly affects the living environment of the Earth. Extensive effort has been devoted to balance its concentration. Among the developed approaches, photocatalytic CO2 conversion is considered as an ideal option. Previous reports suggest polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) can be effectively used as a metal-free photocatalyst to convert CO2. Herein, the recent developments of PCN and the related photocatalysts for CO2 conversion are summarized from the fundamental of using PCN, and their extended applications through molecular modification and physical/chemical coupling with other substances. The concluding remarks finally indicate the future challenges of using PCN materials for relevant solar-driven applications.

Interaction of Metal Oxides with Biomolecules: Implication in Astrobiology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamaluddin; Iqubal, Md. Asif

2014-08-01

Steps of chemical evolution have been designated as formation of biomonomers followed by their polymerization and then to modify in an organized structure leading to the formation of first living cell. Polymerization of biomonomers could have required some catalyst. In addition to clay, role of metal ions and metal complexes as prebiotic catalyst in the synthesis and polymerization of biomonomers cannot be ruled out. Metal oxides are important constituents of Earth crust and that of other planets. These oxides might have adsorbed organic molecules and catalyzed the condensation processes, which may have led to the formation of first living cell. Different studies were performed in order to investigate the role of metal oxides (especially oxides of iron and manganese) in chemical evolution. Iron oxides (goethite, akaganeite and hematite) as well as manganese oxides (MnO, Mn2O3, Mn3O4 and MnO2) were synthesized and their characterization was done using IR, powder XRD, FE-SEM and TEM. Role of above oxides was studied in the adsorption of ribose nucleotides, formation of nucleobases from formamide and oligomerization of amino acids. Above oxides of iron and manganese were found to have good adsorption affinity towards ribose nucleotides, high catalytic activity in the formation of several nucleobases from formamide and oligomerization of glycine and alanine. Characterization of products was performed using UV, IR, HPLC and ESI-MS techniques. Presence of hematite-water system on Mars has been suggested to be a positive indicator in the chemical evolution on Mars.

Iron Polymerization and Arsenic Removal During In-Situ Iron Electrocoagulation in Synthetic Bangladeshi Groundwater

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Genuchten, C. M.; Pena, J.; Addy, S.; Gadgil, A.

2010-12-01

Millions of people worldwide are exposed to arsenic-contamination in groundwater drinking supplies. The majority of affected people live in rural Bangladesh. Electrocoagulation (EC) using iron electrodes is a promising arsenic removal strategy that is based on the generation of iron precipitates with a high affinity for arsenic through the electrochemical dissolution of a sacrificial iron anode. Many studies of iron hydrolysis in the presence of co-occurring ions in groundwater such as PO43-, SiO44-, and AsO43- suggest that these ions influence the polymerization and formation of iron oxide phases. However, the combined impact of these ions on precipitates generated by EC is not well understood. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) was used to examine EC precipitates generated in synthetic Bangladeshi groundwater (SBGW). The iron oxide structure and arsenic binding geometry were investigated as a function of EC operating conditions. As and Fe k-edge spectra were similar between samples regardless of the large range of current density (0.02, 1.1, 5.0, 100 mA/cm2) used during sample generation. This result suggests that current density does not play a large role in the formation EC precipitates in SBGW. Shell-by-shell fits of Fe K-edge data revealed the presence of a single Fe-Fe interatomic distance at approximately 3.06 Å. The absence of longer ranged Fe-Fe correlations suggests that EC precipitates consist of nano-scale chains (polymers) of FeO6 octahedra sharing equatorial edges. Shell-by-shell fits of As K-edge spectra show arsenic bound in primarily bidentate, binuclear corner sharing complexes. In this coordination geometry, arsenic prevents the formation of FeO6 corner-sharing linkages, which are necessary for 3-dimensional crystal growth. The individual and combined effects of other anions, such as PO43- and SiO44- present in SBGW are currently being investigated to determine the role of these ions in stunting crystal growth. The results provided by this study are useful in explaining the large adsorption capacity of EC precipitates. This study will also lead to better predictions of arsenic removal efficiency during EC and a better understanding of the long-term stability of arsenic-laden EC sludge.

Polymer containing functional end groups is base for new polymers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hirshfield, S. M.

1971-01-01

Butadiene is polymerized with lithium-p-lithiophenoxide to produce linear polymer containing oxy-lithium group at one end and active carbon-lithium group at other end. Living polymers represent new approach to preparation of difunctional polymers in which structural features, molecular weight, type and number of end groups are controlled.

Fluorescent component and complexation mechanism of extracellular polymeric substances during dye wastewater biotreatment by anaerobic granular sludge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Na; Wei, Dong; Sun, Qunqun; Han, Xiao; Du, Bin; Wei, Qin

2018-02-01

In this study, methylene blue (MB) wastewater was biotreated by anaerobic granular sludge (AnGS), and the fluorescent components of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and complexation mechanism were evaluated. Based on the experimental data, the sorption of MB by both live and inactivated AnGS followed the pseudo-second-order model, and the adsorption isotherm conformed well to the Langmuir model. It was shown that the difference in the sorption of live and inactivated AnGS was not significant, indicating that the sorption is mainly a physical-chemical process and metabolically mediated diffusion is negligible. The interaction between EPS and MB was proved by three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix (3D-EEM) and synchronous fluorescence spectra. 3D-EEM indicated that protein (PN)-like substances were the main peaks of EPS, and gradually quenched with increase of MB concentrations. According to synchronous fluorescence spectra, the main fluorescence quenching was caused by PN-like and humic-like fractions, and belonged to the static type of quenching. FTIR spectra demonstrated that hydroxyl and amino groups played a major role in MB sorption.

Modeling the transport of chemical warfare agents and simulants in polymeric substrates for reactive decontamination

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pearl, Thomas; Mantooth, Brent; Varady, Mark; Willis, Matthew

2014-03-01

Chemical warfare agent simulants are often used for environmental testing in place of highly toxic agents. This work sets the foundation for modeling decontamination of absorbing polymeric materials with the focus on determining relationships between agents and simulants. The correlations of agents to simulants must consider the three way interactions in the chemical-material-decontaminant system where transport and reaction occur in polymer materials. To this end, diffusion modeling of the subsurface transport of simulants and live chemical warfare agents was conducted for various polymer systems (e.g., paint coatings) with and without reaction pathways with applied decontamination. The models utilized 1D and 2D finite difference diffusion and reaction models to simulate absorption and reaction in the polymers, and subsequent flux of the chemicals out of the polymers. Experimental data including vapor flux measurements and dynamic contact angle measurements were used to determine model input parameters. Through modeling, an understanding of the relationship of simulant to live chemical warfare agent was established, focusing on vapor emission of agents and simulants from materials.

The role of living/controlled radical polymerization in the formation of improved imprinted polymers.

PubMed

Salian, Vishal D; Vaughan, Asa D; Byrne, Mark E

2012-06-01

In this work, living/controlled radical polymerization (LRP) is compared with conventional free radical polymerization in the creation of highly and weakly cross-linked imprinted poly(methacrylic acid-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) networks. It elucidates, for the first time, the effect of LRP on the chain level and begins to explain why the efficiency of the imprinting process is improved using LRP. Imprinted polymers produced via LRP exhibited significantly higher template affinity and capacity compared with polymers prepared using conventional methods. The use of LRP in the creation of highly cross-linked imprinted polymers resulted in a fourfold increase in binding capacity without a decrease in affinity; whereas weakly cross-linked gels demonstrated a nearly threefold increase in binding capacity at equivalent affinity when LRP was used. In addition, by adjusting the double bond conversion, we can choose to increase either the capacity or the affinity in highly cross-linked imprinted polymers, thus allowing the creation of imprinted polymers with tailorable binding parameters. Using free radical polymerization in the creation of polymer chains, as the template-monomer ratio increased, the average molecular weight of the polymer chains decreased despite a slight increase in the double bond conversion. Thus, the polymer chains formed were shorter but greater in number. Using LRP neutralized the effect of the template. The addition of chain transfer agent resulted in slow, uniform, simultaneous chain growth, resulting in the formation of longer more monodisperse chains. Reaction analysis revealed that propagation time was extended threefold in the formation of highly cross-linked polymers when LRP techniques were used. This delayed the transition to the diffusion-controlled stage of the reaction, which in turn led to the observed enhanced binding properties, decreased polydispersity in the chains, and a more homogeneous macromolecular architecture. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Stimuli-responsive cement-reinforced rubber.

PubMed

Musso, Simone; Robisson, Agathe; Maheshwar, Sudeep; Ulm, Franz-Josef

2014-05-14

In this work, we report the successful development of a cement-rubber reactive composite with reversible mechanical properties. Initially, the composite behaves like rubber containing inert filler, but when exposed to water, it increases in volume and reaches a stiffness that is intermediate between that of hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) and hydrated cement, while maintaining a relatively large ductility characteristic of rubber. After drying, the modulus increases even further up to 400 MPa. Wet/drying cycles prove that the elastic modulus can reversibly change between 150 and 400 MPa. Utilizing attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), we demonstrate that the high pH produced by the hydration of cement triggers the hydrolysis of the rubber nitrile groups into carboxylate anions. Thus, the salt bridges, generated between the carboxylate anions of the elastomer and the cations of the filler, are responsible for the reversible variations in volume and elastic modulus of the composite as a consequence of environmental moisture exposure. These results reveal that cement nanoparticles can successfully be used to accomplish a twofold task: (a) achieve an original postpolymerization modification that allows one to work with carboxylate HNBR (HXNBR) not obtained by direct copolymerization of carboxylate monomers with butadiene, and (b) synthesize a stimuli-responsive polymeric composite. This new type of material, having an ideal behavior for sealing application, could be used as an alternative to cement for oil field zonal isolation applications.

Physical Properties and Biological Activity of Poly(butyl acrylate–styrene) Nanoparticle Emulsions Prepared with Conventional and Polymerizable Surfactants

PubMed Central

Garay-Jimenez, Julio C.; Gergeres, Danielle; Young, Ashley; Dickey, Sonja; Lim, Daniel V.; Turos, Edward

2009-01-01

Recent efforts in our laboratory have explored the use of polyacrylate nanoparticles in aqueous media as stable emulsions for potential applications in treating drug-resistant bacterial infections. These emulsions are made by emulsion polymerization of acrylated antibiotic compounds in a mixture of butyl acrylate and styrene (7:3 w:w) using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as a surfactant. Prior work in our group established that the emulsions required purification to remove toxicity associated with extraneous surfactant present in the media. This paper summarizes our investigations of poly(butyl acrylate-styrene) emulsions made using anionic, cationic, zwitterionic, and non-charged (amphiphilic) surfactants, as well as attachable surfactant monomers (surfmers), comparing the cytotoxicity and microbiological activity levels of the emulsion both before and after purification. Our results show that the attachment of a polymerizable surfmer onto the matrix of the nanoparticle neither improves nor diminishes cytotoxic or antibacterial effects of the emulsion, regardless of whether the emulsions are purified or not, and that the optimal properties are associated with the use of the non-ionic surfactants versus those carrying anionic, cationic, or zwitterionic charge. Incorporation of an N-thiolated β-lactam antibacterial agent onto the nanoparticle matrix via covalent attachment endows the emulsion with antibiotic properties against pathogenic bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), without changing the physical properties of the nanoparticles or their emulsions. PMID:19523413

Exclusion of assembled MreB by anionic phospholipids at cell poles confers cell polarity for bidirectional growth.

PubMed

Kawazura, Takuma; Matsumoto, Kanon; Kojima, Koki; Kato, Fumiya; Kanai, Tomomi; Niki, Hironori; Shiomi, Daisuke

2017-05-01

Cell polarity determines the direction of cell growth in bacteria. MreB actin spatially regulates peptidoglycan synthesis to enable cells to elongate bidirectionally. MreB densely localizes in the cylindrical part of the rod cell and not in polar regions in Escherichia coli. When treated with A22, which inhibits MreB polymerization, rod-shaped cells became round and MreB was diffusely distributed throughout the cytoplasmic membrane. A22 removal resulted in restoration of the rod shape. Initially, diffuse MreB started to re-assemble, and MreB-free zones were subsequently observed in the cytoplasmic membrane. These MreB-free zones finally became cell poles, allowing the cells to elongate bidirectionally. When MreB was artificially located at the cell poles, an additional pole was created, indicating that artificial localization of MreB at the cell pole induced local peptidoglycan synthesis. It was found that the anionic phospholipids (aPLs), phosphatidylglycerol and cardiolipin, which were enriched in cell poles preferentially interact with monomeric MreB compared with assembled MreB in vitro. MreB tended to localize to cell poles in cells lacking both aPLs, resulting in production of Y-shaped cells. Their findings indicated that aPLs exclude assembled MreB from cell poles to establish cell polarity, thereby allowing cells to elongate in a particular direction. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

catena-Poly[[[di­aqua­bis­[1,2-bis­(pyridin-4-yl)diazene]copper(II)]-μ-1,2-bis­(pyridin-4-yl)diazene] bis­(perchlorate)

PubMed Central

Ballestero-Martínez, Ernesto; Campos-Fernández, Cristian Saul; Soto-Tellini, Victor Hugo; Gonzalez-Montiel, Simplicio; Martínez-Otero, Diego

2013-01-01

In the title compound, {[Cu(C10H8N4)3(H2O)2](ClO4)2}n, the coordination environment of the cationic CuII atom is distorted octa­hedral, formed by pairs of symmetry-equivalent 1,2-bis­(pyridin-4-yl)diazene ligands, bridging 1,2-bis­(pyridin-4-yl)diazene ligands and two non-equivalent water mol­ecules. The 1,2-bis­(pyridin-4-yl)diazene mol­ecules form polymeric chains parallel to [-101] via azo bonds which are situated about inversion centres. Since the CuII atom is situated on a twofold rotation axis, the monomeric unit has point symmetry 2. The perchlorate anions are disordered in a 0.536 (9):0.464 (9) ratio and are acceptors of water H atoms in medium–strong O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds with graph set R 4 4(12). The water mol­ecules, which are coordinated to the CuII atom and are hydrogen-bonded to the perchlorate anions, form columns parallel to [010]. A π–π inter­action [centroid–centroid distance = 3.913 (2) Å] occurs between pyridine rings, and weak C—H⋯O inter­actions also occur. PMID:23794983

Origin of the glass-like dynamics in molecular metals κ-(BEDT-TTF)2X: implications from fluctuation spectroscopy and ab initio calculations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Müller, Jens; Hartmann, Benedikt; Rommel, Robert; Brandenburg, Jens; Winter, Stephen M.; Schlueter, John A.

2015-08-01

We have studied the low-frequency dynamics of the charge carriers in different organic charge-transfer salts κ-(BEDT-TTF)2X with polymeric anions X by using resistance noise spectroscopy. Our aim is to investigate the structural, glass-like transition caused by the conformational degrees of freedom of the BEDT-TTF molecules’ terminal ethylene groups. Although of fundamental importance for studies of the electronic ground-state properties, the phenomenology of the glassy dynamics has been minimally investigated and its origin is not understood. Our systematic studies of fluctuation spectroscopy of various different compounds reveal a universal, pronounced maximum in the resistance noise power spectral density related to the glass transition. The energy scale of this process can be identified with the activation energy of the glass-like ethylene endgroup structural dynamics as determined from thermodynamic and NMR measurements. For the first time for this class of ‘plastic crystals’, we report a typical glassy property of the relaxation time, namely a Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann law, and are able to determine the degree of fragility of the glassy system. Supporting ab initio calculations provide an explanation for the origin and phenomenology of the glassy dynamics in different systems in terms of a simple two-level model, where the relevant energy scales are determined by the coupling of the ethylene endgroups to the anions.

Polyelectrolyte-coated ion exchangers for cell-resistant expanded bed adsorption.

PubMed

Dainiak, Maria B; Galaev, Igor Yu; Mattiasson, Bo

2002-01-01

Adsorption chromatography in expanded beds is a widely used technology for direct capture of target proteins from fermentation broths. However, in many cases this method cannot be applied as a result of the strong tendency of cells or cell debris to interact with the adsorbent beads. To prevent contamination of the expanded bed with the biomass, STREAMLINE DEAE, anion exchanger designed for expanded bed adsorption, was modified with a layer of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA). The shielding layer of polyelectrolyte was attached to the surface of the matrix beads via electrostatic interactions. PAA with a high degree of polymerization was chosen to prevent diffusion of large polymer molecules into the pores of adsorbent. Thus, the shielding layer of PAA was adsorbed only at the mouth of the pores of STREAMLINE DEAE beads and only marginally decreased the binding capacity of the ion exchanger for bovine serum albumin, the model protein in this study. PAA-coated STREAMLINE DEAE practically did not interact with yeast cells, which otherwise bound strongly to the native adsorbent at neutral conditions. Cell-resistant PAA-coated anion exchanger was successfully used for isolation of BSA from the model protein mixture containing BSA, lysozyme (positively charged at applied conditions), and yeast cells. The layer of PAA was stable under mild elution conditions, and the modified adsorbent could be used in the repeated purification cycles.

Anion–Anion Bonding and Topology in Ternary Iridium Seleno–Stannides

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Trump, Benjamin A.; Tutmaher, Jake A.; McQueen, Tyrel M.

2015-12-21

The synthesis and physical properties of two new and one known Ir–Sn–Se compound are reported. Their crystal structures are elucidated with transmission electron microscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. IrSn0.45Se1.55 is a pyrite phase which consists of tilted corner-sharing IrX6 octahedra with randomly distributed (Sn–Se)4– and (Se–Se)2– dimers. Ir2Sn3Se3 is a known trigonally distorted skutterudite that consists of cooperatively tilted corner-sharing IrSn3Se3 octahedra with ordered (Sn–Se)24– tetramers. Ir2SnSe5 is a layered, distorted β-MnO2 (pyrolusite) structure consisting of a double IrSe6 octrahedral row, corner sharing in the a direction and edge sharing in the b direction. This distorted pyrolusite contains (Se–Se)2– dimersmore » and Se2– anions, and each double row is “capped” with a (Sn–Se)n polymeric chain. Resistivity, specific heat, and magnetization measurements show that all three have insulating and diamagnetic behavior, indicative of low-spin 5d6 Ir3+. Electronic structure calculations on Ir2Sn3Se3 show a single, spherical, nonspin–orbit split valence band and suggest that Ir2Sn3Se3 is topologically nontrivial under tensile strain due to inversion of Ir-d and Se-p states.« less

Crystallization efficiencies of inorganic polyphosphate oligomers reacted with magnesium and calcium cations using anion-exchange chromatography with particulate formation-laser scattering detector.

PubMed

Ando, Masaki; Imadzu, Sakiyo; Kitagawa, Shinya; Ohtani, Hajime

2010-08-06

A particulate formation-laser scattering detector (PFLSD) was developed and used for evaluating the crystallization efficiency of inorganic polyphosphates (PPs) that reacted with either magnesium or calcium cations. As the solutions for reactive crystallization, 0.5 M ammonium buffer (pH 9.6) containing either 0.15 M MgCl(2) or 0.15 M CaCl(2) (MAP: magnesium ammonium phosphate and HAP: hydroxyapatite solution) were used. In the case of mono- and diphosphate (P1 and P2), the significant dependences of the particulate formation efficiency on various types of both P1/P2 and MAP/HAP reaction solutions were observed with the direct sample injection mode. The PFLSD was hyphenated with the anion-exchange chromatography and the dependence of the particulate formation efficiency on the polymerization degree (n(p)) of PP oligomers, separated chromatographically, was evaluated sequentially. The significant suppression of the particulate formation for PP oligomers was clearly confirmed, i.e., the MAP and HAP reaction solutions did not produce the particulates of the PP oligomers having an n(p) value of more than 3 and 5, respectively. As the overall tendency, the particulate formation efficiency in the case of the HAP solution was superior to that in the case of the MAP solution. Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthesis and Characterization of Stimuli-Responsive Star-Like Polypept(o)ides: Introducing Biodegradable PeptoStars.

PubMed

Holm, Regina; Weber, Benjamin; Heller, Philipp; Klinker, Kristina; Westmeier, Dana; Docter, Dominic; Stauber, Roland H; Barz, Matthias

2017-06-01

Star-like polymers are one of the smallest systems in the class of core crosslinked polymeric nanoparticles. This article reports on a versatile, straightforward synthesis of three-arm star-like polypept(o)ide (polysarcosine-block-polylysine) polymers, which are designed to be either stable or degradable at elevated levels of glutathione. Polypept(o)ides are a recently introduced class of polymers combining the stealth-like properties of the polypeptoid polysarcosine with the functionality of polypeptides, thus enabling the synthesis of materials completely based on endogenous amino acids. The star-like homo and block copolymers are synthesized by living nucleophilic ring opening polymerization of the corresponding N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs) yielding polymeric stars with precise control over the degree of polymerization (X n = 25, 50, 100), Poisson-like molecular weight distributions, and low dispersities (Đ = 1.06-1.15). Star-like polypept(o)ides display a hydrodynamic radius of 5 nm (μ 2 < 0.05) as determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS). While star-like polysarcosines and polypept(o)ides based on disulfide containing initiators are stable in solution, degradation occurs at 100 × 10 -3 m glutathione concentration. The disulfide cleavage yields the respective polymeric arms, which possess Poisson-like molecular weight distributions and low dispersities (Đ = 1.05-1.12). Initial cellular uptake and toxicity studies reveal that PeptoStars are well tolerated by HeLa, HEK 293, and DC 2.4 cells. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Halide anion effects on coordination polymerization of cadmium(II) halide with 1: 1 mixed ligands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ryu, Minjoo; Lee, Young-A.; Jung, Ok-Sang

2018-05-01

Insight into self-assembly of CdX2 (X = Cl and Br) with a mixture of L1 and L2 (L1 = diallylbis(3-pyridyl)silane; L2 = diallylbis(4-pyridyl)silane) was carried out. The self-assembly of CdCl2 with the 1: 1 mixture of L1 and L2 produces only 2D [CdCl2(L1)(L2)] with heteroleptic ligands, whereas that of CdBr2 with the 1: 1 mixture of L1 and L2 gives rise to the statistical mixture of 2D sheet [CdBr2(L1)2]·2H2O, 1D loop-chain [CdBr2(L2)2]·2CH2Cl2, and the 2D [CdBr2(L1)(L2)] with heteroleptic ligands.

Two-fold interpenetrating btc based cobaltous coordination polymer: A promising catalyst for solvent free oxidation of 1-hexene

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bora, Sanchay J.; Paul, Rima; Nandi, Mithun; Bhattacharyya, Pradip K.

2017-12-01

This work describes the synthesis of a new 2-D coordination polymer (CP), [Co3(btc)2(dmp)8]n (btc = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate and dmp = 3,5-dimethylpyrazole) and its catalytic activity towards the oxidation reaction of 1-hexene to form oxygenated compounds under solvent free condition. Structural analysis reveals that Co(II) cations in this polymeric compound are linked by btc3- anions with alternate tetrahedral/octahedral coordination forming a two-fold interpenetrated 3-connected hcb underlying net. Electronic spectrum of the cobaltous polymer has been calculated using TDDFT/B3LYP method for making the appropriate assignments of electronic transitions. Catalytic results show good conversions of the starting material to oxygenated products with high selectivities for 1,2-epoxyhexane and 1-hexanal.

{[Ga(en){sub 3}]{sub 2}(Ge{sub 2}Te{sub 15})}n : a polymeric semiconducting polytelluride with boat-shaped Te{sub 8}{sup 4-} rings and cross-shaped Te{sub 5}{sup 6-} units.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Q.; Malliakas, C. D.; Kanatzidis, M. G.

2009-11-11

The reaction of the Zintl compound K{sub 4}Ge{sub 9} with Te and Ga{sub 2}Te{sub 3} in ethylenediamine (en) at 190 C gave the germanium polytelluride {l_brace}[Ga(en){sub 3}]{sub 2}[(GeTe){sub 2}(Te{sub 5}){sup 6-}(Te{sub 8}){sup 4-}]{r_brace}n (1). The single-crystal structure analysis revealed that 1 has two different polytelluride fragments: cross-shaped 36-e- TeTe{sub 4}{sup 6-} anions and boat-shaped 52-e- Te{sup 8}{sup 4-} rings. The new material is a p-type semiconductor at room temperature and switches to n-type at 380 K.

A pH-responsive carboxylic β-1,3-glucan polysaccharide for complexation with polymeric guests.

PubMed

Lien, Le Thi Ngoc; Shiraki, Tomohiro; Dawn, Arnab; Tsuchiya, Youichi; Tokunaga, Daisuke; Tamaru, Shun-ichi; Enomoto, Naoya; Hojo, Junichi; Shinkai, Seiji

2011-06-07

The helix-forming nature of β-1,3-glucan polysaccharides is a characteristic that has potential for producing gene carriers, bio-nanomaterials and other chiral nanowires. Herein, carboxylic curdlan (CurCOOH) bearing the β-1,3-polyglucuronic acid structure was successfully prepared from β-1,3-glucan polysaccharide curdlan (Cur) by one-step oxidation using a 4-acetamido-TEMPO/NaClO/NaClO(2) system as the oxidant. The resulting high-molecular-weight CurCOOH was proved to bear the 6-COOH group in 100% purity. The optical rotatory dispersion (ORD) spectra indicated that the obtained CurCOOH behaves as a water-soluble single-strand in various pH aqueous media. This advantage has allowed us to use CurCOOH as a polymeric host to form various macromolecular complexes. For example, complexation of CurCOOH with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) resulted in a water-soluble one-dimensional architecture, which formed a dispersion in aqueous solution that was stable for several months, and much more stable than SWNTs complexes of the similar negatively-charged polyacrylic acid (PAA) and polymethacrylic acid (PMAA). It was shown that in the complex, SWNTs are effectively wrapped by a small amount of CurCOOH, enabling them to avoid electrostatic repulsion. This pH-responsive CurCOOH formed a very stable complex with cationic water-soluble polythiophenes (PT-1), which was stabilized not only by the hydrophobic interaction but also by the electrostatic attraction between trimethylammonium cations in PT-1 and dissociated anionic COO(-) groups in CurCOOH. The included PT-1 became CD-active only in the neutral to basic pH region, and the positive Cotton effect suggested that the conjugated main chain is twisted in the right-handed direction. We also found that CurCOOH can interact with polycytidylic acid (poly(C)) only under high NaCl concentrations, the binding and release of which could be controlled by a change in the salt concentration. We believe, therefore, that CurCOOH bearing a dissociable COOH group can act as a new potential polymeric host to construct novel polymeric complexes applicable for gene carriers, biosensors, chiral polymer assemblies, etc.

Synthesis, crystal structure and DFT studies of a Zinc(II) complex of 1,3-diaminopropane (Dap), [Zn(Dap)(NCS)2][Zn(Dap)(NCS)2]n. The additional stabilizing role of S⋯π chalcogen bond

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alotaibi, Mshari A.; Alharthi, Abdulrahman I.; Zierkiewicz, Wiktor; Akhtar, Muhammad; Tahir, Muhammad Nawaz; Mazhar, Muhammad; Isab, Anvarhusein A.; Ahmad, Saeed

2017-04-01

A zinc(II) complex of 1,3-diaminopropane (Dap), [Zn(Dap)(NCS)2][Zn(Dap)(NCS)2]n (1) has been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H &13C NMR spectroscopy, and its crystal structure was determined by X-ray crystallography. The crystal structure of 1 consists of two types of molecules, a discrete monomer and a polymeric one. In the monomeric unit, the zinc atom is bound to one terminal Dap molecule and to two N-bound thiocyanate ions, while in the polymeric unit, Dap acts as a bridging ligand forming a linear chain. The Zn(II) ions in both assume a slightly distorted tetrahedral geometry. The structures of two systems: the [Zn(Dap)(NCS)2][Zn(Dap)(NCS)2]3 complex as a model of 1 and [Zn(Dap)(NCS)2]4 as a simple polymeric structure were optimized with the B3LYP-D3 method. The DFT results support that the experimentally determined structure (1) is more stable in comparison to a simple polymeric structure, [Zn(Dap)(NCS)2]n (2). The interaction energies (ΔE) for NCS anions obtained by B3LYP-D3 method are about -145 kcal mol-1, while the calculated ΔE values for neutral organic ligands are about twice smaller. The X-ray structure of 1 shows that the complex is stabilized mainly by hydrogen bonds. We also found that weak chalcogen bonds play an additional role in stabilization of compound 1. Some of the intermolecular S⋯N distances are smaller than the sum of the van der Waals radii of the corresponding atoms. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that shows the structure where the trivalent sulfur is involved in formation of a S⋯π chalcogen bond. The NBO and NCI analyses confirm the existence of this kind of interactions.

Advances in polymeric systems for tissue engineering and biomedical applications.

PubMed

Ravichandran, Rajeswari; Sundarrajan, Subramanian; Venugopal, Jayarama Reddy; Mukherjee, Shayanti; Ramakrishna, Seeram

2012-03-01

The characteristics of tissue engineered scaffolds are major concerns in the quest to fabricate ideal scaffolds for tissue engineering applications. The polymer scaffolds employed for tissue engineering applications should possess multifunctional properties such as biocompatibility, biodegradability and favorable mechanical properties as it comes in direct contact with the body fluids in vivo. Additionally, the polymer system should also possess biomimetic architecture and should support stem cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. As the progress in polymer technology continues, polymeric biomaterials have taken characteristics more closely related to that desired for tissue engineering and clinical needs. Stimuli responsive polymers also termed as smart biomaterials respond to stimuli such as pH, temperature, enzyme, antigen, glucose and electrical stimuli that are inherently present in living systems. This review highlights the exciting advancements in these polymeric systems that relate to biological and tissue engineering applications. Additionally, several aspects of technology namely scaffold fabrication methods and surface modifications to confer biological functionality to the polymers have also been discussed. The ultimate objective is to emphasize on these underutilized adaptive behaviors of the polymers so that novel applications and new generations of smart polymeric materials can be realized for biomedical and tissue engineering applications. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Impact of aryloxy initiators on the living and immortal polymerization of lactide.

PubMed

Chile, L-E; Ebrahimi, T; Wong, A; Aluthge, D C; Hatzikiriakos, S G; Mehrkhodavandi, P

2017-05-23

This report describes two different methodologies for the synthesis of aryl end-functionalized poly(lactide)s (PLAs) catalyzed by indium complexes. In the first method, a series of para-functionalized phenoxy-bridged dinuclear indium complexes [(NNO)InCl] 2 (μ-Cl)(μ-OPh R ) (R = OMe (1), Me (2), H (3), Br (4), NO 2 (5)) were synthesized and fully characterized. The solution and solid state structures of these complexes reflect the electronic differences between these initiators. The polymerization rates correlate with the electron donating ability of the phenoxy initiators: the para-nitro substituted complex 5 is essentially inactive. However, the para-methoxy variant, while less active than the ethoxy-bridged complex [(NNO)InCl] 2 (μ-Cl)(μ-OEt) (A), shows sufficient activity. Alternatively, aryl-capped PLAs were synthesized via immortal polymerization of PLA with A in the presence of a range of arylated chain transfer agents. Certain aromatic diols shut down polymerization by chelating one indium centre to form a stable metal complex. Immortal ROP was successful when using phenol, and 1,5-naphthalenediol. These polymers were analysed and chain end fidelity was confirmed using 1 H NMR spectroscopy, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. This study shed light on possible speciation when attempting to generate PLA-lignin copolymers.

In Situ Investigation of Electrochemically Mediated Surface-Initiated Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization by Electrochemical Surface Plasmon Resonance.

PubMed

Chen, Daqun; Hu, Weihua

2017-04-18

Electrochemically mediated atom transfer radical polymerization (eATRP) initiates/controls the controlled/living ATRP chain propagation process by electrochemically generating (regenerating) the activator (lower-oxidation-state metal complex) from deactivator (higher-oxidation-state metal complex). Despite successful demonstrations in both of the homogeneous polymerization and heterogeneous systems (namely, surface-initiated ATRP, SI-ATRP), the eATRP process itself has never been in situ investigated, and important information regarding this process remains unrevealed. In this work, we report the first investigation of the electrochemically mediated SI-ATRP (eSI-ATRP) by rationally combining the electrochemical technique with real-time surface plasmon resonance (SPR). In the experiment, the potential of a SPR gold chip modified by the self-assembled monolayer of the ATRP initiator was controlled to electrochemically reduce the deactivator to activator to initiate the SI-ATRP, and the whole process was simultaneously monitored by SPR with a high time resolution of 0.1 s. It is found that it is feasible to electrochemically trigger/control the SI-ATRP and the polymerization rate is correlated to the potential applied to the gold chip. This work reveals important kinetic information for eSI-ATRP and offers a powerful platform for in situ investigation of such complicated processes.

Living Nanocrystals: Synthesis of Precisely Defined Metal Oxide Nanocrystals Through a Continuous Growth Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jansons, Adam Wayne

Colloidal nanocrystals offer new and improved performance in applications as well as less environmental impact when compared to traditional device fabrication methods. The important properties that enable improved applications are a direct result of nanocrystal structure. While there have been many great advances in the production of colloidal nanocrystals over the past three decades, precise, atomic-level control of the size, composition, and structure of the inorganic core remains challenging. Rather than dictate these material aspects through traditional synthetic routes, this dissertation details the development and exploitation of a colloidal nanocrystal synthetic method inspired by polymerization reactions. Living polymerization reactions offer precise control of polymer size and structure and have tremendously advanced polymer science, allowing the intuitive production of polymers and block co-polymers of well-defined molecular weights. Similarly, living nanocrystal synthetic methods allow an enhanced level of structural control, granting the synthesis of binary, doped, and core/shell nanocrystals of well-defined size, composition, and structure. This improved control in turn grants enhanced nanocrystal property performance and deepens our understanding of structure/property relationships. This dissertation defines living nanocrystal growth and demonstrates the potential of the living methods in the colloidal production of oxide nanocrystals. After a brief introduction, living growth is defined and discussed in the context of synthetic prerequisites, attributes, and outcomes. Living growth is also compared to more traditional colloidal nanocrystal synthetic methods. The following chapters then demonstrate the precise control living approaches offer in three separate studies; the first highlights sub-nanometer control of nanocrystal size from 2-22+ nm in diameter. Next the improvement in nanocrystal composition is illustrated using several transition metal dopants into an oxide nanocrystal matrix at near thermodynamically allowed compositions. Additionally, precise radial dopant placement is demonstrated, which has striking implications for material properties. The radial position of tin in tin-doped indium oxide nanocrystals and the resulting differences on the localized surface plasmon resonance are discussed. Finally, future opportunities are reviewed. This dissertation includes previously published co-authored material.

Short-lived K2S Molecules in Superionic Potassium Sulfide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okeya, Yusuke; Tsumuraya, Kazuo

2015-03-01

The first principles molecular dynamics method allows us to elucidate the formation of short-lived K2S molecular states in superionic potassium sulfide. The covalent and the Coulomb bonds exist between the ionized mobile potassiums and the ionized immobile sulfurs. Both the bonds induces indirect covalent and indirect Coulomb attractions between the di-interstitial potassiums on the mid-sulfurs, which forms the short-lived K2S molecular states. The covalent electron density also exists between short-lived potassium dimers. The three attractions reduce Haven's ratios of the potassiums in the conductor. The molecule formation indicates the electronic state of the conductor is intermediate between the ionic and covalent crystals. The absence of the long-lived potassium dimers implies a failure of the caterpillar diffusion model or the Frenkel-Kontorova chain model for the superionic diffusion of the potassiums in the sulfide. The incompletely ionized cations and anions reduce the Coulomb attractions between them which induces the sublattice melting of smaller size of the potassiums than the sulfurs.

Nanoscale silicon substrate patterns from self-assembly of cylinder forming poly(styrene)-block-poly(dimethylsiloxane) block copolymer on silane functionalized surfaces.

PubMed

Borah, Dipu; Cummins, Cian; Rasappa, Sozaraj; Watson, Scott M D; Pike, Andrew R; Horrocks, Benjamin R; Fulton, David A; Houlton, Andrew; Liontos, George; Ntetsikas, Konstantinos; Avgeropoulos, Apostolos; Morris, Michael A

2017-01-27

Poly(styrene)-block-poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PS-b-PDMS) is an excellent block copolymer (BCP) system for self-assembly and inorganic template fabrication because of its high Flory-Huggins parameter (χ ∼ 0.26) at room temperature in comparison to other BCPs, and high selective etch contrast between PS and PDMS block for nanopatterning. In this work, self-assembly in PS-b-PDMS BCP is achieved by combining hydroxyl-terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS-OH) brush surfaces with solvent vapor annealing. As an alternative to standard brush chemistry, we report a simple method based on the use of surfaces functionalized with silane-based self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). A solution-based approach to SAM formation was adopted in this investigation. The influence of the SAM-modified surfaces upon BCP films was compared with polymer brush-based surfaces. The cylinder forming PS-b-PDMS BCP and PDMS-OH polymer brush were synthesized by sequential living anionic polymerization. It was observed that silane SAMs provided the appropriate surface chemistry which, when combined with solvent annealing, led to microphase segregation in the BCP. It was also demonstrated that orientation of the PDMS cylinders may be controlled by judicious choice of the appropriate silane. The PDMS patterns were successfully used as an on-chip etch mask to transfer the BCP pattern to underlying silicon substrate with sub-25 nm silicon nanoscale features. This alternative SAM/BCP approach to nanopattern formation shows promising results, pertinent in the field of nanotechnology, and with much potential for application, such as in the fabrication of nanoimprint lithography stamps, nanofluidic devices or in narrow and multilevel interconnected lines.

Nanoscale silicon substrate patterns from self-assembly of cylinder forming poly(styrene)-block-poly(dimethylsiloxane) block copolymer on silane functionalized surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Borah, Dipu; Cummins, Cian; Rasappa, Sozaraj; Watson, Scott M. D.; Pike, Andrew R.; Horrocks, Benjamin R.; Fulton, David A.; Houlton, Andrew; Liontos, George; Ntetsikas, Konstantinos; Avgeropoulos, Apostolos; Morris, Michael A.

2017-01-01

Poly(styrene)-block-poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PS-b-PDMS) is an excellent block copolymer (BCP) system for self-assembly and inorganic template fabrication because of its high Flory-Huggins parameter (χ ˜ 0.26) at room temperature in comparison to other BCPs, and high selective etch contrast between PS and PDMS block for nanopatterning. In this work, self-assembly in PS-b-PDMS BCP is achieved by combining hydroxyl-terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS-OH) brush surfaces with solvent vapor annealing. As an alternative to standard brush chemistry, we report a simple method based on the use of surfaces functionalized with silane-based self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). A solution-based approach to SAM formation was adopted in this investigation. The influence of the SAM-modified surfaces upon BCP films was compared with polymer brush-based surfaces. The cylinder forming PS-b-PDMS BCP and PDMS-OH polymer brush were synthesized by sequential living anionic polymerization. It was observed that silane SAMs provided the appropriate surface chemistry which, when combined with solvent annealing, led to microphase segregation in the BCP. It was also demonstrated that orientation of the PDMS cylinders may be controlled by judicious choice of the appropriate silane. The PDMS patterns were successfully used as an on-chip etch mask to transfer the BCP pattern to underlying silicon substrate with sub-25 nm silicon nanoscale features. This alternative SAM/BCP approach to nanopattern formation shows promising results, pertinent in the field of nanotechnology, and with much potential for application, such as in the fabrication of nanoimprint lithography stamps, nanofluidic devices or in narrow and multilevel interconnected lines.

Multi-physics optimization of three-dimensional microvascular polymeric components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aragón, Alejandro M.; Saksena, Rajat; Kozola, Brian D.; Geubelle, Philippe H.; Christensen, Kenneth T.; White, Scott R.

2013-01-01

This work discusses the computational design of microvascular polymeric materials, which aim at mimicking the behavior found in some living organisms that contain a vascular system. The optimization of the topology of the embedded three-dimensional microvascular network is carried out by coupling a multi-objective constrained genetic algorithm with a finite-element based physics solver, the latter validated through experiments. The optimization is carried out on multiple conflicting objective functions, namely the void volume fraction left by the network, the energy required to drive the fluid through the network and the maximum temperature when the material is subjected to thermal loads. The methodology presented in this work results in a viable alternative for the multi-physics optimization of these materials for active-cooling applications.

Oxidation of aqueous polyselenide solutions. A mechanistic pulse radiolysis study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Goldbach, A.; Saboungi, M.L.; Johnson, J.A.

2000-05-04

The oxidation of aqueous polyselenide solutions was studied by pulse radiolysis in the presence of N{sub 2}O at pH 12.3; the hydroxyl radical OH was the predominant oxidant, while hydrogen selenide anions HSe{sup {minus}} and triselenide dianions Se{sub 3}{sup 2{minus}} were the major selenide species in the starting solution. The progress of the oxidation was monitored by optical spectroscopy. Transient polyselenides appeared immediately after the electron pulse and rapidly proceeded to form adducts with HSe{sup {minus}}, i.e., HSe{sub 2}{sup 2{minus}} and H{sub 2}Se{sub 2}{sup {minus}}, and a fairly long-lived intermediate that was identified as the diselenide radical anion Se{sub 2}{supmore » {minus}}. These radicals recombine to give eventually the tetraselenide dianion, Se{sub 4}{sup 2{minus}}.« less

Removal of phosphate using copper-loaded polymeric ligand exchanger prepared by radiation grafting of polypropylene/polyethylene (PP/PE) nonwoven fabric

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barsbay, Murat; Kavaklı, Pınar Akkaş; Güven, Olgun

2010-03-01

A novel polymeric ligand exchanger (PLE) was prepared for the removal of phosphate ions from water. 2,2'-dipyridylamine (DPA), a bidentate ligand forming compound with high coordination capacity with a variety of metal ions was bound to glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) grafted polypropylene/polyethylene (PP/PE) nonwoven fabric synthesized by radiation-induced grafting technique. DPA attachment on epoxy ring of GMA units was tested in different solvents, i.e. methanol, ethanol, dioxane and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO). The highest amount of modification was achieved in dioxane. In order to prepare the corresponding PLE for the removal of phosphate, DPA-immobilized fabric was loaded with Cu(II) ions. Phosphate adsorption experiments were performed in batch mode at different pH (5-9) and phosphate concentrations. The fabric was found to be effective for the removal of phosphate ions. At every stage of preparation and use, the nonwoven fabric was characterized by thermal (i.e. DSC and TGA) and spectroscopic (FTIR) methods. Competitive adsorption experiments were also carried out using two solutions with different concentration levels at pH 7 to see the effect of competing ions. Phosphate adsorption was found to be effective and selective from solutions having trace amounts of competitive anions. It is expected that the novel PLE synthesized can be used for the removal of phosphate ions in low concentrations over a large range of pH.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Kuo; Zheng, Haiyan; Hattori, Takanori

By providing a new route to synthesize inorganic/organic conductors with tunable composition and properties, pressure-induced polymerization of charged triple-bond monomers like acetylide and cyanide could lead to formation of a conductive metal–carbon network composite. The industry application of this promising synthetic method is mainly limited by the reaction pressure needed, which is often too high to be reached for gram amounts of sample. Here we successfully synthesized highly conductive Li 3Fe(CN) 6 at maximum pressure around 5 GPa and used in situ diagnostic tools to follow the structural and functional transformations of the sample, including in situ X-ray and neutronmore » diffraction and Raman and impedance spectroscopy, along with the neutron pair distribution function measurement on the recovered sample. The cyanide anions start to react around 1 GPa and bond to each other irreversibly at around 5 GPa, which are the lowest reaction pressures in all known metal cyanides and within the technologically achievable pressure range for industrial production. Moreover, the conductivity of the polymer is above 10 –3 S·cm –1, which reaches the range of conductive polymers. Our investigation suggests that the pressure-induced polymerization route is practicable for synthesizing some types of functional conductive materials for industrial use, and further research like doping and heating can hence be motivated to synthesize novel materials under lower pressure and with better performances.« less

Preparation, characterization, and application of poly(vinyl alcohol)-graft-poly(ethylene glycol) resins: novel polymer matrices for solid-phase synthesis.

PubMed

Luo, Juntao; Pardin, Christophe; Zhu, X X; Lubell, William D

2007-01-01

Spherical crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) beads with good mechanical stability were prepared by reverse-suspension polymerization, using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a cosolvent in an aqueous phase. Poly(ethylene glycol)s with varying chain lengths were grafted onto the PVA beads by anionic polymerization of ethylene oxide. The thermal behavior, morphology, and swelling were evaluated for each of the new polymer matrices. High loading and good swelling in water and organic solvents were characteristic of the PEG-grafted PVA beads. The polymer beads also exhibited good mechanical and chemical stability and were unaffected by treatment with 6 N HCl and with 6 N NaOH. The hydroxyl groups of the PVA-PEG beads were converted into aldehyde, carboxylic acid, and isocyanate functions to provide scavenger resins and were extended by way of a benzyl alcohol in a Wang linker. The transglutaminase substrates dipeptides (Z-Gln-Gly) and heptapeptides (Pro-Asn-Pro-Gln-Leu-Pro-Phe) were synthesized on PVA-PEG_5, PVA-PEG_20, and the Wang linker-derivatized PVA-PEG resins. The cleavage of the peptides from the resins using MeOH/NH3 mixture at different temperatures (0 degrees C and room temp) and 50% TFA/DCM provided, respectively, peptide methyl esters, amides, and acids in good yields and purity as assessed by LC-MS analysis.

Collective charge excitations of the two-dimensional electride Ca2N

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cudazzo, Pierluigi; Gatti, Matteo

2017-09-01

Ca2N is a layered material that has been recently identified as a two-dimensional (2D) electride, an unusual ionic compound in which electrons serve as anions. The electronic properties of 2D electrides attract considerable interest as the anionic electrons, which form a 2D layer sandwiched between atomic planes, are highly mobile as they are not attached to any ion. Here, on the basis of first-principles time-dependent density-functional theory calculations, we investigate the collective excitations of the electrons—i.e., the plasmons—in Ca2N as a function of wave vector q . Our calculations reveal an intrinsic negative in-plane dispersion of the anionic plasmon, in striking contrast with the homogeneous electron gas. Moreover, for wave vectors q normal to the planes, we find a long-lived plasmon that continues to exist well beyond the first Brillouin zone. This is a mark of the electronic inhomogeneities in the charge response that Ca2N shares with other layered materials like transition-metal dichalcogenides and MgB2. Finally, we compare the plasmon properties of Ca2N in its bulk and monolayer forms, which shows the effect of the different electronic structures and dimensionalities.

Insights in the radical scavenging mechanism of syringaldehyde and generation of its anion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yancheva, D.; Velcheva, E.; Glavcheva, Z.; Stamboliyska, B.; Smelcerovic, A.

2016-03-01

The ability of syringaldehyde, a naturally occurring phenolic antioxidant and medicinally important compound, to scavenge free radicals according different mechanisms was elucidated by computing the respective reaction enthalpies at DFT B3LYP/6-311++G** level. Bond dissociation enthalpy, ionization potentials and proton affinities were calculated in gas phase, benzene, water and DMSO in order to account for different environment (nonpolar lipid membranes and polar physiological liquids) where the antioxidant action in the living organism could take place and various experimental in vitro conditions. Molecular and electronic properties influencing the reactivity of syringaldehyde according to the different mechanisms were discussed in the light of the reported radical scavenging activities in crocin bleaching, oxidation potential of the first anodic peak and DPPH test. According to the calculated reaction enthalpies, in polar environment the syringaldehyde reacts preferably by sequential proton loss electron transfer which is related to the formation of a phenoxy anion. Such phenoxy anion was generated in DMSO solution and the changes in the force field, steric and electronic structure, resulting from the conversion, were described in detail based on the IR spectral data and DFT computations.

MD simulations of the formation of stable clusters in mixtures of alkaline salts and imidazolium-based ionic liquids.

PubMed

Méndez-Morales, Trinidad; Carrete, Jesús; Bouzón-Capelo, Silvia; Pérez-Rodríguez, Martín; Cabeza, Óscar; Gallego, Luis J; Varela, Luis M

2013-03-21

Structural and dynamical properties of room-temperature ionic liquids containing the cation 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium ([BMIM](+)) and three different anions (hexafluorophosphate, [PF6](-), tetrafluoroborate, [BF4](-), and bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, [NTf2](-)) doped with several molar fractions of lithium salts with a common anion at 298.15 K and 1 atm were investigated by means of molecular dynamics simulations. The effect of the size of the salt cation was also analyzed by comparing these results with those for mixtures of [BMIM][PF6] with NaPF6. Lithium/sodium solvation and ionic mobilities were analyzed via the study of radial distribution functions, coordination numbers, cage autocorrelation functions, mean-square displacements (including the analysis of both ballistic and diffusive regimes), self-diffusion coefficients of all the ionic species, velocity and current autocorrelation functions, and ionic conductivity in all the ionic liquid/salt systems. We found that lithium and sodium cations are strongly coordinated in two different positions with the anion present in the mixture. Moreover, [Li](+) and [Na](+) cations were found to form bonded-like, long-lived aggregates with the anions in their first solvation shell, which act as very stable kinetic entities within which a marked rattling motion of salt ions takes place. With very long MD simulation runs, this phenomenon is proved to be on the basis of the decrease of self-diffusion coefficients and ionic conductivities previously reported in experimental and computational results.

Colocalization of cell division proteins FtsZ and FtsA to cytoskeletal structures in living Escherichia coli cells by using green fluorescent protein

PubMed Central

Ma, Xiaolan; Ehrhardt, David W.; Margolin, William

1996-01-01

In the current model for bacterial cell division, FtsZ protein forms a ring that marks the division plane, creating a cytoskeletal framework for the subsequent action of other proteins such as FtsA. This putative protein complex ultimately generates the division septum. Herein we report that FtsZ and FtsA proteins tagged with green fluorescent protein (GFP) colocalize to division-site ring-like structures in living bacterial cells in a visible space between the segregated nucleoids. Cells with higher levels of FtsZ–GFP or with FtsA–GFP plus excess wild-type FtsZ were inhibited for cell division and often exhibited bright fluorescent spiral tubules that spanned the length of the filamentous cells. This suggests that FtsZ may switch from a septation-competent localized ring to an unlocalized spiral under some conditions and that FtsA can bind to FtsZ in both conformations. FtsZ–GFP also formed nonproductive but localized aggregates at a higher concentration that could represent FtsZ nucleation sites. The general domain structure of FtsZ–GFP resembles that of tubulin, since the C terminus of FtsZ is not required for polymerization but may regulate polymerization state. The N-terminal portion of Rhizobium FtsZ polymerized in Escherichia coli and appeared to copolymerize with E. coli FtsZ, suggesting a degree of interspecies functional conservation. Analysis of several deletions of FtsA–GFP suggests that multiple segments of FtsA are important for its localization to the FtsZ ring. PMID:8917533

Crystal structure of di­methyl­ammonium hydrogen oxalate hemi(oxalic acid)

PubMed Central

Diallo, Waly; Gueye, Ndongo; Crochet, Aurélien; Plasseraud, Laurent; Cattey, Hélène

2015-01-01

Single crystals of the title salt, Me2NH2 +·HC2O4 −·0.5H2C2O4, were isolated as a side product from the reaction involving Me2NH, H2C2O4 and Sn(n-Bu)3Cl in a 1:2 ratio in methanol or by the reaction of the (Me2NH2)2C2O4 salt and Sn(CH3)3Cl in a 2:1 ratio in ethanol. The asymmetric unit comprises a di­methyl­ammonium cation (Me2NH2 +), an hydrogenoxalate anion (HC2O4 −), and half a mol­ecule of oxalic acid (H2C2O4) situated about an inversion center. From a supra­molecular point of view, the three components inter­act together via hydrogen bonding. The Me2NH2 + cations and the HC2O4 − anions are in close proximity through bifurcated N—H⋯(O,O) hydrogen bonds, while the HC2O4 − anions are organized into infinite chains via O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, propagating along the a-axis direction. In addition, the oxalic acid (H2C2O4) mol­ecules play the role of connectors between these chains. Both the carbonyl and hydroxyl groups of each diacid are involved in four inter­molecular inter­actions with two Me2NH2 + and two HC2O4 − ions of four distinct polymeric chains, via two N—H⋯O and two O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds, respectively. The resulting mol­ecular assembly can be viewed as a two-dimensional bilayer-like arrangement lying parallel to (010), and reinforced by a C—H⋯O hydrogen bond. PMID:25995858

Two- and three-dimensional lanthanide-organic frameworks constructed using 1-hydro-6-oxopyridine-3-carboxylate and oxalate ligands.

PubMed

Liu, Cai-Ming; Xiong, Ming; Zhang, De-Qing; Du, Miao; Zhu, Dao-Ben

2009-08-07

6-Hydroxypyridine-3-carboxylic acid (6-HOPy-3-CO(2)H) reacts with Ln(2)O(3) (Ln = Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd) and oxalic acid (H(2)OX) under hydrothermal conditions to generate four novel lanthanide-organic coordination polymeric networks [Ln(2)(1H-6-Opy-3-CO(2))(2)(OX)(2)(H(2)O)(3)] x 2.5 H(2)O (Ln = Nd, 1; Sm, 2; 1H-6-Opy-3-CO(2)(-) = 1-hydro-6-oxopyridine-3-carboxylate) and [Ln(1H-6-Opy-3-CO(2))(OX)(H(2)O)(2)] x H(2)O (Ln = Eu, 3; Gd, 4). The new co-ligand 1H-6-Opy-3-CO(2)(-) anion was generated by the autoisomerization of the single deprotonated 6-HOPy-3-CO(2)(-) anion (from the enol form into the ketone one). 1 and 2 are isomorphous, they possess a three-dimensional architecture constructed from Ln(3+) ions bridged by oxalate anions and two types of 1H-6-Opy-3-CO(2)(-) bridges, showing a three-nodal (4,5)-connected topology (3.4(2).5(2).6(3).7.8)(2)(3.5(3).6(2))(2)(3(2).6.7(2).8) or a simplified uninodal 6-connected topology (3(3).4(6).5(5).6), both topologies are completely new; while only one type of 1H-6-Opy-3-CO(2)(-) bridge is used to construct the two-dimensional layer networks of 3 and 4 besides oxalate bridges, both complexes 3 and 4 are isostructural, exhibiting the honeycomb topology 6(3). The lanthanide contraction effect is believed to play a key role in directing the formation of a particular structure. A magnetic study of 1-3 indicated that the coupling interaction between Ln(3+) ions is weak.

Gallium based low-interaction anions

DOEpatents

King, Wayne A.; Kubas, Gregory J.

2000-01-01

The present invention provides: a composition of the formula M.sup.+x (Ga(Y).sub.4.sup.-).sub.x where M is a metal selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium, potassium, cesium, calcium, strontium, thallium, and silver, x is an integer selected from the group consisting of 1 or 2, each Y is a ligand selected from the group consisting of aryl, alkyl, hydride and halide with the proviso that at least one Y is a ligand selected from the group consisting of aryl, alkyl and halide; a composition of the formula (R).sub.x Q.sup.+ Ga(Y).sub.4.sup.- where Q is selected from the group consisting of carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus and oxygen, each R is a ligand selected from the group consisting of alkyl, aryl, and hydrogen, x is an integer selected from the group consisting of 3 and 4 depending upon Q, and each Y is a ligand selected from the group consisting of aryl, alkyl, hydride and halide with the proviso that at least one Y is a ligand selected from the group consisting of aryl, alkyl and halide; an ionic polymerization catalyst composition including an active cationic portion and a gallium based weakly coordinating anion; and bridged anion species of the formula M.sup.+x.sub.y [X(Ga(Y.sub.3).sub.z ].sup.-y.sub.x where M is a metal selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, cesium, calcium, strontium, thallium, and silver, x is an integer selected from the group consisting of 1 or 2, X is a bridging group between two gallium atoms, y is an integer selected from the group consisting 1 and 2, z is an integer of at least 2, each Y is a ligand selected from the group consisting of aryl, alkyl, hydride and halide with the proviso that at least one Y is a ligand selected from the group consisting of aryl, alkyl and halide.

Magnolol Inhibits the Growth of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer via Inhibiting Microtubule Polymerization.

PubMed

Shen, Jia; Ma, Hailin; Zhang, Tiancheng; Liu, Hui; Yu, Linghua; Li, Guosheng; Li, Huishuang; Hu, Meichun

2017-01-01

The tubulin/microtubule system, which is an integral component of the cytoskeleton, plays an essential role in mitosis. Targeting mitotic progression by disturbing microtubule dynamics is a rational strategy for cancer treatment. Microtubule polymerization assay was performed to examine the effect of Magnolol (a novel natural phenolic compound isolated from Magnolia obovata) on cellular microtubule polymerization in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. Cell cycle analysis, mitotic index assay, cell proliferation assay, colony formation assay, western blotting analysis of cell cycle regulators, Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, and live/dead viability staining were carried out to investigate the Magnolol's inhibitory effect on proliferation and viability of NSCLS cells in vitro. Xenograft model of human A549 NSCLC tumor was used to determine the Magnolol's efficacy in vivo. Magnolol treatment effectively inhibited cell proliferation and colony formation of NSCLC cells. Further study proved that Magnolol induced the mitotic phase arrest and inhibited G2/M progression in a dose-dependent manner, which were mechanistically associated with expression alteration of a series of cell cycle regulators. Furthermore, Magnolol treatment disrupted the cellular microtubule organization via inhibiting the polymerization of microtubule. We also found treatment with NSCLC cells with Magnolol resulted in apoptosis activation through a p53-independent pathway, and autophgy induction via down-regulation of the Akt/mTOR pathway. Finally, Magnolol treatment significantly suppressed the NSCLC tumor growth in mouse xenograft model in vivo. These findings identify Magnolol as a promising candidate with anti-microtubule polymerization activity for NSCLC treatment. © 2017 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

Controlled Synthesis of Polyenes by Catalytic Methods. Progress Report, December 1, 1989 -- November 30, 1992

DOE R&D Accomplishments Database

Schrock, R. R.

1992-01-01

A more direct approach to polyenes by the direct polymerization of acetylenes has been achieved. We were able to show that polymerization of acetylene itself can be controlled with a well- characterized alkylidene catalyst, but only if a base such as quinuclidine is present in order to slow down the rate of propagation relative to initiation. (Quinuclidine may also stabilize vinylalkylidene intermediates formed in the reaction). Unfortunately, living polyenes were no more stable than isolated polyenes, and so this approach had its limitations. Direct polymerization of acetylene by Mo(CH-t-Bu)(NAr)(O-t-Bu){sub 2} was more successful, but inherent polyene instability was still a problem. The most important result of the past grant period is the finding that dipropargyl derivatives (HC=CCH{sub 2}XCH{sub 2}C=CH; X = CH{sub 2}, C(CO{sub 2}R){sub 2}, SiR{sub 2}, etc.), which have been reported to be cyclopolymerized by various classical catalysts by as yet unknown mechanisms, are polymerized by Mo(CH-t-Bu)(NAr)[OCMe(CF{sub 3}){sub 2}]{sub 2} in dimethoxyethane. We speculate that intramolecular formation of a five-membered ring in the product of {alpha} addition is fast enough to yield another terminal alkylidene on the time scale of the polymerization reaction, while a six-membered ring is formed in a reaction involving a more reaction terminal alkylidene. Either intermediate alkylidene, but most likely the terminal alkylidene, could react with additional monomer to lead to growth of a chain having dangling triple bonds that eventually could be employed to form crosslinks.

Highly Efficient and Facile Photocatalytic Recycling System Suitable for ICAR ATRP of Hydrophilic Monomers.

PubMed

Jiang, Xiaowu; Zhang, Lifen; Cheng, Zhenping; Zhu, Xiulin

2016-08-01

Photoinduced initiators for continuous activator regeneration atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of hydrophilic monomers in heptane/ethanol latent-biphasic system for copper catalyst separation and recycling have been realized for the first time at room temperature with different wavelengths of visible light LED (green, blue, purple, and white LED) as external stimulus, using 2-bromophenylacetate as the ATRP initiator and camphorquinone/triethylamine as the photoinitiator. In this system, hybrid catalyst complex (HCc) is synthesized as a novel nonpolar catalyst, which is preferentially dissolved in heptane. The hydrophilic polymers obtained catalyzed by HCc in heptane/ethanol mixture solvent show typical "living" features, for example, the values of Mn,GPC increase linearly with monomer conversion up to quantitative level (>96%) and the molecular weight distributions were kept narrow (Mw /Mn < 1.20) throughout the polymerization process. It should be noted that the excellent controllability of this novel polymerization system can be achieved even after 5 catalyst recycling experiments under LED irradiation. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

A novel solid state photocatalyst for living radical polymerization under UV irradiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Qiang; McKenzie, Thomas G.; Ren, Jing M.; Tan, Shereen; Nam, Eunhyung; Qiao, Greg G.

2016-02-01

This study presents the development of a novel solid state photocatalyst for the photoinduced controlled radical polymerization of methacrylates under mild UV irradiation (λmax ≈ 365 nm) in the absence of conventional photoinitiators, metal-catalysts or dye sensitizers. The photocatalyst design was based on our previous finding that organic amines can act in a synergistic photochemical reaction with thiocarbonylthio compounds to afford well controlled polymethacrylates under UV irradiation. Therefore, in the current contribution an amine-rich polymer was covalently grafted onto a solid substrate, thus creating a heterogeneous catalyst that would allow for facile removal, recovery and recyclability when employed for such photopolymerization reactions. Importantly, the polymethacrylates synthesized using the solid state photocatalyst (ssPC) show similarly excellent chemical and structural integrity as those catalysed by free amines. Moreover, the ssPC could be readily recovered and re-used, with multiple cycles of polymerization showing minimal effect on the integrity of the catalyst. Finally, the ssPC was employed in various photo-“click” reactions, permitting high yielding conjugations under photochemical control.

Metal-Free Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate with ppm Level of Organic Photocatalyst.

PubMed

Huang, Zhicheng; Gu, Yu; Liu, Xiaodong; Zhang, Lifen; Cheng, Zhenping; Zhu, Xiulin

2017-05-01

It is well known that the recently developed photoinduced metal-free atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) has been considered as a promising methodology to completely eliminate transition metal residue in polymers. However, a serious problem needs to be improved, namely, large amount of organic photocatalysts should be used to keep the controllability over molecular weights and molecular weight distributions. In this work, a novel photocatalyst 1,2,3,5-tetrakis(carbazol-9-yl)-4,6-dicyanobenzene (4CzIPN) with strong excited state reduction potential is successfully used to mediate a metal-free ATRP of methyl methacrylate just with parts per million (ppm) level usage under irradiation of blue light emitting diode at room temperature, using ethyl α-bromophenyl-acetate as a typical initiator with high initiator efficiency. The polymerization kinetic study, multiple controlled "on-off" light switching cycle regulation, and chain extension experiment confirm the "living"/controlled features of this promising photoinduced metal-free ATRP system with good molecular weight control in the presence of ppm level photocatalyst 4CzIPN. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Surface grafting of Eu3+ doped luminescent hydroxyapatite nanomaterials through metal free light initiated atom transfer radical polymerization for theranostic applications.

PubMed

Zeng, Guangjian; Liu, Meiying; Jiang, Ruming; Heng, Chunning; Huang, Qiang; Mao, Liucheng; Hui, Junfeng; Deng, Fengjie; Zhang, Xiaoyong; Wei, Yen

2017-08-01

We reported a simple and efficient method to prepare the hydrophilic luminescent HAp polymer nanocomposites through the combination of ligand exchange and metal free light initiated surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) using 10-phenylphenothiazine (PTH) as organic catalyst and 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) and itaconic acid (IA) as monomers. The biological imaging and drug delivery performance of HAp-poly(MPC-IA) nanorods were examined to evaluate their potential for biomedical applications. Results suggested that hydrophilic HAp-poly(MPC-IA) nanorods can be successfully prepared. More importantly, the HAp-poly(MPC-IA) exhibited excellent water dispersibility, desirable biocompatibility and good performance for biological imaging and controlled drug delivery applications. As compared with other controlled living polymerization reactions, the metal free light initiated SI-ATRP displayed many advantages such as easy for handle, mild reaction conditions, toxicity and fluorescence quenching from metal catalysts. Therefore, we believe that this strategy should be a useful and effective strategy for preparation of HAp nanomaterials for biomedical applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ionic Hydrogel Based on Chitosan Cross-Linked with 6-Phosphogluconic Trisodium Salt as a Drug Delivery System.

PubMed

Martínez-Martínez, Mayte; Rodríguez-Berna, Guillermo; Gonzalez-Alvarez, Isabel; Hernández, Ma Jesús; Corma, Avelino; Bermejo, Marival; Merino, Virginia; Gonzalez-Alvarez, Marta

2018-04-09

In this work, 6-phosphogluconic trisodium salt (6-PG - Na + ) is introduced as a new aqueous and nontoxic cross-linking agent to obtain ionic hydrogels. Here, it is shown the formation of hydrogels based on chitosan cross-linked with 6-PG - Na + . This formulation is obtained by ionic interaction of cationic groups of polymer with anionic groups of the cross-linker. These hydrogels are nontoxic, do not cause dermal irritation, are easy to extend, and have an adequate adhesion force to be applied as polymeric film over the skin. This formulation exhibits a first order release kinetic and can be applied as drug vehicle for topical administration or as wound dressing for wound healing. The primary goal of this communication is to report the identification and utility of 6-phosphogluconic trisodium salt (6-PG - Na + ) as a nontoxic cross-linker applicable for cationic polymers.

An Alternative Anionic Polyelectrolyte for Aqueous PEDOT Dispersions: Toward Printable Transparent Electrodes.

PubMed

Hofmann, Anna I; Smaal, Wiljan T T; Mumtaz, Muhammad; Katsigiannopoulos, Dimitrios; Brochon, Cyril; Schütze, Falk; Hild, Olaf R; Cloutet, Eric; Hadziioannou, Georges

2015-07-13

Organic conducting polymers are promising electrode materials for printable organic electronics. One of the most studied conducting polymers is PSS, which is sufficiently conductive and transparent, but which shows some drawbacks, such as hygroscopicity and acidity. A new approach to stabilize PEDOT in aqueous dispersions involves the replacement of PSS with a basic polyanion based on a polystyrene backbone with (trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (TSFI) side groups. The PSTFSIK dispersions were obtained by oxidative polymerization of EDOT in an aqueous PSTFSIK solution and were characterized with regard to their composition, morphology, doping, rheological behavior, and optoelectronic performance. The PSTFSIK dispersions showed excellent printability and good optoelectronic performance (238 Ohm sq(-1) at 91% transmittance, σ>260 S cm(-1)) and were successfully integrated as flexible electrodes in OLED and OPV devices. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Tandem mass spectrometric analysis of aspergillus niger pectin methylesterase: mode of action on fully methyl-esterified oligogalacturonates.

PubMed

Kester, H C; Benen, J A; Visser, J; Warren, M E; Orlando, R; Bergmann, C; Magaud, D; Anker, D; Doutheau, A

2000-03-01

The substrate specificity and the mode of action of Aspergillus niger pectin methylesterase (PME) was determined using both fully methyl-esterified oligogalacturonates with degrees of polymerization (DP) 2-6 and chemically synthesized monomethyl trigalacturonates. The enzymic activity on the different substrates and a preliminary characterization of the reaction products were performed by using high-performance anion-exchange chromatography at neutral pH. Electrospray ionization tandem MS (ESI-MS/MS) was used to localize the methyl esters on the (18)O-labelled reaction products during the course of the enzymic reaction. A. niger PME is able to hydrolyse the methyl esters of fully methyl-esterified oligogalacturonates with DP 2, and preferentially hydrolyses the methyl esters located on the internal galacturonate residues, followed by hydrolysis of the methyl esters towards the reducing end. This PME is unable to hydrolyse the methyl ester of the galacturonate moiety at the non-reducing end.

High Performance Solid Polymer Electrolytes for Rechargeable Batteries: A Self-Catalyzed Strategy toward Facile Synthesis.

PubMed

Cui, Yanyan; Liang, Xinmiao; Chai, Jingchao; Cui, Zili; Wang, Qinglei; He, Weisheng; Liu, Xiaochen; Liu, Zhihong; Cui, Guanglei; Feng, Jiwen

2017-11-01

It is urgent to seek high performance solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) via a facile chemistry and simple process. The lithium salts are composed of complex anions that are stabilized by a Lewis acid agent. This Lewis acid can initiate the ring opening polymerization. Herein, a self-catalyzed strategy toward facile synthesis of crosslinked poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether-based solid polymer electrolyte (C-PEGDE) is presented. It is manifested that the poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether-based solid polymer electrolyte possesses a superior electrochemical stability window up to 4.5 V versus Li/Li + and considerable ionic conductivity of 8.9 × 10 -5 S cm -1 at ambient temperature. Moreover, the LiFePO 4 /C-PEGDE/Li batteries deliver stable charge/discharge profiles and considerable rate capability. It is demonstrated that this self-catalyzed strategy can be a very effective approach for high performance solid polymer electrolytes.

Organo-Lewis acids of enhanced utility, uses thereof, and products based thereon

DOEpatents

Marks, Tobin J.; Chen, You-Xian

2001-01-01

The organo-Lewis acids are novel triarylboranes which are highly fluorinated. Triarylboranes of one such type contain at least one ring substituent other than fluorine. These organoboranes have a Lewis acid strength essentially equal to or greater than that of the corresponding organoborane in which the substituent is replaced by fluorine, or have greater solubility in organic solvents. Another type of new organoboranes have 1-3 perfluorinated fused ring groups and 2-0 perfluorophenyl groups. When used as a cocatalyst in the formation of novel catalytic complexes with d- or f-block metal compounds having at least one leaving group such as a methyl group, these triorganoboranes, because of their ligand abstracting properties, produce corresponding anions which are capable of only weakly, if at all, coordinating to the metal center, and thus do not interfere in various polymerization processes such as are described.

Organo-Lewis acids of enhanced utility, uses thereof, and products based thereon

DOEpatents

Marks, Tobin J.; Chen, You-Xian

2002-01-01

The organo-Lewis acids are novel triarylboranes which are are highly fluorinated. Triarylboranes of one such type contain at least one ring substituent other than fluorine. These organoboranes have a Lewis acid strength essentially equal to or greater than that of the corresponding organoborane in which the substituent is replaced by fluorine, or have greater solubility in organic solvents. Another type of new organoboranes have 1-3 perfluorinated fused ring groups and 2-0 perfluorophenyl groups. When used as a cocatalyst in the formation of novel catalytic complexes with d- or f-block metal compounds having at least one leaving group such as a methyl group, these triorganoboranes, because of their ligand abstracting properties, produce corresponding anions which are capable of only weakly, if at all, coordinating to the metal center, and thus do not interfere in various polymerization processes such as are described.

Changes in inulin and soluble sugar concentration in artichokes (Cynara scolymus L.) during storage.

PubMed

Leroy, Gaëlle; Grongnet, Jean François; Mabeau, Serge; Corre, Daniel Le; Baty-Julien, Céline

2010-05-01

The artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) accumulates about 50-70 g kg(-1) of its fresh weight as inulin-type fructan. Inulin fermentation increases gas production and thereby provokes intestinal discomfort in some people. The present research focuses on the changes in carbohydrate composition occurring in artichoke heads during storage under different conditions (18 degrees C, 4 degrees C and 4 degrees C under polypropylene film packing). Carbohydrate content and composition were determined by anion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection. Storage time caused a decrease in inulin content and an average degree of polymerization, accompanied by an increase of free fructose and sucrose due to depolymerization of inulin. Higher-temperature storage and storage without packing induce strong carbohydrate changes. Thereby, eating stored artichoke leads to consumption of an inulin quantity that does not provoke unwanted symptoms related to gas production but sufficient to have a prebiotic effect.

Aggregation behaviors of PEO-PPO-ph-PPO-PEO and PPO-PEO-ph-PEO-PPO at an air/water interface: experimental study and molecular dynamics simulation.

PubMed

Gong, Houjian; Xu, Guiying; Liu, Teng; Xu, Long; Zhai, Xueru; Zhang, Jian; Lv, Xin

2012-09-25

The block polyethers PEO-PPO-ph-PPO-PEO (BPE) and PPO-PEO-ph-PEO-PPO (BEP) are synthesized by anionic polymerization using bisphenol A as initiator. Compared with Pluronic P123, the aggregation behaviors of BPE and BEP at an air/water interface are investigated by the surface tension and dilational viscoelasticity. The molecular construction can influence the efficiency and effectiveness of block polyethers in decreasing surface tension. BPE has the most efficient ability to decrease surface tension of water among the three block polyethers. The maximum surface excess concentration (Γ(max)) of BPE is larger than that of BEP or P123. Moreover, the dilational modulus of BPE is almost the same as that of P123, but much larger than that of BEP. The molecular dynamics simulation provides the conformational variations of block polyethers at the air/water interface.

Tetraarylborate polymer networks as single-ion conducting solid electrolytes

DOE PAGES

Van Humbeck, Jeffrey F.; Aubrey, Michael L.; Alsbaiee, Alaaeddin; ...

2015-06-23

A new family of solid polymer electrolytes based upon anionic tetrakis(phenyl)borate tetrahedral nodes and linear bis-alkyne linkers is reported. Sonogashira polymerizations using tetrakis(4-iodophenyl)borate, tetrakis(4-iodo-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenyl)borate and tetrakis(4-bromo-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenyl)borate delivered highly cross-linked polymer networks with both 1,4-diethynylbeznene and a tri(ethylene glycol) substituted derivative. Promising initial conductivity metrics have been observed, including high room temperature conductivities (up to 2.7 × 10 -4 S cm -1), moderate activation energies (0.25–0.28 eV), and high lithium ion transport numbers (up to t Li+ = 0.93). Initial investigations into the effects of important materials parameters such as bulk morphology, porosity, fluorination, and other chemical modification, provide starting designmore » parameters for further development of this new class of solid electrolytes.« less

Ultralow percolation threshold of single walled carbon nanotube-epoxy composites synthesized via an ionic liquid dispersant/initiator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Watters, Arianna L.; Palmese, Giuseppe R.

2014-09-01

Uniform dispersion of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in an epoxy was achieved by a streamlined mechano-chemical processing method. SWNT-epoxy composites were synthesized using a room temperature ionic liquid (IL) with an imidazolium cation and dicyanamide anion. The novel approach of using ionic liquid that behaves as a dispersant for SWNTs and initiator for epoxy polymerization greatly simplifies nanocomposite synthesis. The material was processed using simple and scalable three roll milling. The SWNT dispersion of the resultant composite was evaluated by electron microscopy and electrical conductivity measurements in conjunction with percolation theory. Processing conditions were optimized to achieve the lowest possible percolation threshold, 4.29 × 10-5 volume fraction SWNTs. This percolation threshold is among the best reported in literature yet it was obtained using a streamlined method that greatly simplifies processing.

Polysilicate binding for silicate paints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ivanovna, Loganina Valentina; Nikolaevna, Kislitsyna Svetlana; Bisengalievich, Mazhitov Yerkebulan

2018-06-01

It was suggested, that the polysilicate solutions obtained by mixing liquid glass and silicic acid sol as a binder in the manufacture of silicate paints. Information is provided on the structure and a property of the sodium polysilicate binder is presented. It has been found that the addition of silica powder to a liquid glass causes gelling in the course of time. It has been established that the introduction of the sol (increasing the silicate module) contributes to an increase in the fraction of high-polymer fractions of silicic anion, with the increase in the sol content of the polymer form of silica increasing. The research results the structure of sols and polysilicate solutions by the method of violation of total internal reflection. By the method of IR spectroscopy, the molybdate method established the presence of silica in the polysilicate binder polymeric varieties, which provides an increase in the stability of silicate coatings.

Poly(cyclohexylethylene)- block-poly(ethylene oxide) block polymers for metal oxide templating

DOE PAGES

Schulze, Morgan W.; Sinturel, Christophe; Hillmyer, Marc A.

2015-09-01

A series of poly(cyclohexylethylene)- block-poly(ethylene oxide) (CEO) diblock copolymers were synthesized through tandem anionic polymerizations and heterogeneous catalytic hydrogenation. Solvent-annealed CEO diblock films were used to template dense arrays of inorganic oxide nanodots via simple spin coating of an inorganic precursor solution atop the ordered film. The substantial chemical dissimilarity of the two blocks enables (i) selective inclusion of the inorganic precursor within the PEO domain and (ii) the formation of exceptionally small feature sizes due to a relatively large interaction parameter estimated from mean-field analysis of the order–disorder transition temperatures of compositionally symmetric samples. UV/ozone treatment following incorporation producesmore » an ordered arrangement of oxide nanodots and simultaneously removes the block polymer template. However, we report the smallest particles (6 ± 1 nm) templated from a selective precursor insertion method to date using a block polymer scaffold.« less

Living supramolecular polymerization achieved by collaborative assembly of platinum(II) complexes and block copolymers

PubMed Central

Zhang, Kaka; Yeung, Margaret Ching-Lam; Leung, Sammual Yu-Lut; Yam, Vivian Wing-Wah

2017-01-01

An important feature of biological systems to achieve complexity and precision is the involvement of multiple components where each component plays its own role and collaborates with other components. Mimicking this, we report living supramolecular polymerization achieved by collaborative assembly of two structurally dissimilar components, that is, platinum(II) complexes and poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(acrylic acid) (PEG-b-PAA). The PAA blocks neutralize the charges of the platinum(II) complexes, with the noncovalent metal–metal and π–π interactions directing the longitudinal growth of the platinum(II) complexes into 1D crystalline nanostructures, and the PEG blocks inhibiting the transverse growth of the platinum(II) complexes and providing the whole system with excellent solubility. The ends of the 1D crystalline nanostructures have been found to be active during the assembly and remain active after the assembly. One-dimensional segmented nanostructures with heterojunctions have been produced by sequential growth of two types of platinum(II) complexes. The PAA blocks act as adapters at the heterojunctions for lattice matching between chemically and crystallographically different platinum(II) complexes, achieving heterojunctions with a lattice mismatch as large as 21%. PMID:29078381

DPSC colonization of functionalized 3D textiles.

PubMed

Ortiz, Marine; Rosales-Ibáñez, Raúl; Pozos-Guillén, Amaury; De Bien, Charlotte; Toye, Dominique; Flores, Héctor; Grandfils, Christian

2017-05-01

Fiber scaffolds are attractive materials for mimicking, within a 3D in vitro system, any living environment in which animal cells can adhere and proliferate. In three dimensions, cells have the ability to communicate and organize into complex architectures similar to those found in their natural environments. The aim of this study was to evaluate, in terms of cell reactivity, a new in vitro cell model: dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in a 3D polymeric textile. Scaffolds were knitted from polyglycolic acid (PGA) or polydioxanone (PDO) fibers differing in surface roughness. To promote cell adhesion, these hydrophobic fabrics were also functionalized with either chitosan or the peptide arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD). Cell behavior was examined 1, 10, and 21 days post-seeding with a LIVE/DEAD ® Kit. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) highlighted the biocompatibility of these materials (cell survival rate: 94% to 100%). Fiber roughness was found to influence cell adhesion and viability significantly and favorably. A clear benefit of polymeric textile functionalization with chitosan or RGD was demonstrated in terms of cell adhesion and viability. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 785-794, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Caracterizacion de musculos artificiales con capacidades sensores/actuadores e intercambio mayoritario de cationes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valero Conzuelo, Laura Luz

Over the past decade scientific research has been looking for new biomimetic materials able to imitate human organs behaviour, in such a way that is possible to apply them on different technologies: low cost ones, scalable ones, low energy consumption ones and on those with high potentialities in areas such as health, robotics, artificial nerves and muscles, among others. Most of the studied materials mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) of living cells and its physical functions. Now, and for the first time, conducting polymers, and other electroactive materials exchange ions and water through electrochemical reactions: the material becomes a dense electroactive gel. The content of mentioned gel and the reactions happening in it mimic, by the first time in the history of science, the composition (in its simplest expression) and reactions taking place in the reactive intracellular matrix of the functional cells of living beings. During the chemical reactions (oxidation or reduction) the gel relative composition (polymer-ion-water) shifts, in a reversible way, by several orders of magnitude. Along with it several composition-dependent properties of the material change simultaneously. The reversible variation of the material volume driven by the reactions mimics the natural muscles behaviour: artificial polymeric muscles, or polymeric electrochemical actuators, based on this property are being developed. With the material composition the consumed energy change as a function thermal, chemical or mechanical conditions. This fact is used for the development of sensors and biosensors. The material volume and the material potential shift, simultaneously, during the reaction. Here the possibility to develop dual sensing-actuators is explored: two elements working concurrently in the same, physically uniform, device mimicking haptic muscles. In this thesis the electrochemical synthesis of thick polypyrrole/DBS films is described. The electrochemical behaviour of the polymer film, used as a self-supported electrode, is characterized assuming the exchange of cations during its oxidation/reduction. For the electrochemical characterization of biomimetic films of polypyrrole/DBS, different electrochemical techniques are used and under different experimental conditions with the view to understanding the sensing potentialities of the material reactions. The study and electrochemical characterization of the motion of pPy/DBS//tape bilayer bending actuators corroborates that the reaction is driven by the expulsion of cations from the conducting polymer to the electrolyte during oxidation and its entrance during reduction, in the full potential range studied. The actuator is a faradaic device controlled by the electrochemical reaction driving the movement: the rate of the angular movement is a linear function (easy control of the velocity) of the applied current and the described angle by the displacement is a linear function of the consumed charge (it also provides another easy control of the displacement). The evolution of the muscle potential and that of the consumed electrical energy during the reaction senses the energetic working conditions: chemical energy (electrolyte concentration), thermal energy (working temperature) or electric energy (applied current). The polymeric motor senses, while working, environmental conditions. The sensing calibration curves were attained for the different sensors. They have been constructed and characterized triple-layer artificial muscles pPy/DBS//Tape//pPy/DBS, corroborating again the exchange of cations during the reaction, the faradic nature of the device and the ability of the device to sense, while moving, its environmental working conditions mimicking natural haptic muscles. The actuator (current and charge) and sensing (muscle potential and involved energy) signals are simultaneously present in only two connecting wires, mimicking brain-muscle intercommunication. The study of polymeric materials with cationic and/or ionic exchange opens the possibility of working in a future, using also anion-exchange materials, to develop new soft, wet, biomimetic and multifunctional tools and robots. Ionic, chemical, thermal and mechanical signals can be transformed into electrical ones and the involved information is transported using just two wires, simplifying in that way their connection to computers: the design of devices and robots having them heralds a more efficient technology.