Abstract
Single‐chain technology (SCT) allows the transformation of individual polymer chains to folded/collapsed unimolecular soft nanoparticles. In this work we contribute to the enlargement of the SCT toolbox by demonstrating the efficient synthesis of single‐chain polymer nanoparticles (SCNPs) via intrachain amide formation. In particular, we exploit cross‐linking between active methylene groups and isocyanate moieties as powerful “click” chemistry driving force for SCNP construction. By employing poly(methyl methacrylate)‐ (PMMA‐) based copolymers bearing β‐ketoester units distributed randomly along the copolymer chains and bifunctional isocyanate cross‐linkers, SCNPs were successfully synthesized at r.t. under appropriate reaction conditions. Characterization of the resulting SCNPs was carried out by means of a combination of techniques including size exclusion chromatography (SEC), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and elemental analysis (EA).
Highlights
Single-chain technology (SCT) is a new paradigm for the future construction of smart and autonomous soft nanodevices [1]
First reports about the synthesis of permanent single-chain polymer nanoparticles (SCNPs) by means of the intrachain homocoupling technique under high dilution conditions by Mecerreyes et al relied on the use of poly(styren), poly(alkyl methacrylate), and poly(εcaprolactone)-based precursors containing vinyl reactive functional groups [12]
The synthesis of poly(methyl methacrylate)- and poly(styrene)-based SCNPs by intramolecular cross-linking of isocyanate-functionalized copolymers with diamines via urethane formation was reported by Beck et al [34]
Summary
Single-chain technology (SCT) is a new paradigm for the future construction of smart and autonomous soft nanodevices [1]. In this work we contribute to the enlargement of the SCT toolbox by demonstrating the efficient synthesis of single-chain polymer nanoparticles (SCNPs) via intrachain amide formation. By employing poly(methyl methacrylate)- (PMMA-) based copolymers bearing β-ketoester units distributed randomly along the copolymer chains and bifunctional isocyanate cross-linkers, SCNPs were successfully synthesized at r.t. under appropriate reaction conditions.
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