Abstract
AbstractStyrene‐maleic acid (SMA) block copolymers with acrylic acid (AA) and methacrylic acid (MAA) were synthesized via a 3‐step process comprising: (1) photopolymerization of styrene and maleic anhydride in solution to yield an alternating styrene‐maleic anhydride (SMAnh) copolymer, (2) copolymerization of SMAnh with AA and MAA to yield SMAnh‐b‐AA and SMAnh‐b‐MAA block copolymers, and (3) base‐catalyzed hydrolysis of the anhydride groups to yield water‐soluble SMA‐b‐AA and SMA‐b‐MAA block copolymers. Copolymer compositions and average molecular weights were determined by the synthesis methodology used in which reversible chain transfer was a key component. Copolymer characterization was carried out by a combination of techniques, namely: ATR‐FTIR, 1H‐NMR, dilute‐solution viscometry, GPC, DSC, and TGA. These novel SMA block copolymers have been designed with a view to their use in membrane protein (MP) extraction from plant extracts and other naturally occurring substances of potential therapeutic value. The main function of the AA or MAA blocks is to widen the operational pH range of SMA in terms of (a) maintaining its water solubility at low pH and (b) stabilizing its MP assemblies in solution.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.