Molar Ratio Of Monomer Research Articles

Preparation of polymeric vesicles and their application for catalyst carriers

The catalytic property of the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) decorated polymeric vesicles were studied. Cross-linked polymeric vesicles were used as the templates for AgNPs deposition. The effect of the degree of polymerization (DP) of the hydrophilic block mPEG was evaluated and good shaped vesicles could be obtained with DP of mPEG at 43. Monomer molar ratio of DIPEMA/GlyMA had big effect on particle morphology, and pure polymeric vesicles could be produced when monomer molar ratio was equal to or higher than 7:3. The catalytic study indicated good catalytic property of the AgNPs decorated vesicles.

Understanding interfacial polymerization in the formation of polyamide RO membranes by molecular simulations

Since the water permeation mechanisms of polyamide membranes are highly dependent on the micro-structure of polyamide membranes, a deeper understanding of the formation process of them is necessary for the optimization of the membrane performance. As most simulation works construct the polyamide membranes in an ideal way, the interfacial diffusion of monomers, which is crucial for the formation of polyamide membranes, is usually ignored. To address this issue, we mimic the experimental conditions to develop an atomic model of a highly crosslinked polyamide membrane by conducting molecular dynamics simulations. Via tuning the concentration and molar ratio of monomers, the diffusion of monomers and its influence on the subsequent reaction are altered, and the final membrane structure consequently changed. Simulation results reveal that increasing the trimesoyl chloride concentration results in thicker membranes with a reduced specific surface area and consequently decreased water permeance. On the other hand, increasing the m-phenylenediamine concentration will accelerate the reaction rate and reduce the final crosslinking degree. A deeper understanding of the mechanism of polyamide-membrane formation is unveiled in this work, which can aid in the design of high-performance polyamide membranes in the future.

Preparation and performance exploration of 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid‐based copolyester bioplastics: Controlling thermal properties, tensile properties, and surface hydrophilicity through composition

AbstractTo improve the comprehensive properties of polybutylene furandicarboxylate (PBF), 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (2,5‐FDCA), and aliphatic chain diol 1,8‐octanediol and 1,4‐butanediol were used as monomers to synthesize a series of bio‐based polybutylene glycol‐octanediol 2,5‐furandicarboxylate (PBOF). The results showed that the chemical composition of PBOF could be controlled through the molar ratio of monomers. Compared with PBF, as the proportion of octanediol segments gradually increased, PBOF could gradually transform from semi‐crystalline thermoplastic to amorphous form, and the glass transition temperature (Tg) gradually decreased. The crystallization ability reduced but a part of the crystal area was still retained. The copolyesters still has a decomposition temperature above 370°C, indicating excellent thermal stability. The introduction of the octanediol segment significantly improved the tensile mechanical properties and flexibility of the POBF copolyester. These meet the requirements for the preparation of bio‐based engineering plastics. The water absorption rate of PBOF showed that it may have certain degradable potential. PBOF copolyesters have potential application prospects in bio‐based medical plastics and biodegradable packaging polymer materials after copolymerization modification.

Self-Powered UV Photodetector Construction of the P(EDOS-TTh) Copolymer-Modified ZnO Nanoarray.

To solve the problem that zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO NRs)-based self-powered ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors cannot obtain both higher responsiveness and shorter response time, P(EDOS-TTh) was prepared using 3,4-ethylenedioxyselenphene (EDOS) and terthiophene (TTh) as copolymers, which modify the ZnO NRs surface, and the ZnO/P(EDOS-TTh) P-N junction self-powered UV device is assembled. The effect of the number of electrochemical polymerization cycles on the UV photodetection performance of ZnO/P(EDOS-TTh) P-N heterojunction was studied by adjusting the number of electrochemical polymerization cycles at the monomer molar ratio of 1:1. Benefiting from the enhanced built-in electric field of the ZnO/P(EDOS-TTh) interface, balancing photogenerated carriers, and charge separation and transport. The results show that the contact between N-type ZnO NRs and P-type P(EDOS-TTh) is best when the number of polymerization cycles is 3, due to the fact that EDOS-TTh and ZnO NRs form excellent P-N heterojunctions with strong internal electric fields, and the devices show good pyroelectric effect and UV photodetection performance. Under 0 V bias and 0.32 mW/cm2 UV irradiation, the responsivity (R) of ZnO/P(EDOS-TTh) reaches 3.31 mA/W, the detectivity (D*) is 7.25 × 1010 Jones, and the response time is significantly shortened. The rise time is 0.086 s, which exhibited excellent photoelectric properties and stability. UV photodetection performance with high sensitivity and fast response time is achieved.

Droplet photopolymerization as new strategy for the rapid preparation of hydrogel beads for malachite green removal

Green and efficient preparation of hydrogel beads remains a great challenge. In this study, the hydrogel beads (AGSP) were directly prepared within 10 s from drop-out to drop-down of the droplets in paraffin oil under green LED irradiation using sodium acrylate and acrylamide as the functional monomers, methacrylated carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCSG) as a crosslinker based on carboxymethyl chitosan and poly(ethylene glycol) as porogen. Molar ratios of monomers were modified to optimize the adsorption of hydrogel beads, and the optimal adsorption capacity for malachite green (MG) was 503.33 mg·g−1. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used to determine the structural characteristics of the hydrogel beads. The removal of MG by AGSP was investigated and the adsorption kinetics and isotherms were calculated to understand the adsorption mechanism. Our research provides a green and efficient technique for preparing hydrogel beads for dye removal.

Dynamic Interfaces in Self-Healable Polymers.

It is well-established that interfaces play critical roles in biological and synthetic processes. Aside from significant practical applications, the most accessible and measurable quantity is interfacial tension, which represents a measure of the energy required to create or rejoin two surfaces. Owing to the fact that interfacial processes are critical in polymeric materials, this review outlines recent advances in dynamic interfacial processes involving physics and chemistry targeting self-healing. Entropic interfacial energies stored during damage participate in the recovery, and self-healing depends upon copolymer composition and monomer sequence, monomer molar ratios, molecular weight, and polymer dispersity. These properties ultimately impact chain flexibility, shape-memory recovery, and interfacial interactions. Self-healing is a localized process with global implications on mechanical and other properties. Selected examples driven by interfacial flow and shape memory effects are discussed in the context of covalent and supramolecular rebonding targeting self-healable materials development.

Preparation of carboxy sulfonic acid‐containing copolymer scale inhibitors and their scale inhibition effect on CaCO3

AbstractFree radical polymerization was selected to obtain a promising copolymer scale inhibitor IA‐AM‐SAS with good water solubility and temperature and salt resistance, which is suitable for the treatment of surface pipeline water in oil fields, using itaconic acid (IA), acrylamide (AM), and sodium acrylsulfonate (SAS) as the monomers. The structure of the synthesized copolymer was verified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance hydrogen spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric results showed that the copolymer does not undergo significant thermal degradation at temperatures below 356°C, indicating that the copolymer has good thermal stability. The molecular weights of the polymers at different monomer ratios were measured using gel permeation chromatography and the relationship between the molecular weights and scale inhibition performance was discussed. The results showed that the scale inhibition effect was best when the monomer molar ratio n(IA): n(AM): n(SAS) was 0.5:2:1.5 and the number of average molecular weight of the prepared copolymer was 7712 g/mol, and the inhibition efficiency of CaCO3 was 84.02% when IA‐AM‐SAS was at a concentration of 30 mg L−1, and the inhibition rate was measured by the standard of static scale inhibition test in the oilfield measured. The range of conditions (PH, Ca2+ concentration, water temperature, and time) of the static scale inhibition test was then expanded using a one‐way controlled variable experiment to explore the performance of IA‐AM‐SAS scale inhibitors under different water quality conditions. The scale inhibition mechanism was explored by scanning electron microscopy, x‐ray diffraction, and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Briefly, the combination of multiple functional groups enables IA‐AM‐SAS to be applied in complex and challenging environments.

Electrogeneration of N-substituted polyaniline micro/nanoparticles with potential for energy storage

In the pursuit to develop functionalized polyaniline (PANI) micro/nanoparticles suitable for electrical charge storage, the electrochemical copolymerization of N-(3-sulfopropyl) aniline (AnPS) and N-(2-hydroxyethyl) aniline (AnEtOH) was performed to generate electroactive N-substituted PANI layers directly deposited onto conductive substrates. A particular attention was focused on the impact of the comonomer's molar ratio and pH of the electrolysis solutions on the morphology and electrochemical properties of PANI electrodeposited layers. Thus, four mixtures of the monomers were subjected to electrochemical polymerization in two electrolyte solutions (1 M H2SO4 and acetate buffer solution, pH 4.5) that led to green, homogeneous copolymer deposition layers on the electrode surface. These provided different structural morphologies, that varied from spherical microparticles generated from solution with slightly acidic pH (4.5) to dense, granular morphological features in the case of the deposition layers electrogenerated from 1 M H2SO4. These were characterized in detail by FT-IR and UV–Vis spectroscopies, which confirmed their proposed chemical structure. The electrooxidative polymerization mechanism of the studied N-substituted aniline monomers was evidenced by spectroelectrochemical studies, which highlighted the influence of the monomer's molar ratio and solutions’ pH on the electrolysis process. Moreover, it was demonstrated that the particle dimensions and distributions can be controlled by the comonomer's molar ratio and electrolysis parameters. Considering that the high specific surface area of the obtained PANI micro/nanoparticles can contribute to a better wettability of the polymer molecules with electrolyte ions and their diffusion, the capacitive behaviour of these PANI films was investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD). The highest areal specific capacitance, of 5.32 mFcm−2, was obtained for the polymer electrogenerated from 1:1 molar ratio of the two monomers, that distinguished by the related polymers through a better ion diffusion at low scan rates and efficient charge transfer at high scan rates.

Synthesis and Corrosion Inhibition of a New Corrosion Inhibitor in Acidic Media

A corrosion inhibitor thioaminourea-2-hydroxyphosphonylacetic (TSC-HPAA) acid was developed and synthesized for the acidic water. The effect of monomer molar ratio, reaction time and reaction temperature on corrosion inhibition performance were investigated. Comparison of corrosion inhibition performance with other corrosion inhibitors. The results showed that the synthesized corrosion inhibitor TSC-HPAA had good corrosion inhibition performance on A3 carbon steel in the acidic water, with a corrosion inhibition rate of 86.2% when the molar ratio of thiosemicarbazide and 2-hydroxyphosphonylacetic acid was 1:1, the reaction time was 9.5 hours, and the reaction temperature was 50 °C.

Synthesis of Crosslinked Microparticles Based on Glycidyl Methacrylate and N‐Vinylimidazole

AbstractIn this study, suspension polymerization technique is used to obtain 3D porous networks based on two monofunctional monomers (glycidyl methacrylate and N‐vinylimidazole) and one of the following difunctional monomers known as crosslinking agents: mono‐, di‐, and triethylene glycol dimethacrylate or divinylbenzene. The influence of various operational parameters like: monomer molar ratio, amount and type of crosslinkers, composition of stabilization system, stirring speed, amount of porogenic agent on the reaction yield, surface morphologies, particle size distribution, and porous characteristics are investigated in order to find the optimal conditions for the synthesis of microparticles possessing the desired properties for further chemical modification. Crosslinked porous microparticles are structurally characterized by Fourier transform inrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and elemental analysis by determination of nitrogen and epoxy groups. The microparticle morphologies as a function of investigated parameters are revealed by scanning electron microscopy, whereas the porous structure is highlighted by mercury porosimetry and dynamic water vapor sorption methods. All the crosslinked networks exhibit porous structures with different surface morphologies and specific surface area values (1.15–48.32 m2 g−1) depending on the operational parameters. These microparticles can be considered precursors for the preparation of various functional polymeric materials.

Effects of comb-like poly-α-olefins on the cold flow properties of diesel fuel

Pour point depressants (PPDs) represent an efficient and economical approach to enhance diesel's low-temperature fluidity, yet their efficacy is influenced by molecular structure and surfactant moieties. To achieve highly effective PPDs, a series of comb-structured poly-alpha-olefins (PAOs) were synthesized in this paper, designated as 1-hexadecene-styrene (C16-SM), 1-hexadecene- allyl benzene (C16-AM), and 1-hexadecene-indene (C16-IM). The copolymers' impact on diminishing diesel's solid point (SP) and cold filter plugging point (CFPP) was thoroughly investigated. Notably, with a 1-hexadecene to styrene monomer molar ratio of 20:1, the most favorable inhibitory effect of C16-SM was observed, exhibiting a reduction of 10 °C for CFPP and 30 °C for SP. Comparing C16-SM to commercial pour point depressants (CPPDs) after subjecting them to an accelerated oxidation test revealed that the C16-SM performance was more stable under oxidative conditions. To address stability and environmental pollution concerns associated with PPDs, this study aims to develop a stable, eco-friendly PAO PPD and assess the influence of various benzene ring-based monomers on diesel's cold fluidity in low-temperature conditions. Furthermore, a novel mechanism elucidating the change in crystal morphology and size by PAOs is proposed.

A new approach to prediction riboflavin absorbance using imprinted polymer and ensemble machine learning algorithms

The molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) is useful for measuring the amount of riboflavin (vitamin B2), in various samples using UV/Vis instruments. The practical optimization of the MIP synthesis conditions has a number of drawbacks, like the need to spend money, the need to spend time, the use of the compounds that cause contamination, needing laboratory equipment and tools. Using machine learning (ML) to predict the amount of riboflavin absorbance is a creative solution to overcome the problems and shortcomings of optimizing polymer synthesis conditions. In fact, by using the model without needing real work in the laboratory, the optimum laboratory conditions are determined, and as a result the maximized absorption of the riboflavin is obtained. In this paper, MIP was synthesized for selective extraction of the riboflavin, and UV/Vis spectrophotometry was used to quantitatively measure riboflavin absorbance. Various factors affect the performance of the polymer. The effect of six important factors, including the molar ratio of the template, the molar ratio of monomer, the molar ratio of cross-linker, loading time, stirring rate, and pH, were investigated. Then, using ensemble ML algorithms, like gradient boosting (GB), extra trees (ET), random forest (RF), and Ada boost (Ada) algorithms, an accurate model was created to predict the riboflavin absorption. Also, the mutual information feature selection method was used to determine the important features. The results of using feature selection method was shown that variables such as the molar ratio of the template, the molar ratio of the monomer, and the molar ratio of the cross-linker had a high effect on riboflavin absorbance. The GB and Ada boost algorithms performed better than ET and RF algorithms. After tuning the n-estimator hyper parameter (n-estimator = 300), the GB algorithm was shown an excellent performance in predicting the absorbance of riboflavin and the maximum R2-scoring of the model was obtained at 0.965995, the minimum of the mean absolute error (MAE), and mean square error (MSE) of the model respectively were obtained −0.003711 and −0.000078. Therefore, by using the proposed model, it is possible to predict riboflavin absorbance theoretically, and with high accuracy by changing the inputs of model, and using the model instead of working in the lab saves time, money, chemical compounds, and lab ware.

Preparation and characterization of low CTE thermoplastic copolyimide resins based on the structural design of block sequence

In order to solve the challenge of balancing the thermoplastic processing properties and thermal dimensional stability of polyimide (PI) resin, in this research, 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic diandhydride (BPDA) and 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzidine (TFMB) were used as rigid components, 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride (ODPA) and 4,4′-diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS) as flexible components. A series of random copolyimide resins was prepared by adjusting the molar ratio of rigid and flexible monomers. Determining the molar ratio which could balance the thermoplastic processing properties and thermal dimensional stability, block copolyimide resins with different rigid and flexible block lengths were then prepared in this ratio. The research showed that the molar ratio of monomers and the sequence structure of molecular chains had a strong influence on the performance of PI resins. When the content or block length of rigid component increased, the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) decreased but the glass transition temperatures (Tg) and melt viscosity increased. The PI-B343 resin had a CTE value of 40.63 ppm/K and the lowest melt viscosity reached 675 Pa·s, achieved the simultaneous regulation of the thermoplastic processing properties and thermal dimensional stability for PI resin.

Effect of Monomer Type on the Synthesis and Properties of Poly(Ethylene Furanoate).

This work aimed to produce bio-based poly(ethylene furanoate) (PEF) with a high molecular weight using 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid (FDCA) or its derivative dimethyl 2,5-furan dicarboxylate (DMFD), targeting food packaging applications. The effect of monomer type, molar ratios, catalyst, polycondensation time, and temperature on synthesized samples' intrinsic viscosities and color intensity was evaluated. It was found that FDCA is more effective than DMFD in producing PEF with higher molecular weight. A sum of complementary techniques was employed to study the structure-properties relationships of the prepared PEF samples, both in amorphous and semicrystalline states. The amorphous samples exhibited an increase in glass transition temperature of 82-87 °C, and annealed samples displayed a decrease in crystallinity with increasing intrinsic viscosity, as analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction. Dielectric spectroscopy showed moderate local and segmental dynamics and high ionic conductivity for the 2,5-FDCA-based samples. The spherulite size and nuclei density of samples improved with increased melt crystallization and viscosity, respectively. The hydrophilicity and oxygen permeability of the samples were reduced with increased rigidity and molecular weight. The nanoindentation test showed that the hardness and elastic modulus of amorphous and annealed samples is higher at low viscosities due to high intermolecular interactions and degree of crystallinity.

Kombination von Styrol‐ und Dien‐Struktur zu einem zyklischen Dien: Anionische Polymerisation von 1‐Vinylcyclohexen (VCH)

AbstractWir berichten über die erste anionische Polymerisation von 1‐Vinylcyclohexen (VCH). Diese Struktur kann als eine Kombination von Dien und Styrol betrachtet werden. Die Polymerisation dieses zyklischen, 1,2‐disubstituierten 1,3‐Diens verlief quantitativ in Cyclohexan bei 25 °C mit sec‐Butyllithium als Initiator. Die erhaltenen Polymere wiesen gut kontrollierte Molekulargewichte im Bereich von 5 bis 142 kg mol−1 auf, die durch das molare Verhältnis von Monomer und Initiator einstellbar waren, mit engen Molekulargewichtsverteilungen (Đ<1.07–1.20). Die kinetische in situ Untersuchung der Polymerisation mittels 1H NMR ergab eine schwach ausgeprägte Gradientenstruktur für die Copolymere von Styrol und VCH (rSty=2.55, rVCH=0.39). PVCH, das in Cyclohexan mit sec‐BuLi als Initiator erhalten wurde, zeigte sowohl 1,4‐ als auch 3,4‐Einbau von VCH (Verhältnis: 64 : 36). Es wurde weiterhin gezeigt, dass die Mikrostruktur des resultierenden PVCH durch Zugabe eines polaren Additivs (THF) verändert werden kann, was zu einem erhöhten Anteil der 3,4‐Mikrostruktur (bis zu 78 %) und einer erhöhten Glasübergangstemperatur von bis zu 89 °C führte. Somit polymerisiert das Monomer VCH carbanionisch lebend wie ein Dien, liefert dabei jedoch recht rigide Polymere mit hoher Glasübergangstemperatur, was interessante Möglichkeiten für die Kombination mit anderen Dienen zu hoch definierten Polymerarchitekturen und Materialien bietet.

Merging Styrene and Diene Structures to a Cyclic Diene: Anionic Polymerization of 1-Vinylcyclohexene (VCH).

We report the first anionic polymerization of 1-vinylcyclohexene (VCH). This structure may be considered as an intermediate between dienes and styrene. The polymerization of this cyclic 1,2-disubstituted 1,3-diene proceeded quantitatively in cyclohexane at 25 °C with sec-butyllithium as an initiator. The obtained polymers have well-controlled molecular weights in the range of 5 to 142 kg mol-1 , controlled by the molar ratio of monomer and initiator, with narrow molecular weight distributions (Đ<1.07-1.20). In situ 1 H NMR kinetic characterization revealed a weak gradient structure for the copolymers of styrene and VCH, (rSty =2.55, rVCH =0.39). P(VCH) obtained in cyclohexane with sec-BuLi as an initiator showed both 1,4- and 3,4-incorporation mode (ratio: 64 : 36). It was demonstrated that the microstructure of the resulting P(VCH) can be altered by the addition of a modifier (THF), resulting in increasing 3,4-microstructure (up to 78 %) and elevated glass-transition temperature up to 89 °C. Thus, the monomer VCH polymerizes carbanionically like a diene, however leading to rigid polymers with high glass transition temperature, which provides interesting options for combination with other dienes to well-defined polymer architectures and materials.

Flower-like Thiourea-Formaldehyde Resin Microspheres for the Adsorption of Silver Ions.

Around a quarter of annual worldwide silver consumption comes from recycling. It remains a primary target for researchers to increase the silver ion adsorption capacity of the chelate resin. Herein, a series of flower-like thiourea-formaldehyde microspheres (FTFM) possessing diameters of 15-20 μm were prepared via a one-step reaction under acidic conditions, and the effects of the monomer molar ratio and reaction time on the micro-flower morphology, specific surface area, and silver ion adsorption performance were explored. The nanoflower-like microstructure showed the maximum specific surface area 18.98 ± 0.949 m2/g, which was 55.8 times higher than that of the solid microsphere control. As a result, the maximum silver ion adsorption capacity was 7.95 ± 0.396 mmol/g, which was 10.9 times higher than that of the control. Kinetic studies showed that the equilibrium adsorption amount of FT1F4M was 12.61 ± 0.016 mmol/g, which was 11.6 times higher than that of the control. Additionally, the isotherm study of the adsorption process was performed, and the maximum adsorption capacity of FT1F4M was 18.17 ± 1.28 mmol/g, which was 13.8 times that of the control according to the Langmuir adsorption model. Its high absorption efficiency, convenient preparation strategy, and low cost recommend FTFM bright for further use in industrial applications.

Template-assisted synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymers for the removal of methyl red from aqueous media

This study entails the synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) with good selectivity coefficients for azo dye as a potential sorbent material to extract azo dye from polluted aqueous media. A series of MIPs for methyl red (MR) as a template, were synthesized by changing the molar ratio of functional monomers, via precipitation polymerization format of non-covalent approach. Water-soluble functional monomer; acrylic acid (AA) was used to weave the frame work of polymers while ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) was utilized as crosslinking monomer. The impact of different experimental parameters, such as mole ratio of monomer (functional) to crosslinking monomer on the molecular recognition was investigated. The highly efficient and selective MR-MIP was used for the removal of spiked MR dye from different water samples. The selected imprinted polymer, MR1-MIP was able to selectively remove the MR molecules from aqueous media. A significant amount of dye was removed by MR1-MIP from the river water samples with a high degree of removal efficiency i.e. 92.25%. The imprinting factor of 3.75 for MR1-MIP indicated that the high selectivity in terms of adsorption for MR. A minimum loss of only ~ 3.35% in the removal efficiency within ten sequential cycles of adsorption–desorption study evidenced that MR-MIPs could be used as the most cost effective and best sorbent for the removal of MR from polluted water. Furthermore, the structural properties of MR-MIPs were characterized by FTIR and EDX, whereas TGA, SEM and BET were used to describe the thermal, morphological and surface structures of the particles, respectively.Graphical

Ring-and-Lock Interactions in Self-Healable Styrenic Copolymers.

Commodity copolymers offer many useful applications, and their durability is critical in maintaining desired functions and retaining sustainability. These studies show that primarily alternating styrene/n-butyl acrylate [p(Sty/nBA)] copolymers self-heal without external intervention when monomer molar ratios are within the 45:55-53:47 range. This behavior is attributed to the favorable interchain interactions between aliphatic nBA side groups being sandwiched by aromatic rings forming ring-and-lock associations driven by pi-sigma-pi (π-σ-π) interactions. Guided by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations combined with spectroscopic and thermomechanical analysis, the ring-and-lock interchain van der Waals forces between π orbitals of aromatic rings and sigma components of aliphatic side groups are responsible for self-healing. Despite the frequent occurrence of these interactions in biological systems (proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and polysaccharides), these largely unexplored weak and ubiquitous molecular forces between the soft acid aliphatic and soft base aromatic electrons may be valuable assets in the development of polymeric materials with sustainable properties.

Antibacterial and pH-sensitive methacrylate poly-L-Arginine/poly (β-amino ester) polymer for soft tissue engineering

During the last decade, pH-sensitive biomaterials containing antibacterial agents have grown exponentially in soft tissue engineering. The aim of this study is to synthesize a biodegradable pH sensitive and antibacterial hydrogel with adjustable mechanical and physical properties for soft tissue engineering. This biodegradable copolymer hydrogel was made of Poly-L-Arginine methacrylate (Poly-L-ArgMA) and different poly (β- amino ester) (PβAE) polymers. PβAE was prepared with four different diacrylate/diamine monomers including; 1.1:1 (PβAE1), 1.5:1 (PβAE1.5), 2:1 (PβAE2), and 3:1 (PβAE3), which was UV cross-linked using dimethoxy phenyl-acetophenone agent. These PβAE were then used for preparation of Poly-L-ArgMA/PβAE polymers and revealed a tunable swelling ratio, depending on the pH conditions. Noticeably, the swelling ratio increased by 1.5 times when the pH decreased from 7.4 to 5.6 in the Poly-L-ArgMA/PβAE1.5 sample. Also, the controllable degradation rate and different mechanical properties were obtained, depending on the PβAE monomer ratio. Noticeably, the tensile strength of the PβAE hydrogel increased from 0.10 ± 0.04 MPa to 2.42 ± 0.3 MPa, when the acrylate/diamine monomer molar ratio increased from 1.1:1 to 3:1. In addition, Poly-L-ArgMA/PβAE samples significantly improved L929 cell viability, attachment and proliferation. Poly-L-ArgMA also enhanced the antibacterial activities of PβAE against both Escherichia coli (~5.1 times) and Staphylococcus aureus (~2.7 times). In summary, the antibacterial and pH-sensitive Poly-L-ArgMA/PβAE1.5 with suitable mechanical, degradation and biological properties could be an appropriate candidate for soft tissue engineering, specifically wound healing applications.Graphical