Transfer-reversible Addition-fragmentation Chain Transfer Research Articles

Direct Functionalization of Polyethylene Surfaces with High-Density Polymer Brushes.

Introducing functionality onto PE surfaces is a longstanding challenge in polymer science, driven by the need for polymer materials with improved adhesion and antifouling properties. Herein, we report surface-initiated hydrogen atom transfer-reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (SI HAT-RAFT) as a robust method to grow high-density brush polymers from PE surfaces. We demonstrate that, under mild conditions, direct initiation from the C-H bonds of PE surfaces allows for the graft polymerization of a variety of (meth)acrylate monomers. The resulting polymer brushes reached several hundred nanometers in thickness with densities of ca. 0.62 chains/nm2, compared to the current standard of ∼0.28 chains/nm2. Finally, we show that our method is capable of dramatically improving the adhesive properties of PE surfaces. This work enables the preparation of PE with diverse surface functionalities for potential use in biomedical, industrial, and battery applications.

Hybrid Bonding Bottlebrush Polymers Grafted from a Supramolecular Polymer Backbone.

Bottlebrush polymers, macromolecules consisting of dense polymer side chains grafted from a central polymer backbone, have unique properties resulting from this well-defined molecular architecture. With the advent of controlled radical polymerization techniques, access to these architectures has become more readily available. However, synthetic challenges remain, including the need for intermediate purification, the use of toxic solvents, and challenges with achieving long bottlebrush architectures due to backbone entanglements. Herein, we report hybrid bonding bottlebrush polymers (systems integrating covalent and noncovalent bonding of structural units) consisting of poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (p(NaSS)) brushes grafted from a peptide amphiphile (PA) supramolecular polymer backbone. This was achieved using photoinitiated electron/energy transfer-reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (PET-RAFT) polymerization in water. The structure of the hybrid bonding bottlebrush architecture was characterized using cryogenic transmission electron microscopy, and its properties were probed using rheological measurements. We observed that hybrid bonding bottlebrush polymers were able to organize into block architectures containing domains with high brush grafting density and others with no observable brushes. This finding is possibly a result of dynamic behavior unique to supramolecular polymer backbones, enabling molecular exchange or translational diffusion of monomers along the length of the assemblies. The hybrid bottlebrush polymers exhibited higher solution viscosity at moderate shear, protected supramolecular polymer backbones from disassembly at high shear, and supported self-healing capabilities, depending on grafting densities. Our results demonstrate an opportunity for novel properties in easily synthesized bottlebrush polymer architectures built with supramolecular polymers that might be useful in biomedical applications or for aqueous lubrication.

Poly(amino acid)-based drug delivery nanoparticles eliminate Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus via tunable release of antibiotic

Bacterial infections threaten public health, and novel therapeutic strategies critically demand to be explored. Herein, poly(amino acid) (PAA)-based drug delivery nanoparticles (NPs) were designed for eliminating Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) via tunable release of antibiotic. Using N-acryloyl amino acids (valine, valine methyl ester, aspartic acid, serine) as monomers, four kinds of amphiphilic PAAs were synthesized via photoinduced electron/energy transfer–reversible addition fragmentation chain-transfer (PET-RAFT) polymerization and were further assembled into nano-sized delivery systems. Their assemble behavior was drove mainly by hydrophobic/hydrophilic interaction, which determined the particle size, efficacy of drug loading and release; but numerous hydrogen bonding (HB) interaction also played an important role in regulating morphologies of the NPs and enriching drug-binding capacity. By changing the HB- and hydrophobic-interaction of the PAAs, the particle sizes (240.7 nm-302.7 nm), the drug loading efficiency (9.57%-19.76%), and the Rifampicin (Rif) release rate (49.6%-69.7%) of the PAA-based NPs could be tunable. Specially, the antimicrobial properties of the Rif-loaded NPs are found to be related to the release of Rif, which was determined by its hydrophobic interaction with hydrophobic blocks and HB interaction with hydrophilic blocks. These studies provide a new outlook for the design of delivery systems for the therapy of bacterial infection.

Oxygen-Tolerant Fabrication of Large-Area Hydrogel Films via Photoinduced Electron/Energy Transfer-Reversible Addition–Fragmentation Chain Transfer Polymerization

Oxygen-Tolerant Fabrication of Large-Area Hydrogel Films via Photoinduced Electron/Energy Transfer-Reversible Addition–Fragmentation Chain Transfer Polymerization

3D Temperature-Controlled Interchangeable Pattern for Size-Selective Nanoparticle Capture.

Patterned surfaces with distinct regularity and structured arrangements have attracted great interest due to their extensive promising applications. Although colloidal patterning has conventionally been used to create such surfaces, herein, we introduce a novel 3D patterned poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) surface, synthesized by using a combination of colloidal templating and surface-initiated photoinduced electron transfer-reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (SI-PET-RAFT) polymerization. In order to investigate the temperature-driven 3D morphological variations at a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of ∼32 °C, multifaceted characterization techniques were employed. Atomic force microscopy confirmed the morphological transformations at 20 and 40 °C, while water contact angle measurements, upon heating, revealed distinct trends, offering insights into the correlation between surface wettability and topography adaptations. Moreover, quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring and electrochemical measurements were employed to detect the topographical adjustments of the unique hollow capsule structure within the LCST. Tests using different sizes of PSNPs shed light on the size-selective capture-release potential of the patterned PNIPAM, accentuating its biomimetic open-close behavior. Notably, our approach negates the necessity for expensive proteins, harnessing temperature adjustments to facilitate the noninvasive and efficient reversible capture and release of nanostructures. This advancement hopes to pave the way for future innovative cellular analysis platforms.

Unleashing the Power of PET-RAFT Polymerization: Journey from Porphyrin-Based Photocatalysts to Combinatorial Technologies and Advanced Bioapplications.

The emergence of photoinduced energy/electron transfer-reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (PET-RAFT) not only revolutionized the field of photopolymerization but also accelerated the development of porphyrin-based photocatalysts and their analogues. The continual expansion of the monomer family compatible with PET-RAFT polymerization enhances the range of light radiation that can be harnessed, providing increased flexibility in polymerization processes. Furthermore, the versatility of PET-RAFT polymerization extends beyond its inherent capabilities, enabling its integration with various technologies in diverse fields. This integration holds considerable promise for the advancement of biomaterials with satisfactory bioapplications. As researchers delve deeper into the possibilities afforded by PET-RAFT polymerization, the collaborative efforts of individuals from diverse disciplines will prove invaluable in unleashing its full potential. This Review presents a concise introduction to the fundamental principles of PET-RAFT, outlines the progress in photocatalyst development, highlights its primary applications, and offers insights for future advancements in this technique, paving the way for exciting innovations and applications.

Emulsion-Directed Synthesis of Poly-Porphyrin Nanoparticles as Heterogeneous Photocatalysts for PET-RAFT Polymerization.

Heterogeneous photocatalysts have attracted extensive attention in photo-induced electron transfer-reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (PET-RAFT) polymerization due to their remarkable advantages such as easy preparation, tunable photoelectric properties, and recyclability. In this study, zinc (II) 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-aminophenyl)porphyrin (ZnTAPP)-based poly-porphyrin nanoparticles (PTAPP-Zn) are constructed by an emulsion-directed approach. It is investigated as a heterogeneous photocatalyst for PET-RAFT polymerization of various methacrylate monomers under visible light exposure, and the reactions show refined polymerization control with high monomer conversions. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the PTAPP-Zn nanoparticles with the larger pore size enhance photocatalytic activity in PET-RAFT polymerization. In addition, the capabilities of oxygen tolerance and temporal control are demonstrated and PTAPP-Zn particles can be easily recycled and reused without an obvious decrease in catalytic efficiency.

Self-Healing Hydrogel Scaffolds through PET-RAFT Polymerization in Cellular Environment.

Photo electron/energy transfer-reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (PET-RAFT) has emerged as a powerful reversible-deactivation radical polymerization technique, enabling oxygen-tolerant polymerizations with exquisite spatiotemporal control through irradiation with visible light. In contrast to traditional free radical photo-polymerization, which often requires the use of DNA-damaging UV irradiation, PET-RAFT offers a more cytocompatible alternative for the preparation of polymeric materials in cell culture environments. Herein, we report the use of PET-RAFT for the fabrication of self-healing hydrogels using commercially available monomers, reaching high monomer conversions and cell encapsulation efficiencies. Our hydrogels showed the expected rheological and mechanical properties for the systems considered, together with excellent cytocompatibility and spatiotemporal control over the polymerization process. Moreover, hydrogels prepared through this method could be cut and healed again by simply adding further monomer and irradiating the system with visible light, even in the presence of mammalian cells. This study demonstrates for the first time the potential of PET-RAFT polymerization as a viable methodology for the synthesis of self-healing hydrogel scaffolds for cell encapsulation.

Shape-Controlled synthesis of conjugated microporous polymer nanotubes and their implementation in continuous flow polymerization

Flow reactors have materialized as a reliable and sustainable approach toward polymer production and processing to promote efficient and uniform irradiation pathways. However, the disadvantages of existing homogeneous photocatalysts including noxiousness, restricted photocatalytic activity and stability, and difficult separation and purification, still pose a great challenge to the advancement of this technique. Herein, conjugated microporous polymer nanotubes (hPorBDP NTs) were fabricated through Sonogashira-Hagihara cross-coupling polycondensation with silica nanorods as sacrificial templates, followed by etching of the inner cores. The hPorBDP NTs with a hollow nanostructure and a highly porous texture were demonstrated to facilitate the separation procedure and provide more accessible active sites for photocatalytic reactions. The hPorBDP NTs were employed as heterogeneous catalysts to activate photoinduced electron/energy transfer-reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (PET-RAFT) polymerization in batch and in continuous flow system. Screening of the initial monomer concentrations and pump flow rates, high monomer conversions (ɑ > 80%) and narrow dispersities (Đ < 1.15) were achieved in continuous flow system for upscaled production of polymers. Separation and reutilization of the catalyst-bound NTs were realized through facile centrifugation, which resulted in negligible leaching and maintenance of catalytic performance over multiple polymerization cycles. As such, the development of photosynthesis system using hPorBDP NTs as heterogeneous photocatalysts should broaden the application scope of these fascinating catalysts while benefiting synthetic upscaling by continuous flow polymerization.

Automated Multi‐ and Block‐Copolymer Writing in Mesoporous Films Using Visible‐Light PET‐RAFT and a Microscope (Small 16/2023)

Mesoporous Films An oxygen tolerant, DDMAT-initiated and visible-light induced photo electron/energy transfer-reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (PET-RAFT) allows for direct polymer writing in a mesoporous silica thin film. Using a commercially available microscope, micrometer scale resolution of the placement of three different polymers as well as block-copolymer functionalization are achieved. This flexible approach makes rapid prototyping of polymer patterns in mesoporous silica thin film easily accessible. More details can be found in article number 2207762 by Annette Andrieu-Brunsen and co-workers.

Synthesis of hyperbranched polymer films via electrodeposition and oxygen-tolerant surface-initiated photoinduced polymerization

HypothesisHyperbranched polymers, not only possess higher functionality, but are also easier to prepare compared to dendrimers and dendric polymers. Combining electrodeposition and surface-initiated photoinduced electron transfer-reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (SI-PET-RAFT) polymerization is hypothesized to be a novel strategy for preparing hyperbranched polymer films on conductive surfaces without degassing. ExperimentsPolymer brush grafted films with four different architectures (i.e. linear, branched, linear-block-branched, and branched-block-linear) were prepared on gold-coated glass substrates using electrodeposition, followed by SI-PET-RAFT polymerization. The resulting film structure and thickness, surface topology, absorption property, and electrochemical behavior were confirmed by spectroscopy, microscopy, microbalance technique, and impedance measurement. FindingsThese hyperbranched polymer brushes were capable of forming a thicker but more uniformly covered films compared to linear polymer brush films, demonstrating that hyperbranched polymer films can be potentially useful for fabricating protective polymer coatings on various conductive surfaces.

SI-PET-RAFT in flow: improved control over polymer brush growth.

Surface-initiated photoinduced electron transfer-reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (SI-PET-RAFT) provides a light-dependent tool to synthesize polymer brushes on different surfaces that tolerates oxygen and water, and does not require a metal catalyst. Here we introduce improved control over SI-PET-RAFT polymerizations via continuous flow conditions. We confirm the composition and topological structure of the brushes by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, ellipsometry, and AFM. The improved control compared to no-flow conditions provides prolonged linear growth of the polymer brush (up to 250 nm, where no-flow polymerization maxed out <50 nm), and improved polymerization control of the polymer brush that allows the construction of diblock polymer brushes. We further show the linear correlation between the molecular weight of the polymer brush and its dry thickness by combining ellipsometry and single-molecule force spectroscopy.

Silver Sulfide Nanocrystals as a Biocompatible and Full-Spectrum Photocatalyst for Efficient Light-Driven Polymerization under Aqueous and Ambient Conditions

Owing to current global environmental concerns, polymers must be prepared under eco-friendly reaction conditions based on sustainable chemistry. In this context, highly efficient photoinduced energy/electron transfer reversible addition–fragmentation chain-transfer (PET-RAFT) polymerization under ambient/aqueous conditions without additives and/or with the aid of sunlight is the optimal approach for producing polymers with well-defined structures. This can be accomplished with a photocatalyst (PC) that utilizes the full spectrum of sunlight for maximum efficiency and has excellent water solubility or dispersibility, oxygen tolerance, and biocompatibility. However, a PC with all of these features has not yet been developed. In this study, we confirmed that this could be achieved using Ag2S nanocrystals (NCs) as photocatalysts. The sufficient reducing power of Ag2S NCs enabled the successful aqueous PET-RAFT polymerization of numerous acrylic monomers under ambient natural sunlight illumination without any additives. Under illumination, the small band gap of Ag2S NCs suppressed the generation of singlet oxygen, resulting in low cytotoxicity toward three different cell lines. Finally, we demonstrated that PET-RAFT polymerization with Ag2S NCs can be accomplished in biologically relevant media under natural sunlight illumination, indicating adequate biocompatibility and efficacy of the system.

Aqueous One-pot and Oxygen-tolerant Synthesis of Glycopolymers Using Polymer-backbone-bearing Water-soluble Activated Esters

A simple environment-friendly system is attractive for synthesizing functional polymer materials, including glycopolymers. Herein, we successfully synthesized glycopolymers via an aqueous one-pot and open-air system combined with photoinduced electron/energy transfer-reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (PET-RAFT) polymerization using a novel water-soluble monomer having an activated ester, followed by modification with amine-containing saccharide derivatives in water at room temperature.

Highly Efficient Near-Infrared Photoinduced Electron/Energy Transfer-Reversible Addition–Fragmentation Chain Transfer Polymerization via the Energy Transfer Upconversion Mechanism

Near-infrared (NIR) light-mediated polymerization has been of particular interest owing to the deep penetration into opaque materials, giving rise to great potential for biomedical applications and solar photochemistry. Photoinduced electron/energy transfer-reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (PET-RAFT) polymerization presented unprecedented spatiotemporal control over the controlled radical polymerization process. Herein, we greatly extended the NIR region up to 980 nm by introducing rationally designed upconversion nanocrystals with low toxicity and resistance to photobleaching into PET-RAFT polymerization. Well-defined polymers with predictable molecular weight and narrow dispersity were prepared within a few hours by 980 nm NIR light-regulated PET-RAFT polymerization via the energy transfer upconversion mechanism. The livingness feature of this photopolymerization was confirmed by polymerization kinetics, chain extension experiments, and multiple controlled “on–off” light switching cycles. Furthermore, the polymerizations could be successfully performed using different monomers, in the presence of several visible light-proof barriers (i.e., pork/chicken skin) and even under aerobic conditions, demonstrating the multifold advantages of our approach.

Tethering inorganic luminous upconverting nanoparticles with macromolecular chppendixains using silica functionalized with RAFT agent

Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are superior next-generation nanomaterials due to their exclusive features, such as tunable emission, high quantum yield, and excellent stability against photo-blinking/bleaching/degradation. One can compel these UCNPs to target selective applications by surface functionalization of these nanocrystals with functional groups or polymers to make them chemically active, possessing colloidal stability, better biocompatibility as well as tunable emission region. Herein, we report the preparation of rare earth (Er 3+ , 0.5% mmol) doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and their surface functionalization using RAFT agent primed silica followed by polymer functionalization. The polymer functionalization was performed using photo-induced electron/energy transfer-reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (PET-RAFT) polymerization in the presence of Eosin Y (EY) which act as a photocatalyst when exposed to blue light at room temperature. The polymer functionalization of UCNPs was performed with different types of polymers, for example, poly( N -isopropyl acrylamide), poly(acrylic acid), poly(ethylene glycol)methacrylate, and poly(methyl methacrylate) via “grafting-from” approach. Numerous characterizations were performed which confirm the successful grafting of polymers via PET-RAFT polymerization. The enhancement of photoluminescent efficiency towards the red region/window was observed after the grafting of polymers. The emission in the red region is marked as suitable for biological applications. Thus, indicating the potential use of the as-synthesized core@shell@shell system for various biological platforms. Interestingly, the cytocompatibility studies render the polymer functionalized UCNPs’ potential to be used in a variety of biological applications.

Lactic Acid-Derived Copolymeric Surfactants with Monomer Distribution Profile-Dependent Solution and Thermoresponsive Properties

We report the synthesis and solution properties of novel biobased thermoresponsive amphiphilic copolymers prepared using N,N-dimethyl lactamide acrylate (DMLA) and ethyl lactate acrylate (ELA) as hydrophilic and hydrophobic monomers, respectively. Copolymers with similar overall molecular weight but different monomer distribution profiles, such as random, diblock, triblock, and random–blocks, were prepared using photoinduced electron/energy transfer-reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (PET-RAFT) polymerization activated by a Zn-based photoredox catalyst. The synthesized polymers show interesting self-assembly and thermoresponsive behavior in water, depending on the monomers distribution along the chain. Different critical solution temperatures, in the range of 13–70 °C, were observed by tuning the monomers molar ratio and distribution. The formation of aggregates of various types was proven by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The prepared polymers also display different surface activity with the fully random copolymer being significantly more surface active than block systems. A study of emulsion stabilization was performed with oils of various polarity, showing promising results for applications of these novel polymers as biobased surfactants and water/oil (w/o) emulsion stabilizers.

Antiviral Polymer Brushes by Visible-Light-Induced, Oxygen-Tolerant Covalent Surface Coating

This work presents a novel route for creating metal-free antiviral coatings based on polymer brushes synthesized by surface-initiated photoinduced electron transfer-reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (SI-PET-RAFT) polymerization, applying eosin Y as a photocatalyst, water as a solvent, and visible light as a driving force. The polymer brushes were synthesized using N-[3-(decyldimethyl)-aminopropyl] methacrylamide bromide and carboxybetaine methacrylamide monomers. The chemical composition, thickness, roughness, and wettability of the resulting polymer brush coatings were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), water contact angle measurements, and ellipsometry. The antiviral properties of coatings were investigated by exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and avian influenza viruses, with further measurement of residual viable viral particles. The best performance was obtained with Cu surfaces, with a ca. 20-fold reduction of SARS-Cov-2 and a 50-fold reduction in avian influenza. On the polymer brush-modified surfaces, the number of viable virus particles decreased by about 5-6 times faster for avian flu and about 2-3 times faster for SARS-CoV-2, all compared to unmodified silicon surfaces. Interestingly, no significant differences were obtained between quaternary ammonium brushes and zwitterionic brushes.

Photoinduced Ion-Pair Inner-Sphere Electron Transfer-Reversible Addition-Fragmentation Chain Transfer Polymerization.

Photoredox-mediated reversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) is a promising method of precise synthesis of polymers with diverse structures and properties. However, its mechanism mainly based on the outer-sphere electron transfer (OSET) leads to stringent requirements for an efficient photocatalyst. In this paper, the zwitterionic organoboranes [L2B]+X- are prepared and applied in reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization with the photoinduced ion-pair inner-sphere electron transfer (IP-ISET) mechanism. The ion-pair electron transfer mechanism and the formation of the radical [L2B]• are supported by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) radical capture experiments, 1H/11B NMR spectroscopy, spectroelectrochemical spectroscopy, transient absorption spectroscopy, theoretical calculation, and photoluminescence quenching experiments. Photoluminescence quenching experiments show that when [CTA]/[[L2B]+] ≥ 0.6, it is static quenching because of the in situ formation of [L2B]+[ZCS2]-, the real catalytic species. [L2B]+[C3H7SCS2]- is synthesized, and its photoluminescence lifetime is the same as the lifetime in the static quenching experiment, indicating the formation of [L2B]+[ZCS2]- in polymerization and the IP-ISET mechanism. The matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass (MALDI-TOF MS) spectra show that the structure of [C3H7SCS2] was incorporated into the polymer, indicating that ion-pair electron transfer occurs in catalytic species. The polymerization shows high catalytic activity at ppb catalyst loading, a wide range of monomers, excellent tolerance in the presence of 5 mol % phenolic inhibitors, and the synthesis of ultrahigh-molecular-weight polymers. This protocol with the IP-ISET mechanism exhibits a value in the development of new organic transformations and polymerization methods.

Synthesis of zwitterionic copolymer containing sulfobetaine and catechol for antibacterial application

• A catechol zwitterionic copolymer was handily prepared by PET-RAFT polymerization. • Polymer grafted surfaces were readily fabricated via solution deposition method. • Incorporation of catechol rendered copolymer excellent antibacterial potency. Catechol-modified zwitterionic polymers have been successfully applied for functional modification of surfaces. However, catechol derivatives synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) involve complicated procedures and harsh conditions. In this study, a random copolymer P(SBMA- co -DA) (PSD) was prepared from sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) and N-3,4-dihydroxybenzenethyl methacrylamide (DA) by photo-induced electron transfer-reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (PET-RAFT) polymerization technique. Staphylococcus aureus adhesion assay showed that PSD possessed similarly powerful antibacterial performance at high concentration as compared to dopamine-modified poloxamer 407, while PSBMA (PSB) exhibited no obvious antibacterial potency. We believe that the facile method will be beneficial to synthesis of catechol-containing polymers for different applications.