We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Efficient Synthesis of Hydrolytically Degradable Block Copolymer Nanoparticles via Reverse Sequence Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly in Aqueous Media
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed an efficient method to synthesize hydrolytically degradable block copolymer nanoparticles using reverse-sequence polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) in water, enabling controlled nanoparticle formation that can break down under aqueous conditions.
Hydrolytically degradable block copolymer nanoparticles are prepared via reverse sequence polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) in aqueous media. This efficient protocol involves the reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of N,N'-dimethylacrylamide (DMAC) using a monofunctional or bifunctional trithiocarbonate-capped poly(ϵ-caprolactone) (PCL) precursor. DMAC monomer is employed as a co-solvent to solubilize the hydrophobic PCL chains. At an intermediate DMAC conversion of 20-60 %, the reaction mixture is diluted with water to 10-25 % w/w solids. The growing amphiphilic block copolymer chains undergo nucleation to form sterically-stabilized PCL-core nanoparticles with PDMAC coronas. 1 H NMR studies confirm more than 99 % DMAC conversion while gel permeation chromatography (GPC) studies indicate well-controlled RAFT polymerizations (Mw /Mn ≤1.30). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) indicate spheres of 20-120 nm diameter. As expected, hydrolytic degradation occurs within days at 37 °C in either acidic or alkaline solution. Degradation is also observed in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (pH 7.4) at 37 °C. However, no degradation is detected over a three-month period when these nanoparticles are stored at 20 °C in deionized water (pH 6.7). Finally, PDMAC30 -PCL16 -PDMAC30 nanoparticles are briefly evaluated as a dispersant for an agrochemical formulation based on a broad-spectrum fungicide (azoxystrobin).
More Papers Like This
Efficient Synthesis of Hydrolytically Degradable Block Copolymer Nanoparticles via Reverse Sequence Polymerization‐Induced Self‐Assembly in Aqueous Media
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed hydrolytically degradable block copolymer nanoparticles (20–120 nm) using a reverse-sequence polymerization-induced self-assembly process in water, achieving complete monomer conversion and controlled particle sizes that degrade within days under acidic, alkaline, or physiological conditions while remaining stable at room temperature.
Efficient Synthesis and Wetting Characteristics of Amphiphilic Galactose–PLA Block Copolymers: A Potential Additive for the Accelerated Biodegradation of Micro‐ and Nanoplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers synthesized degradable block copolymers containing galactose segments to help microplastic-degrading bacteria attach to plastic surfaces in wastewater. This novel approach could accelerate microbial breakdown of microplastic particles by improving bacterial adhesion to their surfaces.
Synthesis, Properties, and Biodegradability of Novel Sequence-Controlled Copolyesters Composed of Glycolic Acid, Dicarboxylic Acids, and C3 or C4 Diols
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers synthesized new biodegradable polyesters with controlled molecular sequences and tested their ability to break down in seawater. The sequence-controlled polymers showed higher melting points and faster biodegradation than conventional random copolymers, pointing toward plastic materials that degrade more reliably in marine environments.
Interfacial Photocycloaddition Polymerization: Synthetic Approach of Structurally Functionalized Degradable Polymer Particles from Naturally-derived Monomers
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed degradable polymer capsules from naturally derived monomers via interfacial photocycloaddition polymerization in aqueous heterogeneous systems, requiring no initiators or catalysts, with particles designed to degrade by photolysis and hydrolysis as a marine microplastic-free alternative to non-degradable synthetic capsules used in cosmetics and agrochemicals.
Preparation of block copolymer-stabilised microspheres of common polymers and their use as microplastics proxies in degradation studies
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a simple method to produce standardized model microplastic particles made from common polymers for use in laboratory degradation studies. Reliable model microplastics are essential for consistent research into how different plastic types break down in the environment and affect living organisms.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.