The secondary structures of PEG-functionalized random copolymers derived from (R)- and (S)- families of alkyne polycarbodiimides Journal Article
| Authors: | Kulikov, O. V.; Siriwardane, D. A.; Budhathoki-Uprety, J.; McCandless, G. T.; Mahmood, S. F.; Novak, B. M. |
| Article Title: | The secondary structures of PEG-functionalized random copolymers derived from (R)- and (S)- families of alkyne polycarbodiimides |
| Abstract: | A series of helical rigid-rod (R)- and (S)-polycarbodiimides having PEG2K, 10K, and 20K groups attached to aromatic or aliphatic side chains have been successfully synthesized from the respective alkyne polycarbodiimide precursors using the CuI-catalyzed azide/alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction. The AFM, TEM and SEM studies of this series revealed the formation of different types of aggregated morphologies, i.e., micro- and nanospheres, fiber-like crystallites, and porous aggregates, which can be tailored with the hydrophilic PEG segments in the polymer structure. In general, heavily PEGylated scaffolds comprising ∼44 ethylene oxide segments are prone to form round-shaped secondary structures, especially in the bulk, as evident by SEM measurements. AFM data suggested that spherical aggregates are the preferred motifs in a wide range of concentrations. Moreover, polycarbodiimide-graft-PEG(2K) random copolymers were shown to efficiently suspend SWCNTs in water, leading to novel neutral photoluminescent nanocomposite materials. Overall, these extensive self-assembly studies on various polycarbodiimide platforms featuring a hydrophobic rigid rod main chain and a flexible hydrophilic periphery may provide a basic layout for prospective biomedical applications, such as controlled drug delivery and enhanced dispersibility properties of SWCNTs. © 2018 The Royal Society of Chemistry. |
| Keywords: | polyethylene glycols; medical applications; hydrophilicity; self assembly; ethylene; secondary structures; biomedical applications; polyethylene oxides; scaffolds; controlled drug delivery; nanocomposites; chains; aggregates; aggregated morphology; aliphatic side chain; micro- and nanospheres; polymer structure; porous aggregates; spherical aggregates |
| Journal Title: | Polymer Chemistry |
| Volume: | 9 |
| Issue: | 20 |
| ISSN: | 1759-9954 |
| Publisher: | Royal Society of Chemistry |
| Date Published: | 2018-05-28 |
| Start Page: | 2759 |
| End Page: | 2768 |
| Language: | English |
| DOI: | 10.1039/c8py00282g |
| PROVIDER: | scopus |
| DOI/URL: | |
| Notes: | Article -- Export Date: 2 July 2018 -- Source: Scopus |
Altmetric
Citation Impact
BMJ Impact Analytics
MSK Authors
Related MSK Work