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Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences :... Feb 2012The synthesis of polymer nanoparticles (NPs) with controlled characteristics has become an appealing research topic lately. Nanomedicine, and especially drug delivery... (Review)
Review
The synthesis of polymer nanoparticles (NPs) with controlled characteristics has become an appealing research topic lately. Nanomedicine, and especially drug delivery and imaging, are fields that require particles of a controlled size and with a tailored arrangement of functional groups. Intramolecular cross-linking or collapse of single polymer chains has emerged as an efficient alternative for the synthesis of well-defined polymer NPs. This technique allows the generation of 1.5-20 nm particles with a wide variety of chemical compositions and functionalities. This review begins by gathering synthetic strategies described in the literature and groups them into four main synthetic methods: homo-functional collapse, hetero-functional collapse, crosslinker-mediated collapse, and one-block collapse of diblock or triblock copolymers. Afterwards, the main characterization techniques and physical properties of single-chain polymer NPs (SCPNs) are exposed. Finally, several applications in nanomedicine are mentioned followed by some future perspectives.
Topics: Animals; Cross-Linking Reagents; Drug Carriers; Nanoparticles; Polymers; Polymethyl Methacrylate
PubMed: 22015611
DOI: 10.1007/s00018-011-0852-x -
Physiological Research Oct 2018The present review focuses on the description of the design, synthesis and physico-chemical and biological evaluation of polymer nanogels. Nanogels are robust swollen... (Review)
Review
The present review focuses on the description of the design, synthesis and physico-chemical and biological evaluation of polymer nanogels. Nanogels are robust swollen cross-linked polymer nanoparticles that can be used as highly efficient and biodegradable carriers for the transport of drugs in controlled drug delivery. In this article, various types of nanogels are described and methods for their preparation discussed. The possibility of using synthesized nanosystems for targeting are reviewed to show the potential of tailored structures to reach either solid tumor tissue or direct tumor cells. Finally, the methods for encapsulation or attachment of biologically active molecules, e.g. drugs, proteins, are described and compared.
Topics: Animals; Drug Delivery Systems; Gels; Humans; Nanoparticles; Neoplasms; Polymers
PubMed: 30379552
DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.933979 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2020BioPolymers could be either natural polymers (polymer naturally occurring in Nature, such as cellulose or starch…), or biobased polymers that are artificially...
BioPolymers could be either natural polymers (polymer naturally occurring in Nature, such as cellulose or starch…), or biobased polymers that are artificially synthesized from natural resources [...].
Topics: Animals; Biocompatible Materials; Biopolymers; Humans; Plants; Polymers
PubMed: 33383720
DOI: 10.3390/molecules26010112 -
Sovremennye Tekhnologii V Meditsine 2022Biodegradable and biocompatible polymers are actively used in tissue engineering to manufacture scaffolds. Biomedical properties of polymer scaffolds depend on the... (Review)
Review
Biodegradable and biocompatible polymers are actively used in tissue engineering to manufacture scaffolds. Biomedical properties of polymer scaffolds depend on the physical and chemical characteristics and biodegradation kinetics of the polymer material, 3D microstructure and topography of the scaffold surface, as well as availability of minerals, medicinal agents, and growth factors loaded into the scaffold. However, in addition to the above, the intrinsic biological activity of the polymer and its biodegradation products can also become evident. This review provides studies demonstrating that scaffolds made of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and its copolymers have their own biological activity, and namely, osteoinductive properties. PHB can induce differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells in the osteogenic direction and stimulates bone tissue regeneration during the simulation of critical and non-critical bone defects .
Topics: Tissue Engineering; Tissue Scaffolds; 3-Hydroxybutyric Acid; Polyesters; Polymers
PubMed: 37181830
DOI: 10.17691/stm2022.14.5.07 -
Chemical Communications (Cambridge,... Jun 2023Since the first introduction of their concept in the 1980s and 90s, polymer brushes have been the focus of intense research efforts to identify novel physico-chemical... (Review)
Review
Since the first introduction of their concept in the 1980s and 90s, polymer brushes have been the focus of intense research efforts to identify novel physico-chemical properties and responsiveness, and optimise the properties of associated interfaces for an ever growing range of applications. To a large extent, this effort has been enabled by progress in surface initiated controlled polymerisation techniques, allowing a huge diversity of monomers and macromolecular architectures to be harnessed and achieved. However, polymer functionalisation through chemical coupling of various moieties and molecular structures has also played an important role in expanding the molecular design toolbox of the field of polymer brush science. This perspective article reviews recent progress in polymer brush functionalisation, discussing a broad range of strategies for the side chain and end chain chemical modification of these polymer coatings. The impact of the brush architecture on associated coupling is also examined. In turn, the role that such functionalisation approaches play in the patterning and structuring of brushes, as well as their conjugation with biomacromolecules for the design of biofunctional interfaces is then reviewed and discussed.
Topics: Surface Properties; Polymers; Polymerization; Molecular Structure
PubMed: 37194961
DOI: 10.1039/d3cc01082a -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2023Luminescent polymer nanomaterials not only have the characteristics of various types of luminescent functional materials and a wide range of applications, but also have... (Review)
Review
Luminescent polymer nanomaterials not only have the characteristics of various types of luminescent functional materials and a wide range of applications, but also have the characteristics of good biocompatibility and easy functionalization of polymer nanomaterials. They are widely used in biomedical fields such as bioimaging, biosensing, and drug delivery. Designing and constructing new controllable synthesis methods for multifunctional fluorescent polymer nanomaterials with good water solubility and excellent biocompatibility is of great significance. Exploring efficient functionalization methods for luminescent materials is still one of the core issues in the design and development of new fluorescent materials. With this in mind, this review first introduces the structures, properties, and synthetic methods regarding fluorescent polymeric nanomaterials. Then, the functionalization strategies of fluorescent polymer nanomaterials are summarized. In addition, the research progress of multifunctional fluorescent polymer nanomaterials for bioimaging is also discussed. Finally, the synthesis, development, and application fields of fluorescent polymeric nanomaterials, as well as the challenges and opportunities of structure-property correlations, are comprehensively summarized and the corresponding perspectives are well illustrated.
Topics: Polymers; Nanostructures; Coloring Agents; Drug Delivery Systems
PubMed: 37175229
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28093819 -
Journal of Hazardous Materials Mar 2022The effects of microplastic (MP) pollution on organisms are gaining increasing attention. To date, a variety of polymers of different shapes and sizes are used in...
The effects of microplastic (MP) pollution on organisms are gaining increasing attention. To date, a variety of polymers of different shapes and sizes are used in ecotoxicology. Although polystyrene (PS) is the predominant polymer type used in effect studies, it is still unclear whether the observed effects derive from the polymer itself or from a certain particle shape and size. To elucidate whether the effects are polymer specific, we conducted a systematic study on Daphnia magna by comparing various PS-MPs to nonplastic control particles with similar properties. In chronic exposure experiments, we used PS beads (6 µm; 20 µm), fibers (Ø 3 µm, length: 75.5 µm), and fragments (5.7 µm; 17.7 µm) in two different size classes and two different concentrations (500 and 5000 particles ml) and in-house-produced control particles of comparable size, shape, concentration and, if possible, density. Although most PS properties did not elicit effects on the tested endpoints, we observed sublethal effects on D. magna life history and morphology for small PS beads and fragments. Interestingly, no adverse effects were detected for any of the control particles. Hence, the observed effects are polymer-specific, related to the size and shape of the polymer, and do not result from particle exposure per se.
Topics: Animals; Daphnia; Microplastics; Plastics; Polymers; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 34974383
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.128136 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2023As an emerging technology, microneedles offer advantages such as painless administration, good biocompatibility, and ease of self-administration, so as to effectively... (Review)
Review
As an emerging technology, microneedles offer advantages such as painless administration, good biocompatibility, and ease of self-administration, so as to effectively treat various diseases, such as diabetes, wound repair, tumor treatment and so on. How to regulate the release behavior of loaded drugs in polymer microneedles is the core element of transdermal drug delivery. As an emerging on-demand drug-delivery technology, intelligent responsive microneedles can achieve local accurate release of drugs according to external stimuli or internal physiological environment changes. This review focuses on the research efforts in smart responsive polymer microneedles at home and abroad in recent years. It summarizes the response mechanisms based on various stimuli and their respective application scenarios. Utilizing innovative, responsive microneedle systems offers a convenient and precise targeted drug delivery method, holding significant research implications in transdermal drug administration. Safety and efficacy will remain the key areas of continuous efforts for research scholars in the future.
Topics: Skin; Administration, Cutaneous; Drug Delivery Systems; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Polymers; Stimuli Responsive Polymers
PubMed: 37959830
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28217411 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2020Polymers in which phosphorus is an integral part of the main chain, including polyphosphazenes and polyphosphoesters, have been widely investigated in recent years for... (Review)
Review
Polymers in which phosphorus is an integral part of the main chain, including polyphosphazenes and polyphosphoesters, have been widely investigated in recent years for their potential in a number of therapeutic applications. Phosphorus, as the central feature of these polymers, endears the chemical functionalization, and in some cases (bio)degradability, to facilitate their use in such therapeutic formulations. Recent advances in the synthetic polymer chemistry have allowed for controlled synthesis methods in order to prepare the complex macromolecular structures required, alongside the control and reproducibility desired for such medical applications. While the main polymer families described herein, polyphosphazenes and polyphosphoesters and their analogues, as well as phosphorus-based dendrimers, have hitherto predominantly been investigated in isolation from one another, this review aims to highlight and bring together some of this research. In doing so, the focus is placed on the essential, and often mutual, design features and structure-property relationships that allow the preparation of such functional materials. The first part of the review details the relevant features of phosphorus-containing polymers in respect to their use in therapeutic applications, while the second part highlights some recent and innovative applications, offering insights into the most state-of-the-art research on phosphorus-based polymers in a therapeutic context.
Topics: Hydrolysis; Macromolecular Substances; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Phosphorus; Polymerization; Polymers
PubMed: 32276516
DOI: 10.3390/molecules25071716 -
Accounts of Chemical Research Jun 2022Poor waste management and unchecked consumption underpin our current paradigm of plastics use, which is demonstrably unsustainable in the long term. Nonetheless, the...
Poor waste management and unchecked consumption underpin our current paradigm of plastics use, which is demonstrably unsustainable in the long term. Nonetheless, the utility and versatility of plastics suggest that the notion of a plastic-free society is also unsustainable. Responses to this conundrum are increasing, and among these are research efforts focused on the development of more sustainable plastics. This Account, written by trained chemists, reflects an academic research journey culminating in an appreciation of the importance of improving and enabling the overarching systems that plastics exist within. Our primary initial focus was on catalyst development because catalysts are key drivers of sustainability by improving the efficiency and ease of polymerization. Metal catalysts ranging in ligand structure and the incorporated metal(s) were developed for the preparation of traditional polyesters such as poly(lactic acid) and polycaprolactone. The central themes in these works were stereocontrol (tacticity), efficiency (polymerization rate), and versatility (monomer scope). Alongside insights gained by systematically varying catalyst structure came impressive results gained through collaboration, including the remarkably high activity of novel heterometallic zinc catalysts toward various cyclic esters.This catalysis work was complemented by and slowly transitioned to a focus on polymer functionality and monomer design. Several fundamental studies focus on polymer topology, specifically star-shaped polyesters, tuned arm number, length, and tacticity. These reports feature emphases on the end of life (solvolysis) and physical properties of polymers, which were increasingly important themes as work shifted toward new methods of incorporating functionality in polymers produced by ring-opening polymerization. Three key highlights demonstrate this shift: the first two rely upon the exploitation of olefin metathesis (cross- and ring-closing) to functionalize polyesters or polyethers, and the third involves the manipulation of ring-opening polymerization equilibrium to enable selective monomer recovery from a polyester. Our foundational work on 1,3-dioxolan-4-one (DOX) monomers is then discussed because this emerging class of molecules offers a distinct synthetic pathway toward functional polyesters, both conventional and novel. With this DOX framework, polyesters that are usually challenging to synthesize (e.g., poly(mandelic acid)) are accessible because polymerization is driven by the concomitant, controlled extrusion of small molecules (acetone or formaldehyde).After these polyester-focused highlights, the foundation of our ongoing work is presented, namely, that polymer sustainability must be viewed from a systems-level perspective, including economic and social components alongside the environmental considerations. Material design must be driven by practice, and we have to involve key players in academia, industry, and government in a concerted effort to enable positive and robust change. The key goal is to develop sustainable systems that retain plastics in their highest value state for as long as possible by designing materials and products for a particular (and assured) end-of-life fate, whether that be reuse, recycling, (bio)degradation, or energy recovery.
Topics: Metals; Plastics; Polyesters; Polymerization; Polymers
PubMed: 35579567
DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.2c00134