Crosslinked p(MMA) particles by RAFT emulsion polymerisation: tuning size and stability

Abstract

The controlled synthesis of amphiphilic di-block copolymers allows a large array of nanostructures to be created, including block copolymer particles, which have proved valuable for biomedical applications. Despite progress in...

Self-catalyzed synthesis of a nano-capsule and its application as a heterogeneous RCMP catalyst and nano-reactor

“…Crosslinking is useful to fix self-assembly structures. 68,69 Our research groups previously crosslinked self-assemblies using a small amount of a divinyl monomer as a co-monomer in the hydrophobic segment during RCMP-PISA (not self-catalyzed RCMP-PISA). 34 In the present work, in order to fix the nanocapsule structure, we co-used ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a crosslinkable divinyl monomer as well as BzMA in self-catalyzed RCMP-PISA (Scheme S1 in the ESI †).…”

A dual encapsulation strategy to generate anion-responsive luminescent lanthanide hydrogels

“…[26][27][28][29] The synthesis of the particles begins with formation of hydrophilic polymer p(OEGMEM) 75 (Scheme S1, ESI †) and subsequent chain extension of the hydrophilic shell (Scheme S2, ESI †) according to our previously disclosed procedures. 20,22 Full details of the polymer synthesis and characterisation are provided in the ESI. † The molecular (DP = 75) of the polymer was confirmed by 1 H NMR spectroscopy, and the low dispersity and controlled RAFT-polymerisation confirmed by GPC (Fig.…”

“…Stable particles with diameters between 65-270 nm were achieved by controlling the amount of MMA and monitoring the extent of polymerisation, 22 and subsequently employed in the formation of responsive gels (Fig. S6, ESI †).…”

“…A polyoligoethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate (POEGMEM) hydrophilic shell was chosen with a relatively high degree of polymerisation (DP 75) to induce stable spherical particle formation. 22 We have previously demonstrated that incorporation of >1 wt% of the crosslinker ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) ensures concentration independent stability of the particles. 23 The hydrogel was designed to allow rapid uptake of the analyte solution, whilst preserving the encapsulated particles and thus the probe itself.…”

“…The particles were analysed by SEM displaying the desired spherical shapes as previously reported. 22…”