Polymer-modified regenerated cellulose membranes: following the atom transfer radical polymerization concepts consistent with the principles of green chemistry

Abstract

Synthetic routes for functionalization of cellulose membranes by polymer chains characterized by controlled structures are constantly developed to precisely adjust the properties of the prepared material while minimizing the impact on the membrane performance. The review presents a critical and integrative evaluation of prior research on atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) techniques, emphasizing methods carried out with diminished catalyst concentration that were used for grafting polymers from cellulose membranes. The paper introduces cellulose as a naturally-derived and efficient material for filtration membrane production focusing on the fundamentals of the cellulose structure, and the reasons, and advantages of using cellulose as a membrane-built substrate. It also covers fundamental mechanistic aspects of ATRP and introduces the basic principles of low ppm ATRP methods focusing on the latest reports. The works up to date concerning the functionalization of cellulose membranes by the “classic” ATRP concept, paying attention to the concentration of the complex used and synthetic methodology, as well as the final properties of the obtained materials are shown. Subsequent, low ppm ATRP techniques are discussed against the background of the “classic” approach in synthesizing bioactive surfaces and functional biomaterials based on the structure of cellulose membranes, with emphasis on the advantages of methods with diminished catalyst level as a more cost-effective and thus more compatible to use in a commercial application. The present work is a concise and perspective review, which shows both the achievements to date and broad prospects for the development of this issue in the coming years. Graphical Abstract

Up to Date Review of Nature-Inspired Superhydrophobic Textiles: Fabrication and Applications

“…Cellulose, the most abundant biopolymer, is the main raw material for cotton [47]. It exhibits several encouraging characteristics, such as a mechanical robustness, hydrophilicity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability [48]. The surface diffusion and absorption of water by cotton fabrics and paper can be enhanced via the capillary action generated by cellulose fibers.…”

Grafting of Multifunctional Polymer Brushes from a Glass Surface: Surface‐Initiated Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization as a Versatile Tool for Biomedical Materials Engineering

“…[12] Reversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) techniques represent the most prominent approaches enabling the growth of polymer chains from diverse surfaces. [1,[13][14][15][16][17] It offers a direct and adaptable pathway for producing well-defined, low-dispersity (M w /M n ) polymers, featuring both simple and complex architectures. [18] The controlled structure of polymer brushes is extremely important in the context of modulating the properties of modified surfaces.…”