Synthesis and Characterization of α,ω‐bi[2,4‐dinitrophenyl (DNP)] poly(2‐methoxystyrene) Functional Polymers. Initial Evaluation of the Interaction of the Functional Polymers with RBL Mast Cells

Abstract

Two series of functional polymers, a,v-bi [2,4-dinitrophenyl][poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(2-methoxystyrene)-b-poly(ethylene oxide)] (DNP-PEO-P2MS-PEO-DNP) and a,v-bi[2,4-dinitrophenyl caproic][poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(2-methoxystyrene)-b-poly(ethylene oxide)] (CDNP-PEO-P2MS-PEO-CDNP), were synthesized by anionic living polymerization. The polymers were characterized by FT-IR, 1 H-NMR and Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC). The molecular weight distributions for the lower molecular weight functional polymers were slightly broad (1.3 -1.5). However, the molecular weight distributions for higher molecular weight polymers were narrower (1.1 -1.2). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies showed thermal transitions indicative of the presence of microphases in the polymer solid state. The polymers were white powders and soluble in tetrahydrofuran. The binding affinity of DNP-PEO-P2MS-PEO-DNP ligands towards anti DNP IgE was determined by titrations with fluorescently labeled FITC-IgE. A water soluble CDNP-PEO-P2MS-PEO-CDNP/DMEG (dimethoxyethylene glycol) complex binds and achieves steady state binding with solution IgE within a few seconds. This strongly suggests that CDNP functional polymers with improved water solubility have potential in therapeutics. Higher molecular weight (water insoluble) CDNP-PEO-P2MS-PEO-CDNP polymers were electrosprayed as fibers (500 nm) on silicon surface. Fluorescence spectroscopy clearly showed that RBL mast cells were interacting with the fibers suggesting that the cell-surface receptors were clustered along the fiber surface. These observations suggest that the functional polymers hold promise for developing an antibody detection device.

Fabrication of electroactive composite nanofibers of functionalized polymer and CNT capable of specifically binding with the IgE (Immunoglobulin E) antibody

“…Dimethylformamide (DMF) and chlorobenzene were also obtained from Sigma. IgE and IgG were provided by the Baird‐Holowka Lab at Cornell University …”

“…Comprehensive details of the syntheses and characterization of the DNP‐functionalized polymers can be found elsewhere, but an overview of the synthetic approach is as follows:…”

“…α,ω‐2,4‐dinitrophenyl (DNP) groups, which serve as a useful model system . We have recently reported on the biofunctional properties of α,ω‐bi[2,4‐dinitrophenylcaproic][poly(ethyleneoxide)‐b‐poly(2‐methoxystyrene)‐b‐poly(ethylene oxide) (henceforth referred to as P2MS) and a poly(pyrrole)‐based DNP‐functionalized electroactive polymer . In a preliminary fashion, both these polymers were electrospun into nanofibers in order to determine processability such that the polymers may be fabricated into components to develop a nanoscale sensor for antibodies of defined specificity.…”

Fabrication of Bioactive Surfaces by Functionalization of Electroactive and Surface-Active Block Copolymers

“…This is essentially conjugating a polymer with a ligand or functional groups that antibodies recognize and adhere to [15]. A method of achieving this has been reported by Sannigrahi et al, whereby the ligand, 2,4-dinitrophenyl (DNP), recognized by the antibody, Immunoglobulin E (IgE), was incorporated into a block copolymer [16]. Multivalent antigen-antibody interactions have paved the way for the development of many ligand-targeted drug delivery vehicles to treat a number of diseases [17,18].…”

“…Surface accessibility of ligands is crucial to receptors, whether in drug delivery systems or diagnostics. Antigen-antibody characteristic of DNP-IgE has been tested in our group with a synthesized block copolymers α,ω-bi(2,4-dinitrophenyl caproic) (poly(ethyleneoxide)-b-poly(2-methoxystyrene)b-poly(ethylene oxide)) [16,21]. Block copolymers contains at least two polymer blocks which phase separate into two or more immiscible phase domains within the polymeric region.…”