Jana Falkenhagen

Controlled folding of synthetic polymer chains through the formation of positionable covalent bridges

Covalent bridges play a crucial role in the folding process of sequence-defined biopolymers. This feature, however, has not been recreated in synthetic polymers because, apart from some simple regular arrangements (such as block co-polymers), these macromolecules generally do not exhibit a controlled primary structure—that is, it is difficult to predetermine precisely the sequence of their monomers. Herein, we introduce a versatile strategy for preparing foldable linear polymer chains. Well-defined polymers were synthesized by the atom transfer radical polymerization of styrene. The controlled addition of discrete amounts of protected maleimide at precise times during the synthesis enabled the formation of polystyrene chains that contained positionable reactive alkyne functions. Intramolecular reactions between these functions subsequently led to the formation of different types of covalently folded polymer chains. For example, tadpole (P-shaped), pseudocyclic (Q-shaped), bicyclic (8-shaped) and knotted (α-shaped) macromolecular origamis were prepared in a relatively straightforward manner. Synthetic polymers are typically difficult to fold into particular origamis because the monomers can usually not be precisely organized along their backbones. Reactive alkyne groups have now been placed at specific locations in linear polystyrene chains, enabling those to be folded into predetermined shapes through intramolecular covalent bonding.

Mass spectrometry in polymer chemistry: a state-of-the-art up-date

Two decades after the introduction of matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and electrospray ionization (ESI), soft ionization mass spectrometry represents a powerful toolset for the structural investigation of synthetic polymers. The present review highlights the current state-of-the-art, covering the latest developments of novel techniques, enabling instrumentation as well as the important applications of soft ionization MS from the beginning of 2008. Special attention is paid to the role that soft ionization MS has played in the mechanistic investigation of radical polymerization processes since 2005.

Facile conversion of RAFT polymers into hydroxyl functional polymers: a detailed investigation of variable monomer and RAFT agent combinations

We report the systematic investigation of a recently introduced one-pot radical transformation of methacrylate and acrylate-type polymers prepared via reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization into hydroxyl functional polymers. The simple reaction procedure involves stirring a solution of the RAFT functional polymer and an azo-initiator in tetrahydrofuran at elevated temperatures (T = 60 °C) in the presence of ambient air. Subsequent reduction of the formed hydroperoxide functional polymers to hydroxyl functional polymers is achieved in a one-pot procedure using triphenylphosphine. Polymers investigated in the current study are poly(methyl acrylate) (pMA), poly(butyl acrylate) (pBA), poly(isobornyl acrylate) (piBoA) and poly(tert-butyl acrylate) (ptBA) carrying a dithiobenzoate or phenyldithioacetate end terminius as well as a symmetrical trithiocarbonate mid chain function. Quantitative conversion into the hydroperoxyl and hydroxyl terminated product is observed when trithiocarbonate functional polymers are employed. In the case of dithiobenzoate and phenyldithioacetate functional acrylic polymers, some minor side products due to the oxidation of the RAFT end-group are generated. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and size exclusion chromatography–electrospray mass spectrometry (SEC-ESI-MS) were employed to monitor the progress of the reaction and to investigate the proposed reaction mechanism for the model polymers. When trithiocarbonate functional polymers are employed in the transformation reaction, the SEC analysis shows a bisection of the initial Mn. Collision induced dissociation (CID) MS experiments of the intermediate reaction products were conducted to gain in-depth information about the chemical structure. The new backbone linked hydroxyl group provides a versatile anchor for chemical end-group conversions and conjugation reactions with RAFT prepared polymers, alleviating problems with the rather limited ability of the dithioester end-group to undergo non-radical transformations.

Determination of critical conditions of adsorption for chromatography of polymers.

Liquid chromatography (LC) at critical conditions of adsorption was used to separate various poly(ethylene oxides), poly(propylene oxides) and their copolymers. For the first time, the determination of the critical conditions by means of Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) coupled to Electrospray Ionization Time-of-flight Mass Spectrometry (ESI-TOF MS) is reported. In contrast to established, mostly laborious routines to find suitable chromatographic separation conditions, this coupling enables a very fast adjustment of parameters. Similar to LC Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (LC/MALDI MS) coupling, a two-dimensional analysis of homo- and copolymers regarding its functionality type and molecular weight distribution, as well as copolymer composition, can be performed simultaneously. Furthermore, there is no need for using polymer standards for the determination of critical conditions or Size Exclusion Chromatography calibration.

Structure and end-group analysis of complex hexanediol-neopentylglycol-adipic acid copolyesters by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization collision-induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometry.

Sequences and end groups of complex copolyesters were determined by fragmentation analysis by means of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization collision-induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI CID MS/MS). The complexity of the crude copolyester mixture was reduced by a chromatographic separation followed by a MALDI time-of-flight (TOF) investigation of fractions. Due to overlapping compositional and end-group information a clear assignment of end groups was very difficult. However, the fragmentation of suitable precursor ions resulted in typical fragment ion patterns and, therefore, enabled a fast and unambiguous determination of the end groups and composition of this important class of polymers.

LC-MALDI-TOF imaging MS: a new approach in combining chromatography and mass spectrometry of copolymers.

A new approach that utilizes MALDI-TOF imaging mass spectrometry as a new detector for polymer chromatography is presented. For the first time, the individual retention behavior of single structural units of polyethylene oxide (PEO)/polypropylene oxide (PPO) copolymers and changes of the copolymer composition could be monitored. Composition specific calibration curves could be easily obtained by displaying the copolymer ion intensity data. This approach provides completely new insights in the chromatographic principle of copolymer separation and could be used to easily modify and adapt conditions for separation. In combination with electrospray deposition, homogeneous sample/matrix traces of surprisingly high spatial resolution could be obtained.

Quantification of PEG-maleimide ligands and coupling efficiencies on nanoparticles with Ellman's reagent.

The surface modification of nanometer- and micrometer-sized particles and planar substrates with polyethylene glycol (PEG) ligands of varying length is a very common strategy to tune the hydrophilicity and biocompatibility of such materials, minimize unspecific interactions, improve biofunctionalization efficiencies, and enhance blood circulation times. Nevertheless, simple methods for the quantification of PEG ligands are comparatively rare. Here, we present a new concept for the quantification of PEG ligands for maleimide-functionalized PEG molecules and the determination of PEG coupling efficiencies, exploiting the quantitative reaction of maleimide with l-cysteine, and the subsequent determination of the unreacted thiol with the photometric Ellmans test. This is shown for heterobifunctional PEG spacers of varying length and amino-functionalized polystyrene nanoparticles (PS NP) without and with differently charged encoding dyes. The reaction of l-cysteine with the Ellmans reagent was monitored photometrically and with electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-TOF-MS) to derive the reaction mechanism and to obtain the stoichiometry factor for l-cysteine quantification. Mass balances and quantification of l-cysteine via its sulfur concentration using elemental analysis and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) confirmed the accuracy and reliability of this approach that can be extended to other surface groups and ligands.

Liquid Interaction Chromatography of Polymers

In the last decade, the use of interaction chromatography and hyphenated techniques has become increasingly important for the characterization of polymeric materials. Interaction chromatography allows separation by other structural features than molar mass, while hyphenation with mass spectroscopy or spectroscopic techniques provides detailed characterization of the separated chromatographic fractions. This chapter gives an overview of the principles and applications of interaction chromatography and the information that can be determined by hyphenation of polymer chromatography with mass spectrometry and spectroscopic techniques.

Ellman’s and Aldrithiol Assay as Versatile and Complementary Tools for the Quantification of Thiol Groups and Ligands on Nanomaterials

Simple, fast, and versatile methods for the quantification of thiol groups are of considerable interest not only for protein analysis but also for the characterization of the surface chemistry of nanomaterials stabilized with thiol ligands or bearing thiol groups for the subsequent (bio-) functionalization via maleimide-thiol chemistry. Here, we compare two simple colorimetric assays, the widely used Ellmans assay performed at alkaline pH and the aldrithiol assay executed at acidic and neutral pH, with respect to their potential for the quantification of thiol groups and thiol ligands on different types of nanoparticles like polystyrene nanoparticles, semiconductor nanocrystals (SC NC), and noble metal particles, and we derive criteria for their use. In order to assess the underlying reaction mechanisms and to obtain stoichiometry factors mandatory for reliable thiol quantification, both methods were studied photometrically and with electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-TOF-MS), thereby demonstrating the influence of different thiols on the reaction mechanism. Our results underline the suitability of both methods for the quantification of directly accessible thiol groups or ligands on the surface of 2D- and 3D-supports, here exemplarily polystyrene nanoparticles. Moreover, we could derive strategies for the use of these simple assays for the determination of masked (i.e., not directly accessible) thiol groups like disulfides such as lipoic acid and thiol stabilizing ligands coordinatively bound to Cd and/or Hg surface atoms of II/VI and ternary SC NC and to gold and silver nanoparticles.

Matrix-Assisted Ionization-Ion Mobility Spectrometry-Mass Spectrometry: Selective Analysis of a Europium-PEG Complex in a Crude Mixture

AbstractThe analytical utility of a new and simple to use ionization method, matrix-assisted ionization (MAI), coupled with ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) and mass spectrometry (MS) is used to characterize a 2-armed europium(III)-containing poly(ethylene glycol) (Eu-PEG) complex directly from a crude sample. MAI was used with the matrix 1,2-dicyanobenzene, which affords low chemical background relative to matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and electrospray ionization (ESI). MAI provides high ion abundance of desired products in comparison to ESI and MALDI. Inductively coupled plasma-MS measurements were used to estimate a maximum of 10% of the crude sample by mass was the 2-arm Eu-PEG complex, supporting evidence of selective ionization of Eu-PEG complexes using the new MAI matrix, 1,2-dicyanobenzene. Multiply charged ions formed in MAI enhance the IMS gas-phase separation, especially relative to the singly charged ions observed with MALDI. Individual components are cleanly separated and readily identified, allowing characterization of the 2-arm Eu-PEG conjugate from a mixture of the 1-arm Eu-PEG complex and unreacted starting materials. Size-exclusion chromatography, liquid chromatography at critical conditions, MALDI-MS, ESI-MS, and ESI-IMS-MS had difficulties with this analysis, or failed. Graphical Abstractᅟ