Muhammet U. Kahveci

Synthesis of Block Copolymers by Combination of Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization and Visible Light-Induced Free Radical Promoted Cationic Polymerization

A new synthetic approach for the preparation of block copolymers by mechanistic transformation from atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) to visible light-induced free radical promoted cationic polymerization is described. A series of halide end-functionalized polystyrenes with different molecular weights synthesized by ATRP were utilized as macro-coinitiators in dimanganese decacarbonyl [Mn(2) (CO)(10) ] mediated free radical promoted cationic photopolymerization of cyclohexene oxide or isobutyl vinyl ether. Precursor polymers and corresponding block copolymers were characterized by spectral, chromatographic, and thermal analyses.

Polymer grafting onto magnetite nanoparticles by "click" reaction

In this article, we described click chemistry methodology for the incorporation of biocompatible polymer chains to Magnetite nanoparticles (NPs). We used a reduction co-precipitation method to obtain Fe3O4 particles in aqueous solution. As a next step, magnetic NPs surface were modified by a silanization reaction with (3-bromopropyl)trimethoxysilane in order to introduce bromine groups on the particles surface which were converted to azide groups by the reaction with sodium azide. Acetylene functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) (a-PEG) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (a-PCL) were synthesized and grafted onto the surface of azide functionalized NPs via “click” reaction to obtain magnetic NPs. Success of the different functionalization processes at different stages was studied using Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The morphologies of magnetic NPs were further investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The magnetization and superparamagnetic behavior of naked Fe3O4 NPs and coated NPs at room temperature was investigated by the measurement of hysteresis curves using a Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM).

In situ synthesis of biomolecule encapsulated gold-cross-linked poly(ethylene glycol) nanocomposite as biosensing platform: a model study.

In situ synthesis of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels containing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and glucose oxidase (GOx) enzyme by photo-induced electron transfer process was reported here and applied in electrochemical glucose biosensing as the model system. Newly designed bionanocomposite matrix by simple one-step fabrication offered a good contact between the active site of the enzyme and AuNPs inside the network that caused the promotion in the electron transfer properties that was evidenced by cyclic voltammetry as well as higher amperometric biosensing responses in comparing with response signals obtained from the matrix without AuNPs. As well as some parameters important in the optimization studies such as optimum pH, enzyme loading and AuNP amount, the analytical characteristics of the biosensor (AuNP/GOx) were examined by the monitoring of chronoamperometric response due to the oxygen consumption through the enzymatic reaction at -0.7 V under optimized conditions at sodium acetate buffer (50 mM, pH 4.0) and the linear graph was obtained in the range of 0.1-1.0 mM glucose. The detection limit (LOD) of the biosensor was calculated as 0.06 mM by using the signal to noise ratio of 3. Moreover, the presence of AuNPs was visualized by TEM. Finally, the biosensor was applied for glucose analysis for some beverages and obtained data were compared with HPLC as the reference method to test the possible matrix effect due to the nature of the samples.

Synthesis of polysulfone- b -polystyrene block copolymers by mechanistic transformation from condensation polymerization to free radical polymerization

Synthesis of polysulfone-b-polystyrene (PSU-b-PS) block copolymers by a combination of condensation polymerization and free radical polymerization processes are described. First, a new macroazoinitiator (MAI) containing polysulfone (PSU) units was prepared by direct esterification of 4,4-azobis(4-cyanopentanoic acid) with α,ω-hydroxyl PSU telechelics at ambient conditions. The macroinitiator was then used in conventional free radical polymerization of styrene leading to the formation of desired block copolymers. In this process, initiating macroradicals were generated by thermal cleavage of the azo group present in the macroazoinitiator structure. The precursor polysulfone macroazoinitiator (PSU-MAI) and resulting block copolymers were characterized by spectral analysis using FT-IR, 1H-NMR, GPC, TGA, and DSC.

Well-Defined Block Copolymers

The current study summarizes the recent advances in the design and synthesis of well-defined block polymers of various topologies prepared by different synthetic routes involving either only one polymerization mechanism or a combination of different polymerization techniques, namely, mechanistic transformations. A remarkable achievement in living/controlled polymerization methods has encouraged the synthesis of tailor-made block copolymers with specific macromolecular architecture, chemical composition/functionality, controlled molecular weight, low molecular polydispersity, and corresponding minimized heterogeneity. Thus, this chapter focuses on the methodologies involving living/controlled polymerization techniques for preparation of polymeric materials with desired fine properties.

Light Induced Processes for the Synthesis of Polymers With Complex Structures

Light induced reactions are based on the absorption of light that excites the electrons of a molecule and can, under favorable circumstances, lead to dissociation, isomerization, abstraction, electron or energy transfer, and bond formation. These reactions have been the subject of many studies in various fields including organic chemistry, molecular biology, electronics etc. Light induced reactions can advantageously be utilized in the field of polymer chemistry. Among them, light induced polymerization is of enormous commercial importance. Techniques such as curing of coatings on wood, metal and paper, adhesives, printing inks and photoresists are based on photopolymerization. There are some other interesting applications, including production of laser video discs and curing of acrylate dental fillings. In this chapter, general methods for the light induced polymerization processes involving radical and ionic reactions are described. Special emphasize is devoted to their application to more complex macromolecular structures such as block, graft and star copolymers, and polymer nanocomposites based on clay and metal.

Photoinduced in situ formation of clickable PEG hydrogels and their antibody conjugation

A simple approach for the preparation of a clickable poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogel as a polymeric support for protein immobilization via photoinitiated free radical polymerization of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate and propargyl acrylate is established. Bioconjugation to the obtained gels was achieved by azide–alkyne click reaction with azido-functionalized anti-immunoglobulin G (anti-IgG) and anti-His tag antibodies. Evaluation of the affinities of the PEG hydrogels to the corresponding substrates (IgG and His-tagged YFP, respectively) indicates their specific binding capability.