Per Antoni

Bifunctional Dendrimers: From Robust Synthesis and Accelerated One‐Pot Postfunctionalization Strategy to Potential Applications

A fourth wheel: Two sets of bifunctional AB(2)C dendrimers having internal acetylene/azides and external hydroxy groups were constructed utilizing benign synthetic protocols. An in situ postfunctionalization strategy was successfully carried out to illustrate the chemoselective nature of these dendrimers. The dendrimers were also transformed into dendritic nanoparticles or utilized as dendritic crosslinkers for the fabrication hydrogels.

Superhydrophobic and self-cleaning bio-fiber surfaces via ATRP and subsequent postfunctionalization

Superhydrophobic and self-cleaning cellulose surfaces have been obtained via surface-confined grafting of glycidyl methacrylate using atom transfer radical polymerization combined with postmodification reactions. Both linear and branched graft-on-graft architectures were used for the postmodification reactions to obtain highly hydrophobic bio-fiber surfaces by functionalization of the grafts with either poly(dimethylsiloxane), perfluorinated chains, or alkyl chains, respectively. Postfunctionalization using alkyl chains yielded results similar to those of surfaces modified by perfluorination, in terms of superhydrophobicity, self-cleaning properties, and the stability of these properties over time. In addition, highly oleophobic surfaces have been obtained when modification with perfluorinated chains was performed.

De Novo Design of Bioactive Protein-Resembling Nanospheres via Dendrimer-Templated Peptide Amphiphile Assembly

Self-assembling peptide amphiphiles (PAs) have been extensively used in the development of novel biomaterials. Because of their propensity to form cylindrical micelles, their use is limited in applications where small spherical micelles are desired. Here we present a platform method for controlling the self-assembly of biofunctional PAs into spherical 50 nm particles using dendrimers as shape-directing scaffolds. This templating approach results in biocompatible, stable protein-like assemblies displaying peptides with native secondary structure and biofunctionality.

Highly Adhesive Phenolic Compounds as Interfacial Primers for Bone Fracture Fixations

Bone fractures are today stabilized with screws and metal plates. More complicated fractures require alternative treatments that exclude harsh surgical conditions. By adapting the benign and UV initiated thiol-ene reaction, we efficiently fabricated triazine-based, fiber-reinforced adhesive patches within 2 s. To enhance their bone adhesion properties, we found that a pre-treatment step of bone surfaces with phenolic dopamine and poly(parahydroxystyrene) compounds was successful. The latter display the greatest E-module of 3.4 MPa in shear strength. All patches exhibited low cytotoxicity and can therefore find potential use in future treatments of bone fractures.

Selective cleavage of polymer grafts from solid surfaces: assessment of initiator content and polymer characteristics

A novel initiator for atom transfer radical polymerization, also allowing for selective cleavage of polymer grafts, was designed and immobilized on a solid substrate. After cleavage, the initiator content was determined by utilizing Ellmans reagent and the cleaved polymer grafts were isolated and characterized by size exclusion chromatography.

Biodegradable, multi-layered coatings for controlled release of small molecules

Incorporation of orthogonal functional groups into biodegradable polymers permits the fabrication of multi-layered thin films with improved adhesion and tunable degradation profiles. The bi-layer structure also allows for accurate control over small molecule release.

Solution-processed superhydrophobic conjugated polymer films

The interfacial properties of solution-processed conjugated polymer films are investigated. Their surface roughness was controlled by varying the humidity during the film deposition and mechanical exfoliation. A superhydrophobic film was obtained from a rough film of a partially fluorinated conjugated polymer. These films would be beneficial towards robust organic electronic devices.