Exploiting the Structural Metamorphosis of Polymers to 'Wrap' Micron‐Sized Spherical Objects. Issue 70 (29th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Higgs, Patrick L.; Appleton, Jordan L.; Turnbull, W. Bruce; Fulton, David A.
• Is Part Of: Chemistry. Volume 27:Issue 70(2021)
• Page Start: 17647
• Page End: 17654
• Publication Date: 2021-10-29
• Subjects: adaptive materials -- dynamic covalent chemistry -- polymer films -- polymer wrapper -- structural metamorphosis -- supramolecular chemistry; Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540
• DOI: 10.1002/chem.202103216
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0947-6539

Abstract

Abstract: There is growing interest in developing methods to 'wrap' nano‐ and micron‐sized biological objects within films that may offer protection, enhance their stability or improve performance. We describe the successful 'wrapping' of lectin‐decorated microspheres, which serve as appealing model micron‐sized objects, within cross‐linked polymer film. This approach utilizes polymer chains able to undergo a structural metamorphosis, from being intramolecularly cross‐linked to intermolecularly cross‐linked, a process that is triggered by polymer concentration upon the particle surface. Experiments demonstrate that both complementary molecular recognition and the dynamic covalent nature of the crosslinker are required for successful 'wrapping' to occur. This work is significant as it suggests that nano‐ and micron‐sized biological objects such as virus‐like particles, bacteria or mammalian cells—all of which may benefit from additional environmental protection or stabilization in emerging applications—may also be 'wrapped' by this approach. Abstract : Exploiting structural metamorphosis to wrap microspheres : The 'wrapping' of lectin‐decorated microspheres, which serve as appealing model micron‐sized objects, within cross‐linked polymer film is described. This approach utilizes dynamic covalent polymer chains able to undergo a structural metamorphosis, from being intramolecularly crosslinked to intermolecularly crosslinked, a process that is triggered by polymer concentration upon the particle surface. Experiments demonstrate that both complementary molecular recognition and the dynamic covalent nature of the crosslinker are required for successful 'wrapping' to occur.