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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
16:24
Controlling the Size, Shape and Stability of Supramolecular Polymers in Water
Published on: August 2, 2012
Complexation of terpyridine-containing dextrans: toward water-soluble supramolecular structures
Andreas Wild1, Stephanie Hornig, Florian Schlütter
1Laboratory of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Humboldtstr.10, D-07743 Jena, Germany; Dutch Polymer Institute (DPI), P.O. Box 902, 5600 AX Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
Macromolecular Rapid Communications
|May 19, 2011
Summary
This study details the creation of terpyridine-functionalized dextran esters. These novel biopolymers can self-assemble into nanoparticles and form complexes with metal ions like iron and ruthenium.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biomaterials Science
- Coordination Chemistry
Background:
- Dextran is a versatile polysaccharide widely used in biomedical applications.
- Functionalization of biopolymers allows for tailored properties and novel applications.
- Terpyridine ligands are known for their strong metal-binding capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize terpyridine-functionalized dextran esters with varying degrees of substitution.
- To investigate the intra- and intermolecular complexation behavior of these functionalized dextrans with metal ions.
- To explore the self-assembly of functionalized dextrans into nanoparticles.
Main Methods:
- Chemical functionalization of dextran with 6-(2,2':6',2″-terpyridin-4'-yloxy)-hexanoic acid.
- Complexation studies using Fe(II) ions and activated Ru(III) complexes.
- Characterization via UV-visible spectroscopy and viscosity titration.
- Preparation of nanoparticles through nanoprecipitation.
- Synthesis of water-soluble comb-polymers using PEG-functionalized terpyridine Ru(II) moieties.
Main Results:
- Terpyridine-functionalized dextran esters were successfully synthesized with degrees of substitution ranging from 0.23 to 0.41.
- Complexation behavior with Fe(II) was analyzed, showing intra- and intermolecular interactions.
- Water-soluble comb-polymers were formed using PEG-functionalized terpyridine Ru(II) moieties.
- Nanoparticles were successfully generated from the functionalized dextrans via nanoprecipitation.
Conclusions:
- Terpyridine-functionalized dextran esters offer tunable properties for metal ion complexation.
- These functionalized biopolymers can self-assemble into nanoparticles, indicating potential in drug delivery or nanomedicine.
- The study demonstrates a versatile platform for creating advanced functional biomaterials.
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