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Quantification of surface functional groups on polymer microspheres by supramolecular host-guest interactions
Andreas Hennig1, Angelika Hoffmann, Heike Borcherding
1BAM-Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Richard-Willstätter-Straße 11, D-12489 Berlin, Germany. andreas.hennig@bam.de
Chemical Communications (Cambridge, England)
|June 8, 2011
Summary
We developed a new method to count functional groups on polymer microspheres using cucurbit[7]uril (CB7). This technique quantifies accessible surface groups by measuring the interaction between CB7 and a surface-bound guest molecule.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Surface Science
Background:
- Characterizing polymer microspheres is crucial for applications in drug delivery and diagnostics.
- Quantifying accessible surface functional groups remains a challenge in polymer microsphere analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel method for determining the number of accessible functional groups on polymer microsphere surfaces.
- To leverage the host-guest interaction between cucurbit[7]uril (CB7) and surface-modified microspheres for quantification.
Main Methods:
- A guest molecule was reacted to the polymer microsphere surface.
- The interaction between macrocyclic host cucurbit[7]uril (CB7) and the surface-bound guest was utilized.
- After centrifugation, unbound CB7 in the supernatant was quantified using a fluorescent dye.
Main Results:
- The number of accessible surface functional groups was determined by calculating the difference between the initially added and subsequently detected CB7.
- The method provides a quantitative measure of surface functionalization.
Conclusions:
- This method offers a reliable approach to quantify accessible functional groups on polymer microspheres.
- The technique has potential applications in quality control and material development for polymer-based systems.
