First multi-reactive dextran-based inisurf for atom transfer radical polymerization in miniemulsion.

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Developing novel initiators and stabilizers is crucial for advanced nanoparticle synthesis.
• Polysaccharides offer biocompatible platforms for material functionalization.
• Controlled polymerization techniques are essential for precise nanoparticle architecture.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize a multi-reactive dextran-based inisurf for nanoparticle preparation.
• To achieve covalent linkage between a nanoparticle core and its dextran coverage.
• To explore the use of this inisurf in miniemulsion polymerization via AGET-ATRP.

Main Methods:

• Dextran functionalization with hydrophobic phenoxy and initiator (bromoisobutyryl ester) groups to create an amphiphilic macroinitiator.
• Miniemulsion polymerization of n-butyl acrylate using the synthesized dextran inisurf.
• Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP) via the Accelerating Electron Transfer (AGET) method.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis of amphiphilic dextran inisurfs with both stabilizing and initiating functionalities.
• Demonstration of inisurf migration to the oil/water interface, stabilizing the miniemulsion.
• Formation of graft copolymers at the interface, leading to dextran-covered nanoparticles with covalent core-coverage linkage.

Conclusions:

• The novel dextran-based inisurf effectively acts as both stabilizer and initiator in miniemulsion polymerization.
• This approach enables the creation of nanoparticles with covalently attached dextran shells.
• The developed method offers a new pathway for synthesizing functional nanoparticles with controlled architecture.