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Polymers

Polymers

The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the...

Polymers: Defining Molecular Weight

Polymers: Defining Molecular Weight

Unlike small molecules with definite molecular weights, polymers are a mixture of individual polymer chains of varying lengths, each with a unique molecular weight. So, the molecular weight of a polymer is expressed as an average value based on the average size of the polymer chains. The two most common forms of averages used for polymers are the number average molecular weight and weight average molecular weight.
The number average molecular weight (Mn) is the summation of the number...

Polymers: Molecular Weight Distribution

Polymers: Molecular Weight Distribution

For any given polymer, the weight average molecular weight (Mw) is higher than, if not equal to, the number average molecular weight (Mn). The only situation in which the weight average molecular weight and the number average molecular weight are equal is when a polymer consists only of chains with equal molecular weight. However, this never happens in a synthetic polymer, since it is difficult to control the polymerization process up to a molecular level with accuracy to a hundred percent.

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Molecular Weight of Step-Growth Polymers

Molecular Weight of Step-Growth Polymers

Step growth polymerization involves bi or multifunctional monomers. Bifunctional monomers react to form linear step growth polymers, whereas multifunctional monomers react to form non-linear or branched polymers.
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Kinetic Molecular Theory and Gas Laws Explain Properties of Gas Molecules

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The test of the kinetic molecular theory (KMT) and its postulates is its ability to explain and describe the behavior of a gas. The various gas laws (Boyle’s, Charles’s, Gay-Lussac’s, Avogadro’s, and Dalton’s laws) can be derived from the assumptions of the KMT, which have led chemists to believe that the assumptions of the theory accurately represent the properties of gas molecules.

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Updated: Jan 26, 2026

Looking Outwards: Isolation of Cyanobacterial Released Carbohydrate Polymers and Proteins

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Published on: May 27, 2019

Two-Photon-Induced CO-Releasing Molecules as Molecular Logic Systems in Solution, Polymers, and Cells.

Vadde Ramu¹, Gandra Upendar Reddy¹, Jingjing Liu¹

¹Institute for Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry (IAAC), Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Humboldtstr. 8, 07743, Jena, Germany.

Chemistry (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)

|April 14, 2019

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

New manganese complexes enable carbon monoxide (CO)-releasing molecule phototherapeutics activated by near-infrared (NIR) light, overcoming limitations of UV activation. These non-toxic compounds show promise for advanced medical treatments.

Keywords:

immobilization logic gates low cytotoxicity nonwoven fabric materials two-photon CORMs

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In Vivo Two-photon Imaging Of Experience-dependent Molecular Changes In Cortical Neurons

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Engineering Molecular Recognition with Bio-mimetic Polymers on Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes

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Published on: January 10, 2017

Area of Science:

Inorganic Chemistry
Photochemistry
Biomedical Applications

Background:

Current phototherapeutic carbon monoxide (CO)-releasing molecules (photoCORMs) require harmful UV or blue light activation.
This limits their clinical applicability and necessitates the development of alternative activation methods.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop novel manganese (Mn) complexes for CO release using near-infrared (NIR) light activation.
To investigate the photophysical properties and cellular behavior of these new photoCORMs.
To assess their potential as phototherapeutics activated by two-photon excitation.

Main Methods:

Synthesis of two Mn(I) tricarbonyl complexes featuring 1,8-naphthalimide units.
Characterization of photophysical properties using spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations (DFT and TDDFT).
Evaluation of CO release via fluorescence enhancement under single- and two-photon excitation (405 nm and 800 nm).
Assessment of logic gate behavior (OR gate) in solution, nonwovens, and HeLa cells.
Cytotoxicity assays to determine safety in dark conditions.

Main Results:

Two novel Mn(I) complexes successfully released CO upon 800 nm NIR light-induced two-photon excitation.
Complex 2 demonstrated logic OR gate functionality in various environments, including live cells.
CO release was confirmed by fluorescence enhancement, detectable with both single- and two-photon microscopy.
Complexes were stable in the dark and exhibited no cytotoxicity, indicating good biocompatibility.

Conclusions:

Developed novel photoCORMs activated by NIR light, overcoming the limitations of UV-activated systems.
Demonstrated the potential of these Mn complexes for phototherapeutic applications using safe NIR light.
Highlighted the utility of these compounds as theranostic agents with potential for advanced biomedical uses.