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Updated: Sep 22, 2025
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Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization of Functionalized Vinyl Monomers Using Perylene as a Visible Light Photocatalyst
Published on: April 22, 2016
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Automation of Controlled/Living Radical Polymerization
Matthew Tamasi1, Shashank Kosuri1, Jason DiStefano1
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
Summary
Automating oxygen-tolerant controlled/living radical polymerization (CLRP) using robotics enables high-throughput synthesis of advanced polymers. This approach overcomes oxygen sensitivity, facilitating rapid polymer discovery and development.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Controlled/living radical polymerization (CLRP) is crucial for synthesizing advanced polymers.
- Oxygen sensitivity in CLRP has hindered automation and high-throughput research.
- Emergence of oxygen-tolerant CLRP techniques offers new possibilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the automation of CLRP reactions using a liquid handling robot.
- To develop Python-based synthesis processes for automated polymer production.
- To showcase the synergy between robotics and oxygen-tolerant CLRP for high-throughput research.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a Hamilton MLSTARlet liquid handling robot for automated synthesis.
- Developed Python scripts to control reagent handling, dispensing, and reaction sequences.
- Employed oxygen-tolerant CLRP techniques in a 96-well plate format.
Main Results:
- Successfully automated the synthesis of homopolymers, random heteropolymers, and block copolymers.
- Demonstrated post-polymerization modifications through automated processes.
- Established a platform for high-throughput and combinatorial polymer research.
Conclusions:
- Liquid handling robotics can effectively automate oxygen-tolerant CLRP.
- This automated approach accelerates advanced polymer synthesis and discovery.
- The developed system is suitable for combinatorial polymer research and development.
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