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Updated: Jul 9, 2026

High-throughput Synthesis of Carbohydrates and Functionalization of Polyanhydride Nanoparticles
Published on: July 6, 2012
Gas-Phase Functionalization of Phytoglycogen Nanoparticles and the Role of Reagent Structure in the Formation of
Savannah G Phillips1, Alyssa R Lankone1, Sophia Sommerkamp O'Hagan1
1Department of Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States.
Abstract:
A suite of acyl chloride structural isomers (C6H11OCl) was used to effect gas-phase esterification of starch-based phytoglycogen nanoparticles (PhG NPs). The surface degree of substitution (DS) was quantified using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, while the overall DS was quantified using 1H NMR spectroscopy. Gas-phase modification initiates at the NP surface, with the extent of surface and overall esterification determined by both the reaction time and the steric footprint of the acyl chloride reagent. The less sterically hindered acyl chlorides diffuse fully into the NP interior, while the branched isomers are restricted to the near-surface region and form self-limiting hydrophobic shells, with shell thicknesses decreasing with increasing steric footprint. These differences in substitution were also reflected in the solubility of the NPs, with water solubility systematically decreasing with increasing DS. The ability to separately control both the surface and overall degree of functionalization and thereby form thin hydrophobic shells has significant implications for the development of polysaccharide-based biopolymers as nanocarrier delivery systems.
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