Synthesis, Characterization and Sensor Application of Novel PCL-Based Triblock Copolymers

Area of Science:

• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Development of advanced polymer architectures is crucial for novel sensor applications.
• Triblock copolymers offer tunable properties for specific detection tasks.
• Existing methods for syringic acid detection may lack sensitivity or require complex procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize novel triblock copolymers using a combination of ring-opening polymerization (ROP) and reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization.
• To investigate the sensor capabilities of these novel triblock copolymers for the determination of syringic acid.
• To identify the most effective polymer for syringic acid detection and characterize its performance.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of novel bifunctional poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)-based RAFT macro chain transfer agents (macroCTAs).
• Utilized a novel initiator, m-xylene-bis(1-hydroxy-3-thia-propane) (MXTOH), in ROP of ε-caprolactone.
• Characterization of synthesized polymers and intermediates using FTIR, 1H NMR, and Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC).

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized four novel triblock copolymers: PNIPAM-b-PCL-b-PNIPAM, PNVP-b-PCL-b-PNVP, P(DMAEMA-co-NIPAM)-b-PCL-b-P(NIPAM-co-DMAEMA), and PDMA-b-PCL-b-PDMA.
• PNVP-b-PCL-b-PNVP (MXTP2) exhibited the highest sensitivity as a polymer sensor for syringic acid determination.
• The PNVP-b-PCL-b-PNVP sensor demonstrated a working range of 1.5 µg/mL to 15 µg/mL with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.44 µg/mL using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV).

Conclusions:

• Novel triblock copolymers were synthesized and characterized, showcasing versatile polymer architectures.
• The PNVP-b-PCL-b-PNVP triblock copolymer is a promising material for sensitive and selective syringic acid detection.
• This study highlights the potential of tailored triblock copolymers in developing advanced electrochemical sensors.