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Related Concept Videos

Polymers02:34

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 properties that they exhibit. Additionally,...
Polymers02:34

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 properties that they exhibit. Additionally,...
Polymers02:34

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 properties that they exhibit. Additionally,...
Polymer Classification: Architecture01:14

Polymer Classification: Architecture

Polymers are classified as linear or branched on the basis of their chain architecture. The polymer chains in linear polymers have a long chain-like structure with minimal to no branching at all. Even if a polymer features large substituent groups on the monomer, which appear as branches to the skeleton, it is not considered a branched polymer. A branched polymer contains secondary polymer chains that arise from the main polymer chain. The branching occurs when the polymer growth shifts from...
Polymer Classification: Crystallinity01:21

Polymer Classification: Crystallinity

Unlike ionic or small covalent molecules, polymers do not form crystalline solids due to the diffusion limitations of their long-chain structures. However, polymers contain microscopic crystalline domains separated by amorphous domains.
Crystalline domains are the regions where polymer chains are aligned in an orderly manner and held together in proximity by intermolecular forces. For example, chains in the crystalline domains of polyethylene and nylon are bound together by van der Waals...
Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism01:04

Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism

The mechanism for anionic chain-growth polymerization involves initiation, propagation, and termination steps. In the initiation step, a nucleophilic anion, such as butyl lithium, initiates the polymerization process by attacking the π bond of the vinylic monomer. As a result, a carbanion, stabilized by the electron‐withdrawing group, is generated. The resulting carbanion acts as a Michael donor in the propagation step and attacks the second vinylic monomer, which acts as a Michael acceptor.

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Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Polymer Microarrays for High Throughput Discovery of Biomaterials
13:37

Polymer Microarrays for High Throughput Discovery of Biomaterials

Published on: January 25, 2012

Polymer chemistry at the living-material interface.

Masamu Kawada1, Seunghyun Sim2

  • 1Department of Chemistry, University of California San Diego USA.

Chemical Science
|June 22, 2026
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Engineered living materials (ELMs) leverage polymer design for enhanced functionality. Integrating polymer chemistry with cellular components unlocks advanced biohybrid and biocomposite material properties.

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Optical Control of Living Cells Electrical Activity by Conjugated Polymers
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Optical Control of Living Cells Electrical Activity by Conjugated Polymers

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Synthesis of Cyclic Polymers and Characterization of Their Diffusive Motion in the Melt State at the Single Molecule Level
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Synthesis of Cyclic Polymers and Characterization of Their Diffusive Motion in the Melt State at the Single Molecule Level

Published on: September 26, 2016

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Last Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Polymer Microarrays for High Throughput Discovery of Biomaterials
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Optical Control of Living Cells Electrical Activity by Conjugated Polymers
10:16

Optical Control of Living Cells Electrical Activity by Conjugated Polymers

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Synthesis of Cyclic Polymers and Characterization of Their Diffusive Motion in the Melt State at the Single Molecule Level
06:55

Synthesis of Cyclic Polymers and Characterization of Their Diffusive Motion in the Melt State at the Single Molecule Level

Published on: September 26, 2016

Area of Science:

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Synthetic Biology

Background:

  • Engineered living materials (ELMs) combine biological components with synthetic materials.
  • Current research often focuses on cellular aspects, overlooking the polymer matrix's potential.
  • The polymer matrix can actively program material behavior, not just act as a scaffold.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the polymer matrix as a critical design element in ELMs.
  • To establish design principles for integrating polymer chemistry and living cells.
  • To explore how polymer-cell interfaces influence material properties.

Main Methods:

  • Review and synthesis of current research in ELMs and polymer science.
  • Conceptual framework development for integrated polymer-cell system design.
  • Analysis of polymer properties (mechanical, dynamic, interfacial) in the context of living materials.

Main Results:

  • Synthetic polymers offer tunable mechanical properties and dynamic responses for ELMs.
  • Engineered interfaces are crucial for biocontainment and bridging biological and synthetic systems.
  • Molecular control at the polymer-cell interface dictates material performance.

Conclusions:

  • The polymer matrix is a programmable component in ELMs, essential for advanced functionalities.
  • Integrated design of polymer chemistry and cellular behavior is key to next-generation biohybrid materials.
  • Understanding the polymer-cell interface unlocks novel mechanical, functional, and dynamic properties.