Chemically Triggered Synthesis, Remodeling, and Degradation of Soft Materials

J Am Chem Soc. 2020 Feb 26;142(8):3913-3922. doi: 10.1021/jacs.9b12122. Epub 2020 Feb 17.

Abstract

Polymer topology dictates dynamic and mechanical properties of materials. For most polymers, topology is a static characteristic. In this article, we present a strategy to chemically trigger dynamic topology changes in polymers in response to a specific chemical stimulus. Starting with a dimerized PEG and hydrophobic linear materials, a lightly cross-linked polymer, and a cross-linked hydrogel, transformations into an amphiphilic linear polymer, lightly cross-linked and linear random copolymers, a cross-linked polymer, and three different hydrogel matrices were achieved via two controllable cross-linking reactions: reversible conjugate additions and thiol-disulfide exchange. Significantly, all the polymers, before or after topological changes, can be triggered to degrade into thiol- or amine-terminated small molecules. The controllable transformations of polymeric morphologies and their degradation herald a new generation of smart materials.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Click Chemistry
  • Cross-Linking Reagents / chemistry
  • Dimerization
  • Hydrogels / chemistry*
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Molecular Structure
  • Polymers / chemistry*

Substances

  • Cross-Linking Reagents
  • Hydrogels
  • Polymers