{"title":"The current science of sequence-defined macromolecules","authors":"Karen Hakobyan , Benjamin B. Noble , Jiangtao Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2023.101754","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2023.101754","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>A fundamental endeavour in macromolecular science is the control of molecular-level complexity, including molecular weight distribution, end groups and architecture. Since the discovery that native biomacromolecules can have a specific sequence translating in a specific biological function, controlling individual monomer sequence has become the ultimate expression of molecular-level complexity. Replicating this remarkable structural precision in abiological macromolecules has emerged as a defining goal and challenge within polymer science. In this Review, we survey developments in synthetic methods, characterisation techniques, simulation workflows and applications relevant to this goal. We also address the broader question of to what extent is such control of molecular-level complexity significant in macromolecules. Specifically, we will focus on characterisation in this Review because of its importance in connecting synthesis with applications.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":413,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Polymer Science","volume":"147 ","pages":"Article 101754"},"PeriodicalIF":27.1,"publicationDate":"2023-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"71725492","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Hydrophilic polymers: Current trends and visions for the future","authors":"Niamh Bayliss, Bernhard V.K.J. Schmidt","doi":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2023.101753","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2023.101753","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Hydrophilic polymers are a major class of polymers in polymer science. They are found in a broad range of applications from superabsorbers to drug-delivery. In recent years, a plethora of impactful developments in hydrophilic polymers have been reported. The present review gives an overview over these developments with a focus on frequently studied polymer types, aqueous multi-phase systems, hydrophilic block copolymer self-assembly and hydrophilic polymer particles. We cover fundamental work and concepts but also present work with high relevance for application. Finally, we give an outlook towards current challenges and future developments of the field. The further development of hydrophilic polymer is of great importance for a broad range of applications and will have a significant impact on biomedicine and every-day life.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":413,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Polymer Science","volume":"147 ","pages":"Article 101753"},"PeriodicalIF":27.1,"publicationDate":"2023-10-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0079670023001077/pdfft?md5=747951ee0a9725af28cb8d5156d68271&pid=1-s2.0-S0079670023001077-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90029891","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Sequence- and stereo-defined macromolecules: Properties and emerging functionalities","authors":"Roza Szweda","doi":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2023.101737","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2023.101737","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p><span>Natural macromolecules<span><span>, such as proteins and nucleic acids, display various complex functionalities in biological systems. These functionalities depend on the </span>macromolecular structure, which is determined by the sequence of </span></span>monomers<span> as well as stereochemical factors. Over the past decade, synthetic methods have evolved to enable complete control over sequential monomer assembly. The precise control over the primary structure of abiotic macromolecules holds the promise to realize complex functionality, similar to natural biopolymers<span><span>. One of the key features in biological processes involves chirality. Therefore, stereochemical considerations are a prerequisite for mimicking biological systems using </span>synthetic polymers<span>. Here, the progress made in the field of stereo-controlled, sequence-defined polymers is summarised. The impact of monomer sequence and stereocontrol on the physicochemical properties of polymers and their emerging functions is discussed, which underlines the importance of controlling macromolecular structure with high precision. In addition to describing synthetic methods leading to stereocontrolled and sequence-defined macromolecules, limitations and problems in their fabrication are highlighted. The review also includes examples showing how sequence and stereocontrol affect the thermal properties and degradation of polymers, which are critical in the engineering and application of polymer materials. The secondary and tertiary structures<span><span> are responsible for the functions of natural polymers<span>; therefore, the ability of abiotic macromolecules to fold and self-assemble is discussed in detail, with an emphasis on systems beyond polyamides related to protein skeletons. Furthermore, examples of functions that have been displayed by abiotic macromolecules of defined sequence and chirality are presented. The review article focuses on discrete macromolecules built based on abiotic backbones, including </span></span>oligomers. In the concluding section, the collected examples are used to elucidate how monomer arrangement and stereocontrol can bring abiotic polymers to a high level of functionality, as manifested by natural macromolecules.</span></span></span></span></p></div>","PeriodicalId":413,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Polymer Science","volume":"145 ","pages":"Article 101737"},"PeriodicalIF":27.1,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42281472","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Taeseok Oh , Suchan Cho , Changsu Yoo , Wonjune Yeo , Jinyeong Oh , Myungeun Seo
{"title":"Polymerization‐induced microphase separation of a polymerization mixture into nanostructured block polymer materials","authors":"Taeseok Oh , Suchan Cho , Changsu Yoo , Wonjune Yeo , Jinyeong Oh , Myungeun Seo","doi":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2023.101738","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2023.101738","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Block polymers comprising covalently joined polymeric segments represent a class of nanostructured, multicomponent polymeric materials. Polymerization-induced microphase separation (PIMS) is an intriguing subset that allows for simultaneous nanostructuring during block polymer synthesis. In contrast to polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA), useful for the spontaneous formation of block polymer micelles, PIMS is well suited to fabricating monolithic block polymer materials by turning a whole polymerization mixture into a nanostructured solid. With the <em>in situ</em> cross-linking feature, PIMS offers a facile route to nanostructured block polymer thermosets in combination with various polymerization techniques, from emulsion polymerization to 3D printing. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview and practical guide on PIMS by covering its historical background and mechanistic aspects and also highlighting representative material classes and applicable polymerization techniques.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":413,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Polymer Science","volume":"145 ","pages":"Article 101738"},"PeriodicalIF":27.1,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48990312","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Regulating cationic polymerization: From structural control to life cycle management","authors":"Lianqian Wu, Brayan Rondon, Shoshana Dym, Wenqi Wang, Kuiru Chen, Jia Niu","doi":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2023.101736","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2023.101736","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p><span><span>Cationic polymerization is a powerful strategy for the production of well-defined polymers and </span>advanced materials. In particular, the emergence of </span>living cationic polymerization<span><span><span><span><span> has enabled pathways to complex polymer architectures inaccessible before. The use of light and electricity as external stimuli to regulate cationic polymerization represents another advance with increasing applications in surface fabrication and patterning, </span>additive manufacturing, and other advanced material engineering. The past decade also witnessed vigorous progress in stereoselective cationic polymerizations, allowing for the dual control of both the tacticity and the </span>molecular weight<span> of vinyl polymers towards precision polymers. In addition, in addressing the plastics pollution crisis and achieving a circular materials economy, cationic polymerization offers unique advantages for generating chemically recyclable polymers, such as polyacetals, </span></span>polysaccharides, polyvinyl ethers, and </span>polyethers. In this review, we provide an overview of recent developments in regulating cationic polymerization, including emerging control systems, spatiotemporally controlled polymerization (light and electricity), stereoselective polymerization, and chemically recyclable/degradable polymers. Hopefully, these discussions will help to stimulate new ideas for the further development of cationic polymerization for researchers in the field of polymer science and beyond.</span></p></div>","PeriodicalId":413,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Polymer Science","volume":"145 ","pages":"Article 101736"},"PeriodicalIF":27.1,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46949290","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xabier Lopez de Pariza , Paula Fanlo , Lucas Polo Fonseca , Alaitz Ruiz de Luzuriaga , Haritz Sardon
{"title":"Polythiourethanes: Synthesis, applications, and opportunities","authors":"Xabier Lopez de Pariza , Paula Fanlo , Lucas Polo Fonseca , Alaitz Ruiz de Luzuriaga , Haritz Sardon","doi":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2023.101735","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2023.101735","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Concern over the production, use, and disposal of polymeric materials have led to increased societal pressure to search for sustainable alternatives that are better aligned with circular economy models. In this regard, polythiourethanes are a relatively unknown polymer family with similar properties and potential applications to conventional polyurethanes<span>, but with enhanced dynamic behavior. This dynamic behavior allows for improved recyclability and for reprocessing at milder conditions without diminishing physical or mechanical properties<span><span>. In this review article, we report a comprehensive summary of the work covering polythiourethanes, which from our perspective constitute an interesting alternative to tackle environmental issues arising from plastic waste. The review first covers the main synthetic routes for the preparation of polythiourethanes with a particular focus on catalysis and non-isocyanate routes. Subsequently, the thermo-mechanical and optical properties of polythiourethane materials are discussed, highlighting the similarities and differences concerning polyurethanes. Following this, the opportunities arising from the enhanced dynamic character of the thiourethane bond are considered, emphasizing works covering the chemical recycling and/or reprocessing of polythiourethane </span>thermosets. Finally, we discuss their use for advanced applications and current advanced manufacturing processes and highlight our perspective on the future challenges and opportunities offered by polythiourethane materials.</span></span></p></div>","PeriodicalId":413,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Polymer Science","volume":"145 ","pages":"Article 101735"},"PeriodicalIF":27.1,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43567708","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Wei Zhao , Chenlong Li , Jun Chang , Huimin Zhou , Deshuo Wang , Jingjiang Sun , Tianqing Liu , Hui Peng , Qingfu Wang , Yanan Li , Andrew K. Whittaker
{"title":"Advances and prospects of RAFT polymerization-derived nanomaterials in MRI-assisted biomedical applications","authors":"Wei Zhao , Chenlong Li , Jun Chang , Huimin Zhou , Deshuo Wang , Jingjiang Sun , Tianqing Liu , Hui Peng , Qingfu Wang , Yanan Li , Andrew K. Whittaker","doi":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2023.101739","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2023.101739","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is recognized as the most powerful clinical imaging modality due to its ability to produce detailed three-dimensional anatomical images and high spatial resolution in a non-invasive manner without the use of harmful radioactive nuclides or ionizing radiation. Conventional small molecule contrast agents (CAs) for MRI, such as paramagnetic transition metal ion chelates or iron oxide nanoparticles, are limited by lower relaxivity, shorter blood circulation time and their potential toxic effects. Functional polymers capable of being detected by MRI have therefore become attractive, offering the unique advantage of pre-design due to their chemical flexibility, structural diversity, and tailoring of properties. Reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization is a powerful tool that not only enables the precise formation of macromolecular building blocks with complex structures and functions, but also provides a direct method for preparation of polymeric nanoparticles with multiple morphologies suitable for biomedical applications. In addition, when combining RAFT polymers with inorganic/metallic complex nanocomposites, the polymer provides the ability to encapsulate therapeutic molecules, thereby combining diagnostic and therapeutic functions in what is known as a theranostic nanomedicine. In this review, we highlight recent advances in the development of multifunctional polymers as MRI CAs designed and prepared by RAFT polymerization and their performance in diagnosis and treatment of disease. In addition, the review will address the challenges and future opportunities for RAFT-mediated MRI-based theranostics in guiding the treatment of diseases including malignant tumors.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":413,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Polymer Science","volume":"146 ","pages":"Article 101739"},"PeriodicalIF":27.1,"publicationDate":"2023-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41083200","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Polymer-based triboelectric nanogenerators: Materials, characterization, and applications","authors":"Mina Shanbedi , Haleh Ardebili , Alamgir Karim","doi":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2023.101723","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2023.101723","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), a nascent field in energy conversion technologies, provide a novel approach to producing electrical energy from mechanical motion in the surrounding environment.Polymers play a key role in the functioning of TENGs through their exceptional triboelectric properties, with most triboelectric active materials being polymeric with negative affinity potential. Since there are many scientific issues that are not well understood yet regarding the working mechanism and fundamental issues regarding the role of polymers in TENGs, this review covers TENG fundamentals and effects of environmental parameters and provides a deep analytical analysis of important literature studies of TENGs. Although TENGs generate high voltage, their current generation is usually in the microamp range. Modifying polymer dielectric materials<span><span> has been much investigated to enhance the output performance of TENGs. This article provides a comprehensive review of various polymer modification categories and associated performance enhancement with an analysis and comparison of research results to help grasp the big picture on the role of polymer modification on TENG performance. Specifically, the source of triboelectrification and updated knowledge about their working principle, and the quantified comparison of triboelectric material are discussed. Then physical nano and microstructure and the effect of TENG material shape on the output are brought into the discussion. Equally, the important role of chemical modification of triboelectric active polymer by way of categorization of methods and their effect on electricity generation is put under focus. In order to enhance the triboelectric negativity of polymer properties, it is useful to introduce chemical groups with high negativity, such as halogens. This can be achieved through several methods, including using a sulfur backbone or casting fluorinated self-assembly monolayers (SAMs), and the impact on TENGs' performance is explored. Furthermore, the addition of fillers to polymers is a proven technique for increasing their </span>dielectric constant, which is emphasized as particularly significant.</span></p></div>","PeriodicalId":413,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Polymer Science","volume":"144 ","pages":"Article 101723"},"PeriodicalIF":27.1,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"1623510","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hua-Dong Huang , Peng-Gang Ren , Gan-Ji Zhong , Andrew Olah , Zhong-Ming Li , Eric Baer , Lei Zhu
{"title":"Promising strategies and new opportunities for high barrier polymer packaging films","authors":"Hua-Dong Huang , Peng-Gang Ren , Gan-Ji Zhong , Andrew Olah , Zhong-Ming Li , Eric Baer , Lei Zhu","doi":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2023.101722","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2023.101722","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p><span><span>The past decades have witnessed the rapidly growing interest in polymer films<span> as the most commonly used packaging material due to their lightweight, versatility, low cost, and ease of manufacturing. However, there is a noticeable mismatch between the demanding requirements of various oxygen- or humidity-sensitive commodities and the poor barrier properties of single-component polymer films, thus giving rise to food spoilage, drug failure, as well as corrosion damage of electronic devices. In this review, we provide an in-depth introduction on the most promising strategies for developing high barrier polymer packaging films, including surface coating, polymer blending, and </span></span>polymer nanocomposites. Specifically, the types of surface coatings, the dispersed phase morphology in </span>polymer blends<span><span>, the main factors for polymer nanocomposites containing large-aspect-ratio nanoplatelets, their dispersion morphology, the </span>interfacial structure<span><span>, and the crystalline structure of the matrix polymers can be tailored to maximize the gas barrier performance. Also, current challenges and perspectives for future development of high barrier polymer packaging materials are proposed. The new insight into the relationship between </span>polymer processing, microscopic architecture, and barrier properties of polymer materials are expected to provide a valuable guide for developing high-barrier polymer packaging materials.</span></span></p></div>","PeriodicalId":413,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Polymer Science","volume":"144 ","pages":"Article 101722"},"PeriodicalIF":27.1,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"1822385","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Crystallization in thin films of polymer glasses: The role of free surfaces, solid interfaces and their competition","authors":"Yuhui Yang , Houkuan Tian , Simone Napolitano , Biao Zuo","doi":"10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2023.101725","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2023.101725","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p><span>Polymer coatings<span> of nanometric thickness are about to enter in everyday life as part of a wide range of applications such as protective layers, stimuli-responsive membranes or as components of flexible electronics devices. In the past 30 years, these polymer nanomaterial systems have been at the center of research interest due to the opportunities to control relevant </span></span>material properties<span><span> like the phase transition temperature, viscosity, permeability, or thermal expansion<span> by variation of the film thickness. One of the key factors responsible for the deviation from bulk behavior is known as 1D confinement that describes the increasing impact of interfacial layers when reducing film thickness. This review provides a comprehensive discussion of the role of the free surface at the boundary with air and the interfacial layer in proximity of a supporting substrate on the crystallization of thin polymer films<span>. First, the dynamics of polymers near the free surface and its impact on the crystallization of films is discussed. Subsequently, the effect of solid substrates on crystallization in thin films is elaborated, including the formation of irreversible adsorption layers, alteration of crystalline structure and the kinetics of crystallization. Subsequently, the competition between surface and interface effects on the formation of ordered structures in thin polymer films is discussed. A perspective on challenges and opportunities in the field of thin film crystallization is provided to inspire future research and development in the field. This review thus provides an up-to-date analysis of current understanding of crystallization of polymer glasses under 1D confinement, aimed at supporting the manipulation and control of the properties of polymer-based </span></span></span>nanodevices.</span></p></div>","PeriodicalId":413,"journal":{"name":"Progress in Polymer Science","volume":"144 ","pages":"Article 101725"},"PeriodicalIF":27.1,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"3082041","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}