Biodegradable, multi-layered coatings for controlled release of small molecules.

Incorporation of orthogonal functional groups into biodegradable polymers permits the fabrication of multi-layered thin films with improved adhesion and tunable degradation profiles. The bi-layer structure also allows for accurate control over small molecule release.

De novo design of bioactive protein-resembling nanospheres via dendrimer-templated peptide amphiphile assembly.

Self-assembling peptide amphiphiles (PAs) have been extensively used in the development of novel biomaterials. Because of their propensity to form cylindrical micelles, their use is limited in applications where small spherical micelles are desired. Here we present a platform method for controlling the self-assembly of biofunctional PAs into spherical 50 nm particles using dendrimers as shape-directing scaffolds.

Superhydrophobic and self-cleaning bio-fiber surfaces via ATRP and subsequent postfunctionalization.

Superhydrophobic and self-cleaning cellulose surfaces have been obtained via surface-confined grafting of glycidyl methacrylate using atom transfer radical polymerization combined with postmodification reactions. Both linear and branched graft-on-graft architectures were used for the postmodification reactions to obtain highly hydrophobic bio-fiber surfaces by functionalization of the grafts with either poly(dimethylsiloxane), perfluorinated chains, or alkyl chains, respectively. Postfunctionalization using alkyl chains yielded results similar to those of surfaces modified by perfluorination, in terms of superhydrophobicity, self-cleaning properties, and the stability of these properties over time.

Bifunctional dendrimers: from robust synthesis and accelerated one-pot postfunctionalization strategy to potential applications.

A fourth wheel: Two sets of bifunctional AB(2)C dendrimers having internal acetylene/azides and external hydroxy groups were constructed utilizing benign synthetic protocols. An in situ postfunctionalization strategy was successfully carried out to illustrate the chemoselective nature of these dendrimers. The dendrimers were also transformed into dendritic nanoparticles or utilized as dendritic crosslinkers for the fabrication hydrogels.

Intelligent dual-responsive cellulose surfaces via surface-initiated ATRP.

Novel thermo-responsive cellulose (filter paper) surfaces of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) and pH-responsive cellulose surfaces of 4-vinylpyridine (4VP) have been achieved via surface-initiated ATRP. Dual-responsive (pH and temperature) cellulose surfaces were also obtained through the synthesis of block-copolymer brushes of PNIPAAm and P4VP. With changes in pH and temperature, these "intelligent" surfaces showed a reversible response to both individual triggers, as indicated by the changes in wettability from highly hydrophilic to highly hydrophobic observed by water contact angle measurements.

A chemoselective approach for the accelerated synthesis of well-defined dendritic architectures.

A chemoselective and layered growth approach has been developed for the synthesis of dendrimers, combining Click chemistry with traditional esterification/etherification reactions, without the need for activation steps and with excellent overall yields.

Self-assembly of poly(9,9'-dihexylfluorene) to form highly ordered isoporous films via blending.

Highly ordered hexagonal arrays of isoporous films prepared from poly(9,9'-dihexylfluorene) and polystyrene-grafted silica nanoparticles (Si-graft-PS) are presented. These close-packed arrays were formed in areas of many square millimeters. The pore size varied from 3.