Ultrasound-responsive block copolymer micelles based on a new amplification mechanism.

A new approach for amplifying the effect of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in disassembling amphiphilic block copolymer (BCP) micelles in aqueous solution was investigated. The diblock copolymer is comprised of a water-soluble poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) block and a block of poly(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl methacrylate) (PMEO(2)MA) that is hydrophobic at temperatures above its lower critical solution temperature (LCST). We show that by introducing a small amount of HIFU-labile 2-tetrahydropyranyl methacrylate (THPMA) comonomer units into the PMEO(2)MA that forms the micelle core at T > LCST, an ultrasound irradiation of a micellar solution could induce the hydrolysis of THPMA groups.

Potato suberin induces differentiation and secondary metabolism in the genus Streptomyces.

Bacteria of the genus Streptomyces are soil microorganisms with a saprophytic life cycle. Previous studies have revealed that the phytopathogenic agent S. scabiei undergoes metabolic and morphological modifications in the presence of suberin, a complex plant polymer.