We
report a strategy toward surface-functional polymeric microspheres
using a wavelength orthogonality technique that employs photoinitiated
reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) dispersion
polymerization and the subsequent photografting under different wavelengths
of light. Initial screening of reaction conditions indicated photoreactive
polymeric microsphere with uniform sizes could be prepared by using
photoinitiator-functionalized macro-RAFT agents under purple light
irradiation. Photoreactive polymeric microspheres allowed photografting
polymerizations under UV light irradiation, and we further demonstrated
the broad scope of this method by photografting acrylamide, acrylic,
and methacrylic monomers. Finally, carboxyl-functionalized polymeric
microspheres with an exceptional high number of carboxyl groups were
successfully prepared by this technique, which permitted extensive
surface bioconjugation of model proteins (e.g., streptavidin). This
method should expand the capabilities of RAFT dispersion polymerization
to afford diverse surface-functional polymeric microspheres for some
specific applications.
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