Dendronized Hyperbranched Macromolecules: Soft Matter with a Novel Type of Segmental Distribution

Abstract

Dendronization of a hyperbranched polyester with different generation dendrons leads to pseudo-dendritic structures. The hyperbranched core is modified by the divergent coupling of protected monomer units to the functional groups. Compared to dendrimers, the synthetic effort is significantly less, but the properties are very close to those of high-generation dendrimers. The number of functional groups, molar mass, and rheology behavior even in the early generation (G1-G4) pseudo-dendrimers strongly resembles the behavior of dendrimers in higher generations (G5-G8). Comparison of the segmental and internal structure with perfect dendrimers is performed using SANS, dynamic light scattering and viscosity analysis, microscopy and molecular dynamics simulation. The interpretation of the results reveals unique structural characteristics arising from lower segmental density of the core, which turns into a soft nano-sphere with a smooth surface even in the first generation.

Toward Functional Synthetic Cells: In‐Depth Study of Nanoparticle and Enzyme Diffusion through a Cross‐Linked Polymersome Membrane

“…It was theoretically calculated that values lower than 0.3 would correspond to spherical particles with a smooth, well‐defined surface . Thus, the conformation plots of the empty polymersomes, determined at pH 5 and pH 7.4, indicate uniform particle conformation with a smooth, well‐defined surface independent on the applied pH …”

Ligand effect in the synthesis of hyperbranched polymers via copper‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition polymerization (CuAACP)

“…Although dendrimers possess monodisperse and highly symmetric structure, their application is greatly hindered by tedious synthetic procedures and inefficient purification steps . In comparison, hyperbranched polymers are generally prepared via facile one‐pot polymerization methods, although their structures often have little control, which profoundly affects their physical properties and their advanced applications …”

“…14,15 In comparison, hyperbranched polymers are generally prepared via facile one-pot polymerization methods, although their structures often have little control, which profoundly affects their physical properties and their advanced applications. [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23] Among the various structural parameters, degree of branching (DB) is important to define the architecture of hyperbranched polymers. 24 One goal during the synthesis of hyperbranched polymers is to be able to tune the DB values within a wide range with no change of the polymer's composition.…”

Relaxation Dynamics of Semiflexible Fractal Macromolecules

“…However, a characterization based only on the degree of branching is rather superficial, because it does not carry information about the distribution of the branching points, i.e., the monomer connectivity [10][11][12][13][14]. A prominent example in this respect is provided by pseudo-dendrimers that possess the same degree of branching as dendrimers, but distinct physical properties [14,15]. Here, we study a system with a fractal connectivity, which, as for dendrimers and pseudo-dendrimers, does not possess linear spacers.…”

“…Version May 27, 2016 submitted to Polymers 6 of 23 (12), (14), and (15). The beads k coloured by black are the gluing beads.…”