Star Polymers

Abstract

Recent advances in controlled/living polymerization techniques and highly efficient coupling chemistries have enabled the facile synthesis of complex polymer architectures with controlled dimensions and functionality. As an example, star polymers consist of many linear polymers fused at a central point with a large number of chain end functionalities. Owing to this exclusive structure, star polymers exhibit some remarkable characteristics and properties unattainable by simple linear polymers. Hence, they constitute a unique class of technologically important nanomaterials that have been utilized or are currently under audition for many applications in life sciences and nanotechnologies. This article first provides a comprehensive summary of synthetic strategies towards star polymers, then reviews the latest developments in the synthesis and characterization methods of star macromolecules, and lastly outlines emerging applications and current commercial use of star-shaped polymers. The aim of this work is to promote star polymer research, generate new avenues of scientific investigation, and provide contemporary perspectives on chemical innovation that may expedite the commercialization of new star nanomaterials. We envision in the not-too-distant future star polymers will play an increasingly important role in materials science and nanotechnology in both academic and industrial settings.

Aggregation Processes in Hybrid Nanosystem Polymer/Nanosilver/Cisplatin

“…The choice of this copolymer among the series of the branched samples synthesized is based on our previous research. Namely, this sample was the most efficient polymer matrix for the Ag sol in situ synthesis [24,25,29].…”

“…The theoretical [22,23] and experimental [24][25][26][27][28][29] studies of branched polymers provide us with a reason to assume that these macromolecules are more efficient in comparison with linear analogs for the nanosystem in situ synthesis, as flocculants and nanocarriers for drugs, because of a higher local concentration of functional groups capable of reacting with some substances. It was proved by our recent research devoted to the encapsulation of cis-Pt into a branched star-like polymer with dextran core and grafted polyacrylamide-co-polyacrylic acid arms.…”

Topology-transformable polymers: linear–branched polymer structural transformation via the mechanical linking of polymer chains

“…Although topology-changeable molecules have been limited mainly to small molecules until 2000, recent progress in synthetic organic and polymer chemistry has made the topology change of polymer molecules possible, [67][68][69][70] as discussed in the section 'Bimolecular linking directed toward the linear-branched polymer topology transformation'. Compared with linear polymers, corresponding polymers with different topologies, such as star polymers, [71][72][73] cyclic polymers, 12,59,60 dendrimers [74][75][76] and hyperbranched polymers, 16 generally have a smaller hydrodynamic volume, lower solution viscosity and less polymer entanglement in bulk. Therefore, the development of topology-transformable polymers in response to a specific stimulus is particularly attractive to control the polymer properties and to construct novel stimuli-responsive materials.…”

Synthesis of Star Polymers by RAFT Polymerization as Versatile Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications

“…In comparison with linear polymers of similar molecular weight, star polymers have considerably lower viscosity and as such are useful as rheology control agents. [3,4] Moreover, star polymers are finding increasing application in nanomedicine, and as nanocontainers and nanoreactors. [5] Although star polymers can be prepared via cationic or anionic polymerization, [6,7] the reaction conditions required are challenging and have limited the extent to which star polymers have found widespread application.…”