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Photopolymerization
Kinds of Photopolymerization Terms modified by Photopolymerization Selected AbstractsGrayscale Photopatterning of an Amorphous Polymer Thin Film Prepared by Photopolymerization of a Bisanthracene-Functionalized Liquid-Crystalline MonomerADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 10 2010Hideyuki Kihara Abstract A method for grayscale photopatterning of an amorphous polymer film derived from a bisanthracene-functionalized liquid-crystalline monomer is developed. Solution photopolymerization of a monomer with two anthracene moieties, one at each end, affords an amorphous polymer. A combination of irradiation with patterned UV light and heating results in photopatterning on thin films prepared from the polymer. On non-irradiated areas of the film, the polymer reverts to the monomer owing to the thermal back-reaction of the anthracene photodimer, forming an ordered phase. On irradiated areas remaining in the amorphous phase, the thermal back-reaction is suppressed. This phenomenon results in a clear contrast and visual images on the film under polarized light. Grayscale photopatterning is also made possible for the solution-polymerized polymer by controlling the intensity of exposure. In addition, rewritable photopatterning can be achieved by melt photopolymerization of the monomer. The new photopatterning is essentially nondestructive because it needs neither image development nor anthracene-excitation light for reading. [source] Silica-Based, Organically Modified Host Material for Waveguide Structuring by Two-Photon-Induced PhotopolymerizationADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 5 2010Stefan Krivec Abstract The three-dimensional fabrication of optical waveguides has gained increasing interest in recent years to establish interconnections between electrical components on a very small scale where copper circuits encounter severe limitations. In this work the application of optically clear, organically modified porous silica monoliths and thin films as a host material for polymeric waveguides to be inscribed into the solid host structure by two-photon-induced photopolymerization is investigated. Porosity is generated using a lyotropic liquid crystalline surfactant/solvent system as a template for the solid silica material obtained by a sol,gel transition of a liquid precursor. In order to reduce the brittleness of the purely inorganic material, organic,inorganic co-precursor molecules that contain poly(ethylene glycol) chains are synthesized and added to the mixture, which successfully suppresses macroscopic cracking and leads to flexible thin films. The structure of the thus-obtained porous organic,inorganic hybrid material is investigated by atomic force microscopy. It is shown that the modified material is suitable for infiltration with photocurable monomers and functional polymeric waveguides can be inscribed by selective two-photon-induced photopolymerization. [source] A Versatile Synthetic Extracellular Matrix Mimic via Thiol-Norbornene PhotopolymerizationADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 48 2009Benjamin D. Fairbanks Step-growth, radically mediated thiol-norbornene photopolymerization is used to create versatile, stimuli-responsive poly(ethylene glycol)-co-peptide hydrogels (see image) The reaction is cytocompatible and allows for the encapsulation of human mesenchymal stem cells with a viability greater than 95%. Cellular spreading is dictated via three-dimensional biochemical photopatterning. [source] Photopolymerization of clay/polyurethane nanocomposites induced by intercalated initiatorJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 4 2007Hailin Tan Abstract An intercalated initiator was synthesized and used for preparation of clay/polyurethane nanocomposites by UV irradiation. Organoclays containing initiator groups were prepared by cationic exchange process which acted as both suitable intercalant and photoinitiator. These modified clays were then dispersed in the mixture of urethane acrylate and hexanediol diacrylate in different loading, then situ photopolymerized. Intercalated and exfoliated nanocomposite structure were evidenced by both X-ray diffraction spectroscopy and Transmission Electron Microscope. Thermal properties and morphologies of the resultant nanocomposites were also investigated. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007 [source] Synthesis, characterization, and cure reaction of methacrylate-based multifunctional monomers for dental compositesJOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, Issue 3 2007Mousa Ghaemy Abstract The synthesis of 2,2-bis[(4-(2-hydroxy-3-methacryloxyethoxy)phenyl]propane (BHEP) and (1-methacryloxy-3-ethoxymethacryloxy-2-hydroxy)propane (MEHP) for use as the monomer phase in dental composites are reported. The monomers were prepared by the reaction of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) with diglycidyl-ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) and with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), respectively. The progress of the reaction was followed by measuring the disappearance of the epoxide group peak using FTIR and the structure of the monomers was characterized by 1H-NMR. BHEP and MEHP have lower viscosity because of the presence of long aliphatic spacer on both sides of the aromatic ring in BHEP and the absence of aromatic rings and the presence of only one hydroxyl group in each molecule of MEHP. Thermal curing of the monomers was conducted in a DSC using benzoyl peroxide as an initiator. Photopolymerization of the monomers was also conducted with the visible light using camphorquinone and N,N -dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate as the photoinitiating system. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007 [source] Curing Dental Resins and Composites by PhotopolymerizationJOURNAL OF ESTHETIC AND RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY, Issue 6 2000JEFFREY W. STANSBURY PHD ABSTRACT The development and continued evolution of photopolymerizable dental materials, particularly dental composite restoratives, represent a significant, practical advance for dentistry. The highly successful integration of the light-activated curing process for dental applications is described in this review. The basic mechanisms by which the photoinitiators efficiently convert monomers into polymers are discussed along with the variety of factors that influence the photopolymerization process. The conventional camphorquinone-amine visible light photoinitiator system used in most dental restorative materials is illustrated in addition to some alternative initiator systems that have been studied for dental materials applications. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Photopolymerization has become an integral component of the practice of dentistry. A better appreciation of the photopolymerization process as well as its potential and limitations may aid the dentist in the delivery of both esthetic and restorative dental care. [source] Photopolymerization with microscale resolution: Influence of the physico-chemical and photonic parametersJOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 11 2008Olivier Soppera Abstract This article is aimed at demonstrating that physicochemical parameters can be used to control the spatial extent (length, width, and shape) of polymer objects in view of micro- and nano-fabrication applications. In particular, we showed that oxygen quenching and internal filter effects could be turned to advantage to modulate the response of the material by controlling the threshold energy of polymerization and/or the shape of the light into the photopolymerizable medium. The experimental configuration used in this study is based on light-induced polymerization at the extremity of an optical fiber that produces polymer micro-objects after development. Spectroscopic approaches and polymerization threshold measurements were performed to quantitatively evaluate the influence of the physicochemical parameters on the micropatterning of photopolymerizable material. Interestingly, fluorescence that is usually regarded as a process competing with photopolymerization reaction, was used for controlling the fabrication process. By this means, it was possible to better understand the impact of a nonhomogeneous irradiation on photopolymerization process and thus, to tune the shape and the size of the final polymer objects. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 3783,3794, 2008 [source] Photopolymerization of ternary thiol,ene/acrylate systems: Film and network propertiesJOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 5 2007Huanyu Wei Abstract Photocurable, ternary-component mixtures of a 1:1 molar multifunctional thiol,ene (trithiol and triallyl ether) blend and a 16-functional acrylate based monomer have been photopolymerized, and the final film properties of the ternary crosslinked networks have been measured. The photopolymerization kinetics, morphology, and mechanical and physical properties of the films have been investigated with real-time infrared, atomic force microscopy, and dynamic mechanical analysis. The photopolymerization process is a combination of acrylate homopolymerization and copolymerizations of thiol with allyl ether and acrylate functionalities. The tan , peaks of the photopolymerized ternary systems are relatively narrow and tunable over a large temperature range. The morphology is characterized by a distinct phase-separated nanostructure. The photocured thiol,ene/acrylate ternary systems can be made to exhibit good mechanical properties with enhanced energy absorption at room temperature by the appropriate selection of each component concentration. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 822,829, 2007. [source] Photopolymerization of 1,6-hexanedioldiacrylate initiated by three-component systems based on N -arylphthalimidesJOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 16 2004T. Brian Cavitt Abstract Three-component photoinitiators comprised of an N -arylphthalimide, a diarylketone, and a tertiary amine were investigated for their initiation efficiency of acrylate polymerization. The use of an electron-deficient N -arylphthalimide resulted in a greater acrylate polymerization rate than an electron-rich N -arylphthalimide. Triplet energies of each N -arylphthalimide, determined from their phosphorescence spectra, and the respective rate constants for triplet quenching by the N -arylphthalimide derivatives (acquired via laser flash photolysis) indicated that an electron,proton transfer from an intermediate radical species to the N -arylphthalimide (not energy transfer from triplet sensitization) is responsible for generating the initiating radicals under the conditions and species concentrations used for polymerization. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 4009,4015, 2004 [source] Styrylpyridinium borate salts as dye photoinitiators of free-radical polymerizationJOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 10 2002Beata J, drzejewska Abstract Styrylpyridinium borate salts photoinitiate free-radical polymerization. The rate of photopolymerization depends on the ,Go of electron transfer between a borate anion and a styrypyridinium cation. This latter value was estimated for a series of styrylpyridinium borate salts, and the relationship between the rate of polymerization and the free energy of activation gives the dependence predicted by the classical theory of electron transfer. This relation was independently observed for the two series of styrylpyridinium borate salts tested,one for the photoredox pair with an iodine atom and the second without. Styrylpyridinium borate salts were stable at ambient temperature in the formulations prepared for the photopolymerization experiments. Photopolymerization initiated by the photoredox pairs tested proceeded by the conventional mechanism in which bimolecular termination occurs by a reaction between two macroradicals. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 1433,1440, 2002 [source] Poly(N -isopropylacrylamide) Brush Fabricated by Surface-Initiated Photopolymerization and its Response to TemperatureMACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS, Issue 21 2009Xinyan Jia Abstract A well-defined, high-density poly(N -isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) brush was fabricated through a novel and reliable strategy by the combination of the self-assembly of a monolayer of dendritic photoinitiator and surface-initiated photopolymerization. The whole fabrication process of the PNIPAM brush was followed by water contact angles, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Characterization of the PNIPAM brush, such as molecular weight and thickness determination, were measured by gel permeation chromatography, and ellipsometry, and the graft density was estimated. The temperature response of the PNIPAM brush was further investigated and the result verified the coil-to-globule transition of the PNIPAM chains in water from low to high temperature. [source] Water-Soluble Polymeric Thioxanthone Photoinitiator Containing Glucamine as CoinitiatorMACROMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS, Issue 15 2008Xuesong Jiang Abstract A novel kind of water-soluble polymeric photoinitiator was synthesized by introducing thioxanthone moieties and glucamine into the polymeric chain, as well as low-molecular weight model compounds. The photochemical and photophysical properties of these photoinitiators were studied. PTX-GA possesses a similar UV-vis absorption, weaker fluorescence emission and a shorter lifetime of the TX triplet state (,) as compared to TX-MGA and TX-PMAC/MDEA. ESR showed that in TX-PMAC/MDEA the smallest number of radicals is generated. Photopolymerization of arylamide and methylene bisacryamide initiated by these photoinitiators shows that PTX-GA is more effective than TX-MGA and TX-PMAC/MDEA. [source] Synthesis of Organosilica Films Through Consecutive Sol/Gel Process and Cationic PhotopolymerizationMACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS & ENGINEERING, Issue 4 2010Davy-Louis Versace Abstract The cationic photopolymerization of epoxy polysilsesquioxane resins synthesized through a acid-catalyzed sol/gel process is studied. To elucidate the effect of the organic substituent on sol/gel reaction kinetics, two organotrimethoxysilanes with different organic groups were employed. Effects of UV irradiation on the microstructure of the epoxy-functional polysilsesquioxanes were also studied. 29Si solid-state MAS NMR proved that UV-generated Brönsted acids favored a work-up of the silicate network by promoting new sol/gel condensation reactions. There was a significant slowdown of epoxy conversion rates with increasing sol aging, which may be due to a competition between an active chain end and an activated monomer mechanism for the epoxy cationic polymerization. [source] Synthesis of Fluorinated Hyperbranched Polymers and Their Use as Additives in Cationic PhotopolymerizationMACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS & ENGINEERING, Issue 7 2005Marco Sangermano Abstract Summary: A fluorine containing hyperbranched polymer was synthesized by modifying an aromatic-aliphatic hyperbranched polyester with a semifluorinated alcohol via a Mitsunobu reaction and was subsequently used as an additive in cationic photopolymerization of an epoxy resin. The remaining OH groups of the fluorinated hyperbranched polymer interact with the polymeric carbocation through a chain-transfer mechanism inducing an increase in the final epoxy conversion. The fluorinated HBP induces modification of bulk and surface properties, with an increase in Tg and surface hydrophobicity already reached at very low concentration. The HBFP additive can, therefore, protect the coatings from aggressive solvents, increases hardness, and allows the preparation of a low energy surface coating. Synthesis of fluorinated hyperbranched polyester. [source] Use of Hydroxyl Functionalized (Meth)acrylic Cross-Linked Polymer Microparticles as Chain Transfer Agent in Cationic Photopolymerization of Cycloaliphatic Epoxy Monomer, 1MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS & ENGINEERING, Issue 10 2003Ludovic Valette Abstract In the case of cationic-type photopolymerized epoxy networks, a new type of chain transfer agent based on hydroxyl functional acrylic cross-linked polymer microparticles (CPM, also called microgels) has been tested. The CPM functionality was obtained through hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) monomer, used as comonomer with butyl acrylate (BA) and hexane diol diacrylate (HDDA). Stabilizing monomers were also required for the synthesis of CPM. In order to compare their particular effects, 4 sets of CPM were synthesized with 4 different stabilizing agents, either hydroxyl functional or not. Consequently, two types of OH groups were present in the particles: primary groups coming from HEA and preferentially located in the particles, and optional hydroxyl groups due to the hydroxyl functional stabilizing agents which were mainly placed onto the particles' surface. The viscoelastic properties of the photopolymerized films have been used to obtain information about the chain transfer reaction and the network microstructure. In all cases, the rubber modulus, was improved because of the decrease of the number of dangling epoxy chains in the epoxy network. When hydroxyl groups were only present in the particles, the mobility of the linkages was assumed to be low, and the mechanical relaxation temperature, T,, strongly increased. However, CPM aggregation occurred at high CPM concentrations, lowering and T,. On the contrary, when OH groups were located both on the surface as well as inside the particles, no large CPM aggregation took place, even with [CPM],=,40 wt.-%. Nevertheless, the presumably higher mobility of the linkages on the particles' surface prevented any T, increase. The water absorption of all systems based on CPM was very low, around 2% whatever the concentration of chain transfer agent. Schematic description of the transfer reaction between a propagating cationic-type epoxy chain and a hydroxyl functional CPM. [source] Continuous Distribution Kinetics for Photopolymerization of Alkyl MethacrylatesMACROMOLECULAR REACTION ENGINEERING, Issue 9 2009Ravikrishnan Vinu Abstract The photopolymerization of methyl, ethyl, butyl, and hexyl methacrylates in solution was studied. The effect of initial initiator and monomer concentrations on the time evolution of polymer concentration, , and PDI was examined. The reversible chain addition and , -scission, and primary radical termination steps were included in the mechanism along with the classical steps. The rate equations were derived using continuous distribution kinetics and solved numerically to fit the experimental data. The regressed rate coefficients compared well with the literature data. The model predicted the instantaneous increase in and PDI to steady state values. The rate coefficients exhibited a linear increase with the size of alkyl chain of the alkyl methacrylates. [source] Photopolymerization and Characteristics of Polyurethane/Organoclay NanocompositesMACROMOLECULAR REACTION ENGINEERING, Issue 3 2007Hailin Tan Abstract Different polymerizable ammonium surfactants were successfully synthesized via Michael-addition and quaternarization reactions. Organoclays containing reactive methacrylate groups were prepared by the cationic exchange process. Intercalated nanocomposites were produced by UV initiated polymerization with 5 wt.-% organophilic clay loading. DMTA tests and tensile analysis implied that a long chain polymerizable modifier could crosslink with the polymer matrix, and mechanical and tensile properties were enhanced dramatically about 80%. Water sorption was not elevated, which was determined by the polymer itself and the hydrophobicity of the modifier, although the water permeation was improved. [source] Investigations on the Photoinitiator-free Photopolymerization of Acrylates by Vibrational Spectroscopic MethodsMACROMOLECULAR SYMPOSIA, Issue 1 2005Tom Scherzer Abstract Photopolymerization of acrylates without photoinitiators was carried out by irradiation with short-wavelength UV light from excimer lamps with an emission at 222 or 172 nm. Basic investigations on the reactivity of various acrylates and on the conditions under which they can be UV-cured were performed by real-time FTIR-ATR spectroscopy. Depending on the molar extinction coefficients of a specific acrylate at the wavelength of irradiation, the absorption of the light within the coating leads to a pronounced intensity gradient which significantly influences polymerization rate and conversion. Accordingly, it limits the maximum thickness of the layer that can be cured (ranging from some hundreds of nanometres up to some micrometers). In addition to the basic studies, thin acrylate coatings were also cured on pilot scale. The actual conversion in the layer after UV irradiation was directly monitored by in-line NIR reflection spectroscopy, and the resulting coatings were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy and hardness measurements. [source] Mathematical Model for Surface-Initiated Photopolymerization of Poly(ethylene glycol) DiacrylateMACROMOLECULAR THEORY AND SIMULATIONS, Issue 9 2006Seda K Abstract Summary: A general mathematical model has been developed to describe the surface initiated photopolymerization of PEG-DA forming crosslinked hydrogel membranes upon the surface of a substrate. Such membranes are formed by photopolymerizing a PEG-DA prepolymer solution by initiation with eosin-Y-functionalized surfaces and TEA using VP as accelerator. Experimental measurements of the thickness of hydrogel membranes compare well with the model. The model is developed by using the pseudo-kinetic approach and the method of moments, and is capable of predicting the crosslink density and thickness of the hydrogel membrane. Parametric sensitivity of the effects of PEG-DA, VP and coinitiator TEA concentration towards the crosslink density and the thickness of the hydrogel is also investigated. The results obtained for different PEG-DA and VP concentrations suggest that the concentration ratio of these two monomers is a key parameter in controlling the gel thickness and permeability. This model can also be applied to systems where drugs, proteins or cells are encapsulated through surface initiated photopolymerization to predict the growth and crosslink density profiles of the encapsulating membrane. In a previous study we have experimentally demonstrated that these membranes could be made to attach covalently to the surface of the underlying substrate. Comparison of experimental measurements and model simulation of PEG-DA hydrogel membrane thickness versus laser duration at high PEG-DA concentrations. [source] A Mathematical Model for Photopolymerization From a Stationary Laser Light SourceMACROMOLECULAR THEORY AND SIMULATIONS, Issue 1 2005Michael F. Perry Abstract Summary: A mathematical model of photopolymerization is presented for a stationary laser. Termination by radical combination and radical trapping is considered. Using simplifying assumptions, we derive analytical equations for the concentration of photoinitiator and monomer in the system. With these equations, we show that the light intensity and the initial amount of photoinitiator highly influence the polymerization process and determine the shape of the polymer that is formed. We also provide an analytic expression to determine the amount of polymer formed during dark reactions. Percent conversion of monomer as a function of time at z,=,0 and r,=,0 (Data from Table 1). [source] Magnetic resonance imaging of spatially resolved acrylamide photopolymerizationMAGNETIC RESONANCE IN CHEMISTRY, Issue 4 2003Tom J. Lees Abstract Magnetic resonance imaging was employed to examine spatially and temporally resolved photopolymerization of acrylamide gels. Fast exchange between free and bound water results in single exponential T2 decay, where 1/T2 scales linearly with polymer concentration. Measured T2s are sensitive to the experimental conditions; however, the 1/T2 relationship to polymer concentration allows a straightforward interpretation of image contrast changes during photopolymerization. The polymer appears to form at a nearly constant rate until the monomer concentration is significantly depleted. Conventional spin-echo images and quantitative CPMG-weighted spin-echo images were acquired. Photopolymerization of a partially masked sample produced a sharp transition (1 mm width) between polymer and monomer regions of the sample. The image intensity is uniform throughout the illuminated region of the sample, indicating uniform polymer formation. Interrupting the illumination quenches polymer formation. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Photopolymerization of alicyclic methacrylate hydrogels for controlled releasePOLYMERS FOR ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES, Issue 7 2009Jing Han Abstract Alicyclic hydroxy methacrylate monomer, o -hydroxycyclohexyl methacrylate (HCMA), was synthesized and characterized by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR). Photopolymerization kinetics of HCMA was investigated via real-time infrared spectroscopy (RT-IR). Polymeric network hydrogels based on hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and HCMA were prepared by using the photopolymerization technique. Mechanical strength, swelling characteristic, and controlled release behavior of hydrogels with various feed compositions were studied. Poly(HEMA-co-HCMA) hydrogel had higher storage modulus than that of poly(HEMA) hydrogel as investigated by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Acid orange 8 was used as a model drug for the investigation of drug release behavior of copolymeric hydrogels. Results indicated that increase in HCMA ratio in hydrogel composition could reduce the swelling rate and prolong the release time. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also utilized to study the surface morphology of hydrogels, and the results indicated that HCMA content influenced pore diameter on the hydrogel surface. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Photoreactivity and Photopolymerization of Silicon-Bridged [1]Ferrocenophanes in the Presence of Terpyridine Initiators: Unprecedented Cleavage of Both Iron,Cyclopentadienyl Bonds in the Presence of ChlorosilanesCHEMISTRY - A EUROPEAN JOURNAL, Issue 31 2007Yan Chan Abstract The photopolymerisation of sila[1]ferrocenophane [Fe(,-C5H4)2SiMe2] (3) with 4,4,,4,,-tri- tert -butyl-2,2,:6,,2,,-terpyridine (tBu3terpy) as initiator has been explored. High-molecular-weight polyferrocenylsilane (PFS) [{Fe(,-C5H4)2SiMe2}n] (5) was formed in high yield when a stoichiometric amount of tBu3terpy was used at 5,°C. Photopolymerisation of ferrocenophane 3 at higher temperatures gave PFS 5 in lower yield and with a reduced molecular weight as a result of a slower propagation rate. Remarkably, when Me3SiCl was added as a capping agent before photopolymerisation, subsequent photolysis of the reaction mixture resulted in the unprecedented cleavage of both iron,Cp bonds in ferrocenophane 3: iron(II) complex [Fe(tBu3terpy)2Cl2] (7Cl) was formed and the silane fragment (C5H4SiMe3)2SiMe2 (8) was released. The iron,Cp bond cleavage reaction also proceeded in ambient light, although longer reaction times were required. In addition, the unexpected cleavage chemistry in the presence of Me3SiCl was found to be applicable to other photoactive ferrocenes such as benzoylferrocene. For benzoylferrocene and ferrocenophane 3, the presence of metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) character in their low-energy transitions in the visible region probably facilitates photolytic iron,Cp bond cleavage, but this reactivity is suppressed when the strength of the iron,Cp bond is increased by the presence of electron-donating substituents on the cyclopentadienyl rings. [source] An accessible micro-capillary electrophoresis device using surface-tension-driven flowELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 9 2009Swomitra K. Mohanty Abstract We present a rapidly fabricated micro-capillary electrophoresis chip that utilizes surface-tension-driven flow for sample injection and extraction of DNA. Surface-tension-driven flow (i.e. passive pumping) [G. M. Walker et al., Lab. Chip. 2002, 2, 131,134] injects a fixed volume of sample that can be predicted mathematically. Passive pumping eliminates the need for tubing, valves, syringe pumps, and other equipment typically needed for interfacing with microelectrophoresis chips. This method requires a standard micropipette to load samples before separation, and remove the resulting bands after analysis. The device was made using liquid phase photopolymerization to rapidly fabricate the chip without the need of special equipment typically associated with the construction of microelectrophoresis chips (e.g. cleanroom) [A. K. Agarwal et al., J. Micromech. Microeng. 2006, 16, 332,340; S. K. Mohanty et al., Electrophoresis 2006, 27, 3772,3778]. Batch fabrication time for the device presented here was 1.5,h including channel coating time to suppress electroosmotic flow. Devices were constructed out of poly-isobornyl acrylate and glass. A standard microscope with a UV source was used for sample detection. Separations were demonstrated using Promega BenchTop 100,bp ladder in hydroxyl ethyl cellulose (HEC) and oligonucleotides of 91 and 118,bp were used to characterize sample injection and extraction of DNA bands. The end result was an inexpensive micro-capillary electrophoresis device that uses tools (e.g. micropipette, electrophoretic power supplies, and microscopes) already present in most labs for sample manipulation and detection, making it more accessible for potential end users. [source] Affinity monolith preconcentrators for polymer microchip capillary electrophoresisELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 16 2008Weichun Yang Abstract Developments in biology are increasing demands for rapid, inexpensive, and sensitive biomolecular analysis. In this study, polymer microdevices with monolithic columns and electrophoretic channels were used for biological separations. Glycidyl methacrylate- co -ethylene dimethacrylate monolithic columns were formed within poly(methyl methacrylate) microchannels by in situ photopolymerization. Flow experiments in these columns demonstrated retention and then elution of amino acids under conditions optimized for sample preconcentration. To enhance analyte selectivity, antibodies were immobilized on monoliths, and subsequent lysozyme treatment blocked nonspecific adsorption. The enrichment capability and selectivity of these affinity monoliths were evaluated by purifying fluorescently tagged amino acids from a mixture containing green fluorescent protein (GFP). Twenty-fold enrichment and 91% recovery were achieved for the labeled amino acids, with a >25,000-fold reduction in GFP concentration, as indicated by microchip electrophoresis analysis. These devices should provide a simple, inexpensive, and effective platform for trace analysis in complex biological samples. [source] Microfluidic device for capillary electrochromatography-mass spectrometryELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 21 2003Iulia M. Lazar Abstract A novel microfabricated device that integrates a monolithic polymeric separation channel, an injector, and an interface for electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry detection (ESI-MS) was devised. Microfluidic propulsion was accomplished using electrically driven fluid flows. The methacrylate-based monolithic separation medium was prepared by photopolymerization and had a positively derivatized surface to ensure electroosmotic flow (EOF) generation for separation of analytes in a capillary electrochromatography (CEC) format. The injector operation was optimized to perform under conditions of nonuniform EOF within the microfluidic channels. The ESI interface allowed hours of stable operation at the flow rates generated by the monolithic column. The dimensions of one processing line were sufficiently small to enable the integration of 4,8 channel multiplexed structures on a single substrate. Standard protein digests were utilized to evaluate the performance of this microfluidic chip. Low- or sub-fmol amounts were injected and detected with this arrangement. [source] Photopolymerizable Hydrogels Made from Polymer-Conjugated Albumin for Affinity-Based Drug Delivery,ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 1-2 2010Liat Oss-Ronen As a drug delivery vehicle, biodegradable albumin hydrogels can combine the high binding capacity of albumin with the structural stability of a polymeric hydrogel network to enable controlled release of small molecules based on both binding affinity and physical interactions. In the present study, we report on the development of a hybrid hydrogel composed of albumin conjugated to poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) for drug delivery applications where controlled release is accomplished using the natural affinity of the drugs to the serum albumin. Bovine serum albumin was conjugated to PEG-diacrylate having a molecular weight of 1.5, 4, or 10,kDa to form a PEGylated albumin macromolecule (mono-PEGylated or multi-PEGylated). Biodegradable hydrogels were formed from the PEGylated albumin using photopolymerization. Two model drugs, Warfarin and Naproxen, were used for equilibrium dialysis and release experiments from the hydrogels, both having relatively low molecular weights and a known high affinity for albumin. Equilibrium dialysis experiments showed that multi-PEGylation of albumin significantly decreased the drug affinity to the protein compared to non-PEGylated controls, irrespective of the PEG molecular weight. However, the results from drug release experiments showed that mono-PEGylation of albumin did not change its natural affinity to the drug. Comparing the release profiles with a Fickian diffusion model provided strong evidence that hydrogels containing mono-PEGylated albumin exhibited sub-diffusive drug release properties based on the affinity of the drug to the tethered protein. [source] Structural Evolution and Copper-Ion Release Behavior of Cu-pHEMA Hybrids Synthesized In Situ,ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS, Issue 11 2009Yen-Yu Liu Abstract A novel Cu-pHEMA hybrid was successfully prepared by in situ photopolymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) monomer in the presence of Cu(II) copper ions, following an in situ chemical reduction. Experimental observations indicate that intermolecular interactions such as the coupling force and hydrogen bonding between the Cu and the hydroxyl groups further stabilize the hybrid structure to a considerable extent. Localization of the metallic copper particles within the pHEMA network structure as a result of those intermolecular interactions gives rise to the formation of discretely distributed nanocrystallites with particle sizes ranging from 5 to 25,nm in diameter. A crystallographic change of the Cu nanophase from an amorphous-like to a crystalline structure is observed as the H2O:HEMA molar ratio increases, upon synthesis, accompanied with an increase in the particle size. A relatively slow and sustained release of the Cu (in the form of cupric ions) from the hybrids was measured for a time period of about 10 days, which also illustrates a Cu(II)-induced proliferation of the endothelial cells over a relatively small range of release rate of the Cu from the hybrids. Such a new type of Cu-loaded hybrid hydrogel is expected to be compatible and may be considered as a candidate biomaterial for biomedical/therapeutic uses. [source] Poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) Brushes with Incorporated Nanoparticles as a SERS Active Sensing LayerADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 11 2010Smrati Gupta Abstract A simple, fast, and versatile approach to the fabrication of outstanding surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates by exploiting the optical properties of the Ag nanoparticles and functional as well as organizational characteristics of the polymer brushes is reported. First, poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) brushes are synthesized directly on glassy carbon by self-initiated photografting and photopolymerization and thoroughly characterized in terms of their thickness, wettability, morphology, and chemical structure by means of ellipsometry, contact angle, AFM, and XPS, respectively. Second, Ag nanoparticles are homogeneously immobilized into the brush layer, resulting in a sensor platform for the detection of organic molecules by SERS. The surface enhancement factor (SEF) as determined by the detection of Rhodamine 6G is calculated as 6,×,106. [source] Grayscale Photopatterning of an Amorphous Polymer Thin Film Prepared by Photopolymerization of a Bisanthracene-Functionalized Liquid-Crystalline MonomerADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 10 2010Hideyuki Kihara Abstract A method for grayscale photopatterning of an amorphous polymer film derived from a bisanthracene-functionalized liquid-crystalline monomer is developed. Solution photopolymerization of a monomer with two anthracene moieties, one at each end, affords an amorphous polymer. A combination of irradiation with patterned UV light and heating results in photopatterning on thin films prepared from the polymer. On non-irradiated areas of the film, the polymer reverts to the monomer owing to the thermal back-reaction of the anthracene photodimer, forming an ordered phase. On irradiated areas remaining in the amorphous phase, the thermal back-reaction is suppressed. This phenomenon results in a clear contrast and visual images on the film under polarized light. Grayscale photopatterning is also made possible for the solution-polymerized polymer by controlling the intensity of exposure. In addition, rewritable photopatterning can be achieved by melt photopolymerization of the monomer. The new photopatterning is essentially nondestructive because it needs neither image development nor anthracene-excitation light for reading. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||