Function of biomacromolecules in nature depends largely on their precisely sequenced primary structure and highly tuned tertiary structure. Polymer chemists strive to replicate nature’s remarkable ability to fabricate nanomaterials of defined three-dimensional structure. Among these effort, the intramolecular cross-linking of single linear polymer chains into well-defined globular nanoparticles, referred to as single-chain nanoparticles (SCNP) represent a reliable way to synthetically mimic the folding process seen in proteins. A variety of crosslinking chemistries with different pendant groups have been reported over the years. However, detailed research on the length and flexibility of pendent groups in relation to folding efficiency has not been thoroughly explored.<br/>Herein, a series of poly(norbornene imide) with pendant methacryloyl groups were synthesized through ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). The designed polymers have various spacing between the polymerizable methacryloyl pendant groups and the polymer backbone. Upon radical initiation, intra-chain radical polymerization occurs, resulting in chain folding of the linear poly(norbornene imide) to form nanoparticles. The effect of length and flexibility of pendant groups on folding efficiency was monitored by GPC and NMR.

Effect of pendant groups on fabrication of poly(norbornene imide) single-chain nanoparticles

255th National Meeting (2018)

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