Research Abstract:
Our research interests are focused broadly upon the design, synthesis and characterization of unique polymers, with emphasis upon the development of synthetic methodologies that allow for the preparation of complex nanostructured materials. We rely upon a combination of supramolecular assembly and covalent chemical reactions, performed in an iterative sequence, to produce and manipulate nanoscale structures. Although the phase segregation of incompatible polymers is not a new phenomenon, the regioselective crosslinking of the segregated assemblies is only recently being realized as a versatile methodology by which to tune the size, shape and behaviour of materials.
In one example, the preparation of surfaces that inhibit protein adsorption is accomplished by the bulk-state phase segregation and covalent crosslinking of hyperbranched fluoropolymer and linear poly(ethylene glycol) mixtures. In a second example, the supramolecular assembly of amphiphilic block copolymers in water produces polymer micelles, which are then stabilized by crosslinking reactions that are limited to the shell layer. Detailed examination of the physical properties of these nanostructures and their subsequent physical and chemical manipulation is leading to a greater understanding of their structure and properties and is allowing for their development in areas as broad as drug delivery and molecular imaging.
Selected Publications:
Powell KT, Cheng C, Wooley KL, Singh A, Urban MW. Complex Amphiphilic Networks Derived from Diamine-terminated Poly(ethylene glycol) and Benzylic Chloride-functionalized Hyperbranched Fluoropolymers. J Polym Sci , Part A: Polym Chem 2006 44:4782-4794.
Cheng C, Khoshdel E, Wooley KL. Tandem Synthesis of Core-Shell Brush Copolymers and Their Transformation to Peripherally Cross-linked and Hollowed Nanostructures. J Am Chem Soc 2006 128:6808-6809.
Joralemon MJ, Smith NL, Holowka D, Baird B, Wooley KL. Antigen-decorated Shell Crosslinked Nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization, and antibody interactions. Bioconjugate Chem 2005 16(5):1246-1256.
Turner JL, Chen Z, Wooley KL. Regiochemical Functionalization of a Nanoscale Cage-like Structure: Robust core-shell nanostructures crafted as vessels for selective uptake and release of small and large guests. J Controlled Release 2005 109:189-202.
Sun X, Rossin R, Turner JL, Becker ML, Joralemon MJ, Wooley KL, Welch MJ. An Assessment of the Effects of Shell Crosslinked Nanoparticle Size, Core Composition, and Surface PEGylation on in vivo Biodistribution. Biomacromolecules 2005 6(5):2541-2554.
Last Updated: 08/23/2006 |