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Unprecedented polymerization of epsilon-Caprolactone initiated by a single-site lanthanide borohydride complex, [Sm(eta-C5Me5)2(BH4)(thf)]: mechanistic insights.

The monoborohydride lanthanide complex [Sm(Cp*)2(BH4)(thf)] (1a) (Cp* = eta-C5Me5), has been successfully used for the controlled ring-opening polymerization of epsilon-caprolactone (epsilon-CL). The organometallic samarium(III) initiator 1 a produces, in quantitative yields, alpha,omega-dihydroxytelechelic poly(epsilon-caprolactone) displaying relatively narrow polydispersity indices (<1.3) within a short period of time (30 min). The polymers have been characterized by 1H and 13C NMR, SEC, and MALDI-TOF MS analyses. Use of the single-site initiator 1 a allows a better understanding of the polymerization mechanism, in particular with the identification of the intermediate compound [Sm(Cp*)2(BH4)(epsilon-CL)] (1b). Indeed, one molecule of epsilon-CL initially displaces the coordinated THF in 1 a to give 1 b. Then, epsilon-CL opening (through cleavage of the cyclic ester oxygen-acyl bond) and insertion into the Sm--HBH3 bond followed by reduction of the carbonyl function by the BH3 end-group ligand, leads to the samarium alkoxyborane derivative [Sm(Cp*)2[O(CH2)6O(BH2)]] (2). This compound subsequently initiates the polymerization of epsilon-CL through a coordination-insertion mechanism. Finally, upon hydrolysis, alpha,omega-dihydroxypoly(epsilon-caprolactone), HO(CH2)5C(O)[O(CH2)5C(O)]nO(CH2)6OH (4) is recovered. The stereoelectronic contribution of the two Cp* ligands appears to slow down the polymerization and to limit transesterification reactions.

Journal Article↗

Homochiral oligopeptides generated by induced "mirror symmetry breaking" lattice-controlled polymerizations in racemic crystals of phenylalanine N-carboxyanhydride.

The formation of diastereoisomeric libraries of oligopeptides through the heterogeneous polymerization of racemic crystals of phenylalanine N-carboxyanhydride (PheNCA) is reported. The diastereoisomeric compositions of the oligopeptides formed on polymerization of (R,S) crystals incorporating the deuterium-tagged S enantiomer were determined by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The racemic mixtures of the oligopeptides longer than pentamers are represented primarily by diastereoisomers of homochiral sequence and with peptides containing only one heterochiral repeating unit. A mechanism comprising the following three sequential steps to account for this unusual observation is proposed: 1) formation of dimers and trimers at a partially damaged liquid/solid interface, 2) chain propagation that takes place within the bulk of the crystal through a lattice-controlled "zipper-like" mechanism between homochiral molecules arranged in a head-to-tail motif to yield crystalline antiparallel beta-sheets of alternating oligopeptide chains of homochiral sequence of opposite handedness, and 3) enantiomeric cross-inhibition that results in chain termination. Induced desymmetrization of the racemic mixtures of the formed peptides was achieved by the polymerization of the mixed quasi-racemic crystals of (R)-PheNCA, ((S)-PheNCA), and (S)-ThieNCA (3-(2-thienyl)-alanine N-carboxyanhydride) of various compositions. These experiments resulted in the formation of nonracemic libraries of oligopeptides composed of homochiral chains of (R)-Phe and copolymers of randomly distributed (S)-Phe and (S)-Thie sequences. From these findings, we propose a stochastic model for the generation of libraries of nonracemic mixtures of oligopeptides from the polymerization of host (R,S)-PheNCA with racemic mixtures of other guest NCA amino acids dissolved in limited quantities in the crystal.

Crystallization↗

Ring-opening polymerization of lactide with group 3 metal complexes supported by dianionic alkoxy-amino-bisphenolate ligands: combining high activity, productivity, and selectivity.

A series of new alkoxy-amino-bis(phenols) (H2L 1-6) has been synthesized by Mannich condensations of substituted phenols, formaldehyde, and amino ethers or diamines. The coordination properties of these dianionic ligands towards yttrium, lanthanum, and neodymium have been studied. The resulting Group 3 metal complexes have been used as initiators for the ring-opening polymerization of rac-lactide to provide poly(lactic acid)s (PLAs). The polymerizations are living, as evidenced by the narrow polydispersities of the isolated polymers, together with the linear natures of number average molecular weight versus conversion plots and monomer-to-catalyst ratios. Complex [Y(L6){N(SiHMe2)2}(THF)] (17) polymerized rac-lactide to heterotactic PLA (Pr = 0.90 at 20 degrees C) and meso-lactide to syndiotactic PLA (Pr = 0.75 at 20 degrees C). The in situ formation of [Y(L6)(OiPr)(THF)] (18) from 17 and 2-propanol resulted in narrower molecular weight distributions (PDI = 1.06). With complex 18, highly heterotactic PLAs with narrow molecular weight distributions were obtained with high activities and productivities at room temperature. The natures of the ligand substituents were shown to have a significant influence on the degree of control of the polymerizations, and in particular on the tacticity of the polymer.

Crystallography, X-Ray↗

Dynamic changes in the length distribution of actin filaments during polymerization can be modulated by barbed end capping proteins.

During actin polymerization, it has been theorized that the actin filament length distribution initially grows in the form of a Gaussian before converting to produce that of an exponential. However, it has been difficult to demonstrate this experimentally. In this study, we use modern fluorescence microscopy techniques to observe the changing actin filament length distribution during and subsequent to the polymerization process. Nucleated actin filament growth using barbed end capping proteins (gelsolin and erythrocyte capping protein) leads to Gaussian length distributions that are relatively stable. As predicted, nucleated actin filament growth using actin/spectrin complexes follows a similar process until polymerization reaches equilibrium whereafter the Gaussian length distribution rapidly converts to that of an exponential. This study provides direct confirmation of the original theories for the mode of actin polymerization but raises doubts regarding the mechanism of the length distribution conversion from Gaussian to exponential.

Actin Depolymerizing Factors↗

Actin polymerization and pseudopod extension during amoeboid chemotaxis.

Amoebae of the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum are an excellent model system for the study of amoeboid chemotaxis. These cells can be studied as a homogeneous population whose response to chemotactic stimulation is sufficiently synchronous to permit the correlation of the changes in cell shape and biochemical events during chemotaxis. Having demonstrated this synchrony of response, we show that actin polymerization occurs in two stages during stimulation with chemoattractants. The assembly of F-actin that peaks between 40 and 60 sec after the onset of stimulation is temporally correlated with the growth of new pseudopods. F-actin, which is assembled by 60 sec after stimulation begins, is localized in the new pseudopods that are extended at this time. Both stages of actin polymerization during chemotactic stimulation involve polymerization at the barbed ends of actin filaments based on the cytochalasin sensitivity of this response. We present a hypothesis in which actin polymerization is one of the major driving forces for pseudopod extension during chemotaxis. The predictions of this model, that localized regulation of actin nucleation activity and actin filament cross-linking must occur, are discussed in the context of current models for signal transduction and of recent information regarding the types of actin-binding proteins that are present in the cell cortex.

Actins↗

Actin polymerization regulates clathrin coat maturation during early stages of synaptic vesicle recycling at lamprey synapses.

Although it is established that presynaptic actin participates in synaptic vesicle recycling at several synapses, the earliest stages at which actin polymerization is employed during this process are still unclear. To address this, we prevented actin polymerization at lamprey synapses by applying latrunculin B or swinholide A. Latrunculin and swinholide depolymerize actin by sequestering actin monomers and, in addition, swinholide can sever existing actin filaments. When injected into individual presynaptic axons of the intact spinal cord, fluorescently labeled monomeric actin rapidly incorporated in a calcium-dependent manner into a stable, filamentous actin network concentrated at endocytic zones. This pool of actin was disrupted completely by latrunculin. At stimulated synapses, specific disruption of actin polymerization with latrunculin and swinholide induced a selective increase in unconstricted clathrin-coated pits and, in the case of swinholide, an additional increase in the size of plasma membrane evaginations. These results indicate that actin polymerization participates initially in the maturation of clathrin-coated pits during early stages of synaptic vesicle recycling.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗

Role of actin polymerization in bending of the early heart tube.

During cardiac c-looping, the heart transforms from a straight tube into a c-shaped tube, presenting the first evidence of left-right asymmetry in the embryo. C-looping consists of two primary deformation components: ventral bending and dextral rotation. This study examines the role of actin polymerization in bending of the heart tube. Exposure of stage 9-11 chick embryos to low concentrations of the actin polymerization inhibitors cytochalasin D (5 nM-2.0 microM) and latrunculin A (LA; 25 nM-2.0 microM) suppressed looping in a stage- and concentration-dependent manner in both whole embryos and isolated hearts. Local exposure of either the dorsal or ventral sides of isolated hearts to LA also inhibited looping, but less than global exposure, indicating that both sides contribute to the bending mechanism. Taken together, these data suggest that ongoing actin polymerization is required for the bending component of cardiac c-looping, and we speculate that polymerization-driven myocardial cell shape changes cause this deformation.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗

Characterization of high molecular mass linear polyacrylamide powder prepared by emulsion polymerization as a replaceable polymer matrix for DNA sequencing by capillary electrophoresis.

In a previous paper, a 2% w/w replaceable high molecular mass linear polyacrylamide solution (high molecular mass LPA) was used to achieve long read-lengths for DNA sequencing by capillary electrophoresis (E. Carrilho et al., Anal. Chem. 1996, 68, 3305-3313). In that work, the polymer was prepared by polymerization in water at 6% w/w, followed by dilution to 2% w/w. In this study, an improved method for preparation of high molecular mass LPA was developed, based on inverse emulsion polymerization. With this polymerization procedure, the LPA results in a molecular mass of approximately 9 MDa, with characteristics of a fine powder of high purity and practically unlimited shelf life. Using size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and viscosity measurements to characterize the polymer, good batch-to-batch reproducibility was found. It was observed that the viscous polymer solutions made from these high molecular mass polymers require careful preparation and handling because the method of dissolution could affect the molecular mass distribution and the resultant separation of DNA components. Solutions containing 2% w/w of LPA made by emulsion polymerization were simple to prepare, resulting in excellent performance as a replaceable matrix for DNA sequencing by capillary electrophoresis. The viscosity of the polymer decreased exponentially when pressure was applied, allowing easy replacement from a capillary using a syringe. With a properly prepared matrix, a read-length of more than 1000 bases in 80 min with an accuracy better than 97%, and better than 99% for the first 800 bases, could be achieved.

Acrylic Resins↗

Recent progress in the development, characterization and application of polymeric pseudophases for electrokinetic chromatography.

This review article details the development, characterization and application of polymeric materials as pseudostationary phases for electrokinetic chromatography over the past two years. Recent developments in cationic polymers and anionic siloxane, acrylamide and polymerized surfactants (micelle polymers) are reviewed. Also reviewed is recent progress in the development and characterization of chiral polymeric phases for chiral separations by electrokinetic chromatography, and application of a polymeric pseudophase with electrospray ionization mass spectrometric detection.

Acrylates↗

Immunoglobulin A antibody against hepatitis B core antigen of polymeric and monomeric forms, as well as of IgA1 and IgA2 subclasses, in acute and chronic infection with hepatitis B virus.

Solid-phase radioimmunoassays using monoclonal antibodies were used to assay antibody to hepatitis B core antigen of immunoglobulin A class in terms of polymeric and monomeric forms, as well as of IgA1 and IgA2 subclasses, in the serum of persons infected with hepatitis B virus. The level of secretory immunoglobulin A antibody was significantly higher in patients with acute hepatitis (mean +/- S.E., sample per normal ratio = 29.2 +/- 1.9) than that in asymptomatic carriers (2.1 +/- 0.1), patients with chronic persistent hepatitis (3.5 +/- 0.5), patients with chronic active hepatitis (6.9 +/- 1.3) or patients with cirrhosis (5.8 +/- 1.1). In acute type B hepatitis, only polymeric immunoglobulin A antibody of either IgA1 or IgA2 subclass was detected. In contrast, in chronic infection, antibody to hepatitis B core antigen of IgA2 subclass was found in the polymeric form, but antibody of IgA1 subclass was detected in both polymeric and monomeric forms.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Poly(glutamic acid) poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels prepared by photoinduced polymerization: Synthesis, characterization, and preliminary release studies of protein drugs.

A class of new biodegradable hydrogels based on poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate-graft-poly(glutamic acid) and poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate was synthesized by photoinduced polymerization. Because all the polymeric constituents were highly hydrophilic, crosslinking could be performed in aqueous solutions. This type of crosslinked hydrogel was prepared by modifying a select number of acidic side-groups on poly(glutamic acid) with poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate. These modified chains were then crosslinked in the presence of poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate under a photoinduced polymerization at a wavelength of 365 nm. Swelling experiments were conducted to study the crosslinking density, pH-responsive behavior, and degradation of the hydrogel. Results showed that the degree of swelling of this type of hydrogels increased as the crosslinker concentration (or density) was reduced. Because of the presence of acidic side chains on poly(glutamic acid), swelling behavior was found to be pH-responsive, increasing at high pH in response to the increase in the amount of ionized acidic side chains. The degradation rate of these hydrogels also varied with pH. More rapid degradation was observed under stronger alkaline conditions because of the hydrolysis of the ester bonds between the crosslinker and the polymer backbone. Practically useful degradation rates could be achieved for such hydrogels under physiological conditions. Drug release rates from these hydrogels were found to be proportional to the protein molecular weight and the crosslinker density; increasing at lower protein molecular weight or crosslinker density. The preliminary findings presented in this article suggest that this class of biodegradable hydrogels could be an attractive avenue for drug delivery applications. The specific photoinduced crosslinking chemistry used would permit hydrogels to be synthesized in existence of the entrapped macromolecular drugs including peptides, proteins, and cells. In addition, the rapid feature of this polymerization procedure along with the ability to perform hydrogel synthesis and drug loading in an aqueous environment would offer great advantages in retaining drug activity during hydrogel synthesis.

Biocompatible Materials↗

Radiation sterilization of polymeric implant materials.

High-energy irradiation sterilization of medical devices and implants composed of polymeric biomaterials that are in contact with tissue and/or blood, may adversely affect their long-term mechanical and/or biological performance (tissue and/or blood compatibility). Since many polymeric implants may contain trace quantities of catalysts and/or other additives, the effect of high-energy radiation on these additives, and possible synergistic effects with the polymer chains under the influence of high-energy radiation, must be considered. It is essential to indicate whether polymeric implants are used in short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic) applications. Relatively small changes in their physicochemical, mechanical, and biological properties may be tolerable in the short term, whereas similar changes may lead to catastrophic failures in long-term applications. Therefore, polymeric implants which are to be sterilized by high-energy irradiation should be carefully evaluated for long-term property changes which may be induced by the radiation.

Biocompatible Materials↗

Plasma-polymerized surfaces for culture of human keratinocytes and transfer of cells to an in vitro wound-bed model.

The aim of this study was to develop plasma-polymerized surfaces suitable for the attachment and culture of human keratinocytes and that would allow their subsequent transfer to a wound-bed model. Keratinocyte attachment has been assessed on a carrier polymer, either untreated or treated with a hydrocarbon plasma polymer, collagen I, or carboxylic-acid-containing plasma copolymers. Cell attachment was poor on the "bare" carrier polymer and hydrocarbon plasma polymer (PP) surfaces. Cell attachment was good and comparable on collagen I-coated carrier polymer and carrier polymer plasma coated with carboxylic acid functionalities. After 24 h of cell culture, surfaces were inverted so that cells were adjacent to a de-epidermalized dermis (DED) for 4 days. After 4 days in contact with DED, the surfaces were removed and the level of residual cells and cells transferred to DED were assessed using a cell viability assay. Cell transfer from the collagen I-coated surface was on the order of 90%. Transfer from the carrier polymer surface and the hydrocarbon-coated surface was poor while cells cultured on acid-containing surfaces showed high levels of transfer. Cell transfer was greatest from those surfaces containing the highest level of acid functionality (ca. 21%). Cell transfer was not significantly affected by the choice of carrier polymer material although some sample-to-sample variation was seen. To determine that plasma-polymerized surfaces could be used clinically, selected samples were sterilized with ethylene oxide. Subsequent analysis and cell culture indicated that the surface chemistry and cell-transfer capability of these plasma-polymerized surfaces were unaffected by the sterilization procedure. Plasma-polymerized carboxylic-acid-containing surfaces show great promise in the field of wound healing, encouraging keratinocyte attachment and permitting keratinocyte transfer to a wound bed.

Cell Adhesion↗

Internal adaptation and some physical properties of methacrylate-based denture base resins polymerized by different techniques.

This study evaluated the internal adaptation, porosity, transverse and impact strength of three denture base polymers: (1) conventional heat-polymerized, (2) microwave-polymerized, and (3) injection-molded resins. Internal adaptation was measured by weighing a vinyl polysiloxane film reproducing the gap between the denture base and the metallic master model of an edentulous maxilla. The measurements were performed immediately after finishing and after 30-day storage in water. Porosity was evaluated by weighing each specimen in air and in water using an analytical scale balance. Transverse strength test (three-point bending test) was performed using a universal machine under axial load, at a crosshead speed of 5 mm/min. Impact strength test (Charpy's test) was performed with a 40 kJ/cm load. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey test (alpha = 0.05). Internal adaptation, porosity, transverse and impact strength varied according to the type of acrylic resin and the processing technique. The injection-molded resin showed better internal adaptation compared with the conventional heat-polymerized and the microwave-polymerized resins, particularly after 30 days, but there was no relevant improvement of porosity, transverse and impact strength.

Acrylic Resins↗

Desensitization of the actin polymerization response in human neutrophils at low cell density.

Many chemoattractant-activated responses in neutrophils show transient kinetics, suggesting that rapid desensitization occurs during the time course of the response. We found that desensitization of the actin polymerization response to N-formyl peptides is, in a large part, due to inhibition by adenosine released from cells to the medium and depletion or a chemical inactivation of the agonist. To reduce the influence of these factors, we stimulated neutrophils in a very diluted suspension, sometimes with continuous replacement of the medium. The actin polymerization response to a high agonist concentration was greatly enhanced and prolonged under these conditions, often without any tendency to subside within 10 min at 25 degrees C. It has previously been shown that the N-formyl peptide receptor converts from a rapidly dissociating to a slowly dissociating and presumably inactive form during activation. Under the conditions of low cell concentration, the conversion to a slowly dissociating receptor still occurred. Thus the prolonged response was not due to prolonged presence of rapidly dissociating receptors. We conclude either that a low number of rapidly dissociating receptors, which we failed to see, is sufficient to maintain actin polymerization or that slowly dissociating receptors can support the actin response. In contrast to responses stimulated by high agonist concentrations, the responses to low concentrations of the agonists were transient. The results of other authors indicate that low concentrations of N-formyl peptides do not desensitize the receptors. Other mechanisms, which are specific for the actin polymerization response, must be involved in response termination to low concentrations of N-formyl peptides. Activation at low cell density will be a useful approach for studying other processes (Ca2+ elevation, oxidant production, etc.) and chemoattractants (leukotriene B4, interleukin 8, etc.) for which an understanding of the kinetics due to desensitization of the components of the receptor-mediated activation pathway is desired.

Actin Cytoskeleton↗

Characterization of the interactions between polymethacrylate-based aqueous polymeric dispersions and aluminum lakes.

Instability in film coating formulations can arise from interactions between aluminum lake pigments and aqueous polymeric dispersions. The purpose of this study was to characterize the interactions between three polymethacrylate-based aqueous polymeric dispersions (Eudragit RS 30 D, Eudragit L 30 D-55, and Eudragit NE 30 D) and aluminum lakes. Particle size measurements, pH stability profiles, zeta potential measurements, and microscopy were used to study mixed dispersions of the polymeric latices and the lakes. Interactions leading to dispersion instability were related to the surface charge of the components in the formulation. Interactions between the ionic polymers and the lakes arose from instability of the lakes outside a certain pH range resulting in the release of electrolytes, which led to aggregation of the polymeric particles. Interactions between the nonionic polymer and the lakes were related to the polymer modifying the surface charge of the lakes, resulting in aggregation of the pigment particles.

Aluminum Compounds↗

Antineoplastic effects of N6-(delta 2-isopentenyl)adenosine against L-1210 mouse lymphocytic leukemic cells using a polymeric delivery system.

N6-(delta 2-Isopentenyl)adenosine (I), a nucleoside previously shown to be cytotoxic against several types of tumor cells, was impregnated in silicone polymer monolithic disc devices for release in vitro against lymphocytic mouse leukemia cells. Plotting the cumulative amount of N6-(delta 2-isopentenyl)adenosine released per unit area of the device versus the square root of time revealed a linear relationship. However, the higher loading dose tended to rapidly release any drug deposited on the polymer surface. The optimum loading dose of the device for the most effective antileukemic activity in 24 hr was calculated based on a plot of the release rate versus the square root of an initial loading dose. The silicone polymer--I delivery system enabled a sustained and controllable release of additional agent. It was thus possible to achieve virtually total inhibition of leukemia cell replication using the polymeric delivery system. Increased concentrations of I, without the use of the polymeric system, resulted in maximum 24 hr inhibition of only approximately 81%, followed by a decline in overall antileukemic activity. It is possible to achieve a more predictable release rate of N6-(delta 2-isopentenyl)adenosine and corresponding antileukemic activity using a polymeric delivery system against L-1210 mouse leukemic cells in vitro. The relative data indicate the ED50 concentrations to be considerably less using the polymeric delivery system.

Adenosine↗

Synthesis and characterization of polymeric linseed oil grafted methyl methacrylate or styrene.

Syntheses of wholly natural polymeric linseed oil (PLO) containing peroxide groups have been reported. Peroxidation, epoxidation and/or perepoxidation reactions of linseed oil, either under air or under oxygen flow at room temperature, resulted in polymeric peroxides, PLO-air and PLO-ofl, containing 1.3 and 3.5 wt.-% of peroxide, with molecular weights of 2 100 and 3 780 Da, respectively. PLO-air contained cross-linked film up to 46.1 wt.-% after a reaction time of 60 d, associated with a waxy, soluble part (PLO-air-s) that was isolated with chloroform extraction. PLO-ofl was obtained as a waxy, viscous liquid without any cross-linked part at the end of 24 d under visible irradiation and oxygen flow. Polymeric peroxides, PLO-air-s and PLO-ofl initiated the free radical polymerization of both methyl methacrylate (MMA) and styrene (S) to give PMMA-graft-PLO and PS-graft-PLO graft copolymers in high yields with Mw varying from 37 to 470 kDa. The polymers obtained were characterized by FT-IR, (1)H NMR, TGA, DSC and GPC techniques. Cross-linked polymers were also studied by means of swelling measurements. PMMA-graft-PLO graft copolymer film samples were also used in cell-culture studies. Fibroblast cells were well adhered and proliferated on the copolymer film surfaces, which is important in tissue engineering.

Animals↗