Spherical polyelectrolyte brushes applications

Schrinner M, Proch S, Mei Y, Kempe R, Miyajima N, Ballauff M (2008) Spherical polyelectrolyte brushes synthesis, characterization and application for the oxidation of alcohols. Adv Mater 20 1928-1933... 

Lu Y, Wittemann A, Ballauff M (2009) Supramolecular structures generated by spherical polyelectrolyte brushes and their application in catalysis. Macromol Rapid Commun 30 806-815... 

Here we have reviewed our recent studies on metallic nanoparticles encapsulated in spherical polyelectrolyte brushes and thermosensitive core-shell microgels, respectively. Both polymeric particles present excellent carrier systems for applications in catalysis. The composite systems of metallic nanoparticles and polymeric carrier particles allow us to do green chemistry and conduct chemical reactions in a very efficient way. Moreover, in the case of using microgels as the carrier system, the reactivity of composite particles can be adjusted by the volume transition within the thermosensitive networks. Hence, the present chapter gives clear indications on how carrier systems for metallic nanoparticles should be designed to adjust their catalytic activity. 

The distinctive features of spherical polyelectrolyte brushes (SPB) as ideal nanoreactors are discussed. SPB containing colloidal particles on which polyelectrolyte chains have been densely grafted offer a wide range of potential applications. They are ideally suited for the generation and immobilization of metal or metal oxide nanoparticles, which can be applied as smart catalysts in chemical industry. SPB can also be used for immobilization of proteins and enzymes. The response to external stimuli makes SPB unique in the field of nanoreactors. 

Mei Y, Abetz C, Birkert O, Schadler V, Leyrer RJ, BallaufFM Interaction of spherical polyelectrolyte brushes with calcium carbonate and cellulose fibers mechanistic studies and their application in papermaking, J Appl Polym Sci 102 233—241, 2006. 

Abstract This chapter summarizes the influence of polyelectrolyte topology oti biological functions and biomedical applications such as cell uptake, drug delivery, and gene transfection. Polyelectrolytes utilized are spherical structures derived from dendrimers and albumin or cylindrical brushes, all of which are decorated with various polypeptide chains. 

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