A focus on how latent “codons” are unravelled in synthetic copolymers

We contextualize and highlight an innovative methodology for copolymer analysis introduced by Hibi et al. in Chemical Science (Y. Hibi, S. Uesaka and M. Naito, Chem. Sci., 2023, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2SC06974A). The authors introduce an advanced mass spectrometric method driven by a learning algorithm, termed ‘reference-free quantitative mass spectrometry’ (RQMS) for decoding sequences of copolymers in real time, including as a function of reaction progress. We highlight potential future implications and applications of the RQMS technique, as well as look forward to where else RQMS could be utilized within the soft matter materials space

Single Chain Nanoparticles in Catalysis

Over the last six decades folded polymer chains—so-called Single Chain Nanoparticles (SCNPs)—have evolved from the mere concept of intramolecularly crosslinked polymer chains to tailored nanoreactors, underpinned by a plethora of techniques and chemistries to tailor and analyze their morphology and function. These monomolecular polymer entities hold critical promise in a wide range of applications. Herein, we highlight the exciting progress that has been made in the field of catalytically active SCNPs in recent years

3D Printed Microstructures Erasable by Darkness

To advance the applications of direct laser writing (DLW), adaptability of the printed structure is critical, prompting a shift toward printing structures that are comprised of different materials, and/or can be partially or fully erased on demand. However, most structures that contain these features are often printed by complex processes or require harsh developing techniques. Herein, a unique photoresist for DLW is introduced that is capable of printing 3D microstructures that can be erased by exposure to darkness. Specifically, microstructures based on light-stabilized dynamic materials are fabricated that remain stable when continously irradiated with green light, but degrade once the light source is switched off. The degradation and light stabilization properties of the printed materials are analyzed in-depth by time-lapse scanning electron microscopy. It is demonstrated that these resists can be used to impart responsive behavior onto the printed structure, and –critically– as a temporary locking mechanism to control the release of moving structural features

Contemporary catalyst-free photochemistry in synthetic macromolecular science

The spatiotemporal control that light affords the polymer chemists is one of the most powerful tools at their disposal. Photochemistry has been an integral part to the development of polymer science almost since its inception. Over the last half century, photochemistry has slowly developed into two sub-groups –catalyzed and noncatalyzed photochemistry. Herein, the current state-of-the-art with regard to the design, synthesis, and implementation of non-catalyzed photoactive moieties within macromolecules is outlined. We additionally summarize the current challenges and future outlook for the field of non-catalyzed macromolecular photochemistry including the design and implementation of red-shifted photoactive moieties, elucidating the complex nature of photoexcited states, and the ultimate goal of achieving perfectly wavelength independent ligations in order to create and manipulate intricate macromolecular architectures.</p

Single-chain polymernanoparticlesvia reversible disulfide bridges

We report the fabrication of single-chain polymer nanoparticles (SCNP) that can reversibly undergo a coil to particle transition via formation and cleavage of intramolecular disulfide cross-links. Characterization of this behaviour via shifts in SEC retention time confirm the changes in solution conformation in response to oxidative or reductive stimuli.</p