One-step batch synthesis of high solids monodisperse styrene/glycidyl methacrylate and styrene/methacrylic acid emulsion copolymers

Surfactant-free emulsion copolymerizations of styrene (St) with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and styrene (St) with methacrylic acid (MAA), initiated by either potassium or ammonium persulfate, have been carried out to assess the possibility of making monodisperse latices of relatively high solids content (similar to30-50 wt %) in a one-step batch process. Evaluation of the effect of the functional comonomer content in the range 2-40 wt % and the latex solids content in the range 2-33 wt % has allowed identification of compositions which do indeed allow monodisperse particles to be prepared at solid contents up to 33 wt % in a one-pot process. In addition, a monodisperse sample with both epoxy and carboxylic acid functionalities has been successfully prepared at 33 wt % solids contents

Synthesis of porous microspheres via self-assembly of monodisperse polymer nanospheres

Conventional synthesis of porous spherical particulate polymer resins via suspension polymerisation involves a complex combination of processes (polymerisation, crosslinking, phase separation and microgel formation, microgel fusion and pore in-filling). We have now succeeded in producing porous polymer microspheres via the self-assembly of pre-formed monodisperse poly(styrene-co-methacrylic acid) latex particles (ca. 200 nm). The self-assembly is performed in suspension in toluene and is driven by the removal of water at ca. 105degreesC. This thermal process also induces contact fusion of the latex particles

Radiopaque nanoparticles of iodinated polymer for combined diagnostic and therapeutic application

International audienc

VALITEST: Validation of diagnostic tests to support plant health

peer reviewedVALITEST is an EU-funded project built to improve the reliability of diagnostic tests performed in plant health laboratories across the European and Mediterranean region. The project is undertaken by a consortium of 16 partners composed of research institutions, private companies (such as diagnostic kit providers), national plant protection organizations and one intergovernmental organization (EPPO). Current harmonized procedures for the validation and organization of test performance studies will be improved based on the experience gained from the project and by including appropriate statistical approaches, by adapting the process for new promising technologies (e.g. high-throughput sequencing) and by providing new guidelines for the production of reference materials for validation studies. The project will provide a more complete and precise description of the performance of 82 diagnostic tests targeting 11 pests of interest for stakeholders of the region. It will also tackle the need for proficient users by developing a horizontal approach for the evaluation of laboratories’ proficiency and by organizing training activities on the concept of validation. The outcomes of the project will stimulate, optimize and strengthen the interactions between stakeholders in plant health for better diagnostics and lay the foundations for structuring the quality and the commercial offers for plant health diagnostics tools thanks to the creation of a dedicated association and a quality charter