2 research outputs found
Oligoethylene-Glycol-Functionalized Polyoxythiophenes for Cell Engineering: Syntheses, Characterizations, and Cell Compatibilities
A series of methyl- or benzyl-capped oligoethylene glycol
functionalized
2,5-dibromo-3-oxythiophenes are synthesized and successfully polymerized
by either Grignard metathesis (GRIM) polymerization or reductive coupling
polymerization to yield the corresponding polymers in reasonable yields
and molecular weights with narrow molecular weight distribution. These
synthesized polyoxythiophenes exhibit high electroactivity and stability
in aqueous solution when a potential is applied. Polyoxythiophenes
from different polymerization approaches display different colors
after purification and spectroelectrochemical studies confirm that
the difference of color is from the difference of doping state. Little
cytotoxicity is observed for the polymers by in vitro cell compatibility
assay. NIH3T3 fibroblast cells are well attached and proliferate on
spin-coated films. These results indicate that oligoethylene-glycol-functionalized
polyoxythiophenes are promising candidates as conducting biomatierals
for biomedical and bioengineering applications
Polydioxythiophene Nanodots, Nonowires, Nano-Networks, and Tubular Structures: The Effect of Functional Groups and Temperature in Template-Free Electropolymerization
Various nanostructures, including nanofibers, nanodots, nanonetwork, and nano- to microsize tubes of functionalized poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (EDOT) and poly(3,4-propylenedioxythiophene) (ProDOT) are created by using a template-free electropolymerization method on indium–tin–oxide substrates. By investigating conducting polymer nanostructures containing various functional groups prepared at different polymerization temperature, we conclude a synergistic effect of functional groups and temperature on the formation of polymer nanostructures when a template-free electropolymerization method is applied. For unfunctionalized EDOT and ProDOT, or EDOT containing alkyl functional groups, nanofibers and nanoporous structures are usually found. Interesting, when polar functional groups are attached, conducting polymers tend to form nanodots at room temperature while grow tubular structures at low temperature. The relationship between surface properties and their nanostructures is evaluated by contact angle measurements. The capacity and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements were conducted to understand the electrical properties of using these materials as electrodes. The results provide the relationship between the functional groups, nanostructures, and electrical properties. We also discuss the potential restriction of using this method to create nanostructures. The copolymerization of different functionalized EDOTs may cause irregular and unexpected nanostructures, which indicates the complex interaction between different functionalized monomers during the electropolymerization