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Despite decades of research, the fundamental question of structure and morphology of the poly(3,‐4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) complex (PEDT: PSS) electrically conducting polymer remains open. Here, through a systematic study of the polymerization of 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (EDT) on two series of sulfonated polystyrenes, i.e., PS‐co‐SSH and PS‐co‐SSNa, with per cent sulfonation 24 ≲ x ≲ 100, this study shows that the substrate polyelectrolyte not only affords charge compensation and processability, but also templates the morphology of the growing PEDT chain—whether extended, coiled or collapsed. This determines the electrical, electronic and optical properties of the resultant PEDT: PSS interpolyelectrolyte complexes, including their work function. This study calls this the Polyelectrolyte Template model. The PEDT: PSS complex retains memory of its polymerization morphology even after subsequent ion‐exchange, for example, to the same acid form. Electrical conductivity decreases sharply with decreasing x, and depends on whether the polymerization is templated with the H+ or Na+ form of the polyelectrolyte. The work function is less sensitive to x, but exhibits a transition from low to high work function (5.2–5.3 eV) when x exceeds a threshold, which indicates formation of a polar surface driven by molecular‐scale segregation of the PSS counteranion. This surface segregation also affects the ability of these complexes to inject holes into very large‐ionization‐energy semiconductors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the morphology and stability of coatings formed from polydimethyldiallylammonium chloride, as well as its complex with sodium polystyrenesulfonate, on the surface of glass and polycarbonate were studied. It has been established that the modification of a polycation with a polyanion makes it possible to increase the resistance of the formed coatings to wash-off with water, ensuring the creation of effective antibacterial coatings on various surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IR spectroscopy is used to show that aerogels based on the interpolyelectrolyte complexes (IPEC) form in slightly acidic aqueous solutions at initial molar ratios ≥1.5 of aqueous solutions of chitosan and sodium alginate. Two to three times more hydroxylophine (in sc-CO2) can be introduced into AG-based matrices than into the corresponding polymer films of the same mass, due obviously to the larger surface area of the AG. It is found the preliminary solubilization of TAI with pluronic F-127 contributes to additional slowing of the release of the active substance from the matrices into a model biological environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the presence of cationic units interpolyelectrolyte complexes (IPECs) can be used as a universal basis for preparation of biocidal coatings on different surfaces. Metallopolymer nanocomposites were successfully synthesized in irradiated solutions of polyacrylic acid (PAA) and polyethylenimine (PEI), and dispersions of non-stoichiometric IPECs of PAA–PEI containing silver ions. The data from turbidimetric titration and dynamic light scattering showed that pH 6 is the optimal value for obtaining IPECs. Metal polymer complexes based on IPEC with a PAA/PEI ratio equal to 3/1 and 1/3 were selected for synthesis of nanocomposites due to their aggregative stability. Studies using methods of UV–VIS spectroscopy and TEM have demonstrated that the size and spatial organization of silver nanoparticles depend on the composition of polymer systems. The average sizes of nanoparticles are 5 nm and 20 nm for complexes with a molar ratio of PAA/PEI units equal to 3/1 and 1/3, respectively. The synthesized nanocomposites were applied to the glass surface and exhibited high antibacterial activity against both gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative bacteria (Salmonella). It is shown that IPEC-Ag coatings demonstrate significantly more pronounced biocidal activity not only in comparison with macromolecular complexes of PAA–PEI, but also coatings of PEI and PEI based nanocomposites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we give the overview of our latest results on the complexation between polyelectrolytes and oppositely charged low-molar mass species, proteins, homopolymers and block copolymers. First, we review the results on the study of the interaction of polythiophene-based polycations with phosphonium and ammonium pendants and their complexation with negatively charged multivalent species followed by fluorescence quenching. We proved that multivalent solutes bind to polyelectrolyte stronger than to previously studied polythiophene, thus, allowing for their application as luminescence sensors. Secondly, we investigated the co-assembly of polyanion with double hydrophilic block copolymer composed of polycationic block and neutral hydrophilic block and followed the complex formation by quenching of fluorescence of the indicator attached to the end of polyanion chain. We discovered that the formed interpolyelectrolyte (IPEC) core of core/shell micelles remains dynamical even after equilibrium was reached thus making such systems suitable materials for targeted delivery of multivalent species. In addition, the formation of micelles with fluid cores was observed as a result of self-assembly of di- and triblock polyelectrolytes containing a hydrophobic block with low glass transition temperature and a positively charged block. We proved their ability to encapsulate and release hydrophobic species from the soft core upon dilution. Moreover, we confirmed their ability to complex with multivalent negatively charged species. The morphology of the formed complex strongly depends on ionic strength: the aggregates formed by micelles bonded at the periphery disrupt with increasing salt concentration and a part of multivalent ions releases into solution. Finally, the multilayered nanoparticles with both soft hydrophobic and IPEC layers were designed by co-assembly between core/shell micelles with a soft core and a positively charged shell, and block polyelectrolyte composed of polyanion and neutral hydrophilic blocks. We showed that the morphology of the particles and the charge of IPEC layer of such multicompartment nanostructures can be controlled by the ratio of oppositely charged monomeric units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe six aqueous formulations prepared from anionic HYPAN, an acrylic acid/acrylamide copolymer, and cationic poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) for stabilization of loamy sandy soil and quartz sand. The formulations were deposited on the surface of soil and sand that after drying resulted in the formation of protective polymer–soil and polymer–sand coatings. Most formulations gave mechanically stable coatings with a strength of 100–200 kg cm−2 and sustained a storm wind of 76 km h−1. A non‐stoichiometric HYPAN–PDADMAC polycomplex with a 10‐fold excess of anionic HYPAN units formed the water resistant coatings, which retained 99% soil and 90% sand. These characteristics were superior to those for coatings made from a conventional binder polyacrylamide. Additionally, the coating from soil and 'anionic' non‐stoichiometric interpolyelectrolyte complex increased the total amount of stored water and lengthened the time of water release. Anionic polymer formulations did not exhibit antimicrobial action against bacteria and yeast in both solutions and films. Cationic polymer formulations manifested strong antimicrobial action against bacteria and yeast in solutions, and suppressed the growth of Gram‐positive bacteria and yeast in films. Taking into account the commercial availability of the initial polymers and a simple procedure for polycomplex preparation, there is great potential for anionic polymer formulations as anti‐erosion binders and soil conditioners. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the structure, morphology and antimicrobial properties of silver-containing nanocomposites based on interpolyelectrolyte complexes (IPEC) of pectin with polyethylenimine, cationic starch or chitosan as a cationic polyelectrolyte. The reduction of silver ions was carried out by thermochemical technique by heating of the interpolyelectrolyte–metal complexes, which in turn prepared by adsorption of ions on IPEC. The chemical reduction was also performed using ascorbic acid as reductant. The temperature and time needed to produce the nanocomposites at which completely reduction of silver ions occurs are 150 °C and 30 min. It is revealed that during thermochemical reduction depending on the type of cationic polyelectrolyte (PEI, cationic starch, chitosan), silver nanoparticles with an average size of 4.1, 5.3 and 4.7 nm, respectively, are formed. Various mechanisms of thermochemical reduction for interpolyelectrolyte–metal complexes containing polymers with aminogroups or polymers with the glucopyranose units are considered. It is found that the silver-containing nanocomposites, formed by thermochemical reduction, exhibited higher antimicrobial activity against strains of S. aureus and E. coli than ones obtained using ascorbic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Uzbek Chemical Journal / O'Zbekiston Kimyo Jurnali is the property of Institute of General & Inorganic Chemistry of Academy of Sciences of Republic of Uzbekistan and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Interpolymer complexes (IPC) Eudragit® EPO/S100 were prepared in different media (water pH of 7.0 and ethanol). According to the elemental analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, and thermal analysis data, IPC prepared in aqueous media (denoted as interpolyelectrolyte complexes—IPECs) is stabilized predominantly by ionic intermacromolecular bonds and has a composition close to equimolar. However, polycomplexes formed in nonaqueous (ethanol) media (denoted as IPC) are stabilized by both hydrogen and ionic bonds and characterized by an almost twofold excess of Eudragit® S100. All samples do not include free copolymer domains. IPECs and IPCs have different behavior in the buffer media mimicking the gastrointestinal tract. Matrices of IPECs are characterized by the surface erosion and pH‐independent swelling profiles with low values of a swelling degree. Matrices of the IPCs swell significantly in the buffer media with pH 1.2, 5.8, and 6.8 with subsequent decrease in the swelling degree due to the surface erosion. According to the assessment of release of the model active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), IPECs are prospective carriers for sustained delivery of II class Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) drug (diclofenac sodium). At the same time, IPCs provide sustained release of the II class BCS and prolonged release of the I class BCS drug (theophylline). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbopol polymers are polymers of acrylic acid and crosslinking agents; there is the prospect of penetration of linear macromolecules between the mesh size of crosslinked Carbopol microgels for a certain period of time. Interpolyelectrolyte complex (IPEC) samples between Carbopol and linear polycations (Eudragit EPO—EPO) were obtained at different interpolyelectrolyte reaction (IPER) times (1, 3, and 7 days). Confirmation of the IPEC structures was proved by FTIR and mDSC. Moreover, according to the results of elemental analysis and mDSC, an increase in the duration of IPER time did not lead to a significant increase in the fraction of the incorporated EPO (CS), since its amount in polycomplex samples remains almost unchanged and the Tgs varies slightly and it depends from the Carbopol grade used. Analysis of the particle size and zeta potential of polycomplex gels showed that the obtained IPEC samples are nanosized, and the particle charge depends on the presence of free ionized carboxyl groups Carbopol (Noveon) or positively charged dimethylamino groups of EPO on their surfaces. After increasing the duration of IPER up to 3 days, a decrease in zeta potential values was observed. In the case of 7 days, an increase in particle size was observed due to their aggregation (C2020/EPO, C10/EPO, NAA‐1/EPO). Mathematical modeling of diclofenac sodium release according to the Korsmeyer–Peppas equation showed that all IPEC samples were characterized by the Super Case‐II transport mechanism, except for C10/EPO sample, which was characterized by Anomalous transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure and properties of Cu/Cu2O-containing nanocomposites formed by chemical reduction of Cu2+ ions in interpolyelectrolyte–metal complexes (IMC) at different molar ratios [NaBH4]: [Cu2+] and reduction times were studied by methods of wide- and small-angle X-ray scattering, transmission electron microscopy, thermomechanical analysis, and antimicrobial tests. Optimal conditions ([NaBH4]: [Cu2+] = 6.0, reduction time ≥ 120 min) for the formation of copper-containing nanocomposites based on interpolyelectrolyte complexes and Cu/Cu2O core–shell nanoparticles have been established by X-ray diffraction analysis. Owing to the above conditions, the structural manifestation of the metal copper phase is fully realized. Applying transmission electron microscopy, it was found that at molar ratio [NaBH4]: [Cu2+] = 6.0, and reduction time of 40 min and 180 min, accordingly, the nanocomposites with average nanoparticles size of 4.1 nm and 12.4 nm are derived from IMC, respectively, what correlates with effective size of the nanocomposites' heterogeneity regions, lp. Thermomechanical analysis has shown that raise in the amount of reducing agent or the duration of reduction of Cu2+ ions in IMC is accompanied by elevation in the glass transition temperature, which reaches a constant level, boost in the temperature of transition to the viscous state Tf and decrease in the relative deformation of nanocomposites. The antimicrobial investigations of the elaborated nanocomposites revealed they possess an antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure and properties of silver-containing nanocomposites formed by the method of thermochemical reduction of Ag+ ions in polyelectrolyte-metal complexes pectin–Ag+–polyethyleneimine were studied using X-ray diffraction analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, pyrolysis mass spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy and antimicrobial test. The optimal parameters for the formation of nanocomposites based on interpolyelectrolyte complexes of pectin–polyethyleneimine and Ag nanoparticles (reduction temperature T = 150 °C, reduction time t = 30 min) have been found by X-ray diffraction analysis, in which the structural manifestation of the silver metal phase is fully realized. Using transmission electron microscopy, it was found that nanocomposite formed by thermochemical reduction of Ag+ ions at 150 °C for 30 min has an average nanoparticle size of 4.1 nm that less than for nanocomposite obtained at T = 120 °C during the same reduction time (average nanoparticle size is 5.8 nm). Ag nanoparticles obtained by using a typical reducing agent (NaBH4) have an average size equals 3.8 nm. It was revealed that nanocomposites obtained by thermochemical method have significantly higher antimicrobial activity compared with nanocomposites obtained by chemical reduction of Ag+ ions using NaBH4. A mechanism of thermochemical reduction of silver ions in IMC pectin–Ag+–polyethyleneimine, which is based on the transfer of electrons from the nitrogen atoms of amino groups PEI to Ag+ ions, has been investigated by destructive processes that occur at the same time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The specific features of the formation of metal nanoparticles under X-ray radiation in interpolyelectrolyte complex (IPEC) films based on polyacrylic acid and polyethyleneimine with different silver ion content were studied. IPEC films were irradiated in aqueous-alcoholic medium. Electron microscopy demonstrated that the formation of silver nanoparticles occurred in zones regularly located by film thickness. It was found that nanoparticle size and spatial distribution in IPEC films depended on the initial concentration of silver ions within the sample and on the absorbed dose of radiation. The obtained film nanocomposites are promising objects for application as antibacterial and catalytic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Uzbek Chemical Journal / O'Zbekiston Kimyo Jurnali is the property of Institute of General & Inorganic Chemistry of Academy of Sciences of Republic of Uzbekistan and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Film membranes were prepared from interpolyelectrolyte complexes of various aliphatic polyamines with a copolyamide synthesized from isophthalic dichloride and two diamines: disodium 4,4′-diaminobiphenyl-2,2′-disulfonate and 4,4′-diaminodiphenylmethane-2,2′-dicarboxylic acid. The mechanical and sorption properties of the membranes and their performance in pervaporation separation of the water-isopropanol mixture were studied. The possibility of thermal cross-linking of the materials was demonstrated. The effect of the amidation on the physicochemical and mass-exchange properties of the film samples was examined. The variation of the separation characteristics of the membranes depending on the copolyamide composition was considered. With respect to the combination of separation and transport properties, the interpolymer systems containing the copolyimide with low (7 mol %) content of units with carboxy groups are of most interest. An increase in the fraction of carboxyl-containing units in the polyanion leads to an increase in the permeability of the materials with a significant decrease in their selectivity. The tensile strength of the film samples prepared from copolyamide-containing interpolyelectrolyte complexes is 54–92 MPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conditions for the preparation of stable to sedimentation aqueous dispersions of interpolyelectrolyte complexes based on chitosan (Chit) and pectin (Pect) with particle diameter 0.5-0.9 μm for Pect/Chit and 1.0-2.0 μm for Chit/Pect have been determined. The absolute value of the zeta potential of these complexes is >10 mV for Pect/Chit and Chit/Pect when the molar ratio of the ionogenic groups of the polymers nCOOH/nNH2 is 0.4-4.6 for Pect/Chit and 0.02-0.63 for Chit/Pect. Optical spectroscopy and electrophoretic light scattering have been used to determine the effect of molecular mass and the content of the free ionogenic groups in the polysaccharide macromolecules as well as the order of mixing the solution on the formation and properties of these interpolyelectrolyte complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural organization and thermomechanical properties of nanocomposites prepared from interpolyelectrolyte-metal complex (IMC) involving anionic polyelectrolyte, pectin and AgNO, and cationic polyelectrolyte, poly(4-vinylpyridine), have been investigated using the methods of wide- and small-angle X-ray scattering and thermomechanical analysis. It is established that chemical reduction of Ag ions in the IMC by sodium borohydride results in formation of the nanocomposite based on the 'pectin-poly(4-vinylpyridine)' interpolyelectrolyte complex (IPEC) and Ag nanoparticles as well. At the same time, the level of nanocomposites' structural heterogeneity is substantially enhancing, while effective size of the heterogeneity regions decreases. The nanocomposites IPEC-Ag prepared are shown much bigger T value and enhanced ability for deformation than those for IMC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural organization and thermomechanical properties of nanocomposites prepared from interpolyelectrolyte-metal complex (IMC) involving anionic polyelectrolyte, pectin and AgNO, and cationic polyelectrolyte, poly(4-vinylpyridine), have been investigated using the methods of wide- and small-angle X-ray scattering and thermomechanical analysis. It is established that chemical reduction of Ag ions in the IMC by sodium borohydride results in formation of the nanocomposite based on the 'pectin-poly(4-vinylpyridine)' interpolyelectrolyte complex (IPEC) and Ag nanoparticles as well. At the same time, the level of nanocomposites' structural heterogeneity is substantially enhancing, while effective size of the heterogeneity regions decreases. The nanocomposites IPEC-Ag prepared are shown much bigger T value and enhanced ability for deformation than those for IMC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Applying wide-angle X-ray scattering method, thermomechanical analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry, the structural organization and properties of nanocomposites formed by chemical reduction of Сu cations in the interpolyelectrolyte-metal complex (pectin-Cu-polyethyleneimine) under the influence of a constant magnetic and electric fields have been studied. It has been found that the chemical reduction of Cu cations in the interpolyelectrolyte-metal complex bulk under constant electric and magnetic fields leads to formation of nanocomposite consisting of interpolyelectrolyte complex, including pectin-polyethyleneimine and nanoparticles of the metal Cu phase, whereas nanocomposite with Cu/CuO nanoparticles is formed in original state (without any field). It was observed that, under constant field, nanocomposites obtained have higher structural glass-transition temperatures and thermal stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review considers interpolyelectrolyte complexes, with a particular emphasis on advanced macromolecular co-assemblies based on polyionic species with nonlinear topology and on polymer–inorganic hybrids formed by interpolyelectrolyte complexes containing metal ions and/or metal nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This mini-review reports on complex macromolecular architectures (interpolyelectrolyte complexes) based on star-shaped polyelectrolytes. These complexes can be prepared in aqueous media via electrostatically driven co-assembly of star-shaped polyions (a) with oppositely charged linear homopolyelectrolytes or (b) with oppositely charged double hydrophilic (ionic/non-ionic) diblock copolymers. In case (a), the complexes can be water-soluble if the charge of the star-shaped macromolecule is only partially compensated by a linear polyion. In case (b), the complexes retain their solubility in aqueous media even under a full charge compensation of the polymeric components. In both cases, the complex macromolecular architectures based on star-shaped polyelectrolytes are characterized by a distinct compartmentalized structure of a micellar ('core-corona') type with an insoluble core, which is assembled from coupled monomer units of the oppositely charged polymeric components, and a hydrophilic, either ionic or non-ionic, corona. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New interpolyelectrolyte complexes (IPECs) between oppositely charged types of Eudragit EPO and Eudragit L100 - 55 were investigated with a view to their application in oral controlled drug delivery systems. Monitoring of microenvironmental changes of polycomplex matrices in simulated gastro-intestinal fluids showed that all IPECs could have different pH-sensitivity characteristics. Evaluation of the diffusion transport properties of the investigated IPECs with diclofenac sodium confirmed that their swellability and release characteristics were closely correlated. The main possible mechanisms of control over the delivery of drugs to the desired regions of the gastro-intestinal tract are found. The results confirm that the proposed IPEC matrices have great potential to be used for controlled drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New interpolyelectrolyte complexes (IPEC) between oppositely charged types of Eudragit, EPO and L100-55, with different molar ratios were synthesized with the aim of seeking potential carriers for oral delivery systems. Elemental analysis showed that the resulting polycomplexes had different compositions, with 0.36 < Z = [EPO]/[L100] < 1.81. The structural properties of the materials assessed by IR spectroscopy and modulated-temperature differential scanning calorimetry showed that all IPEC were stabilized by a cooperative system of ionic bonds, were chemically homogeneous, and were characterized by the presence of a single glass transition temperature. These properties suggest that the polycomplexes synthesized here have potential for further study as carriers for controlled drug release in specified parts of the gastrointestinal tract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial polymeric carriers for bioactive compounds, such as drugs and genes, are increasingly being reported in the literature. Most are poly- electrolytes aimed at being injected into body fluids that are composed of charged macromolecules (proteins, glycoproteins, poly(glycosamino glycane)s, polynucleotides, etc.). Many interactions can occur and lead to dramatic phenomena, such as polyelectrolyte complexation or substitution, cell aggregation and hemolysis. For the purpose of modeling and better understanding these interactions and their effects, a library of polyanions of the poly(L-lysine citramide)-type was interacted with the polycation poly(L-lysine) in aqueous media. Different fractions of complexes were generated by successive additions of aliquots of the polycation solution to the polyanion library solution by a titrating process. The two components, the polycation and the complex population of polyanions, were separated from the collected complex fractions by affinity chro- matography and then analyzed by aqueous SEC. Molecular weight selectivity was shown, the high molecular weight polyanion macromolecules precipitated first, while complexes involving smaller molecules were found to remain in solution. The data show the potential of affinity chromatography for studying inter-polyelectrolyte complexes and emphasizes the critical role that polydispersity can play when therapeutic charged macromolecules are injected into blood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formation of interpolyelectrolyte complexes (IPEC) between Eudragit EPO (EPO) and Carbomer 940 (C940) was investigated with a view to their use in peroral controlled-release drug delivery systems. The structure of the synthesized products was investigated using FTIR spectroscopy and MT-DSC methods, which indicated that the synthesized product can be considered to be an IPEC stabilized by a cooperative system of ionic bonds. Based on results of capillary viscosimetry and elemental analysis, the IPEC prepared at pH 4.0 has a characteristic composition with a C940:EPO mole ratio of 1.75:1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By means of computer simulation and analytical theory, we first demonstrated that the interpolyelectrolyte complexes in dilute solution can spontaneously form hollow spherical particles with thin continuous shells (vesicles) or with porous shells (perforated vesicles) if the polyions forming the complex differ in their affinity for the solvent. The solvent was considered good for the nonionic groups of one macroion and its quality was varied for the nonionic groups of the other macroion. It was found that if the electrostatic interactions are weak compared to the attraction induced by the hydrophobicity of the monomer units, the complex in poor solvent tends to form "dense core–loose shell" structures of different shapes. The strong electrostatic interactions favor the formation of the layered, the hollow, and the filled structured morphologies with the strongly segregated macroions. Vesicles with perforated walls were distinguished as the intermediate between the vesicular and the structured solid morphologies. The order parameter based on the spherical harmonics expansion was introduced to calculate the pore distribution in the perforated vesicles depending on the solvent quality. The conditions of the core–shell and hollow vesicular-like morphologies formation were determined theoretically via the calculations of their free energy. The results of the simulation and theoretical approaches are in good agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, a large amount of research from experimental and theoretical points of view has been done on interpolyelectrolyte complexes formed by electrostatic attractive forces and/or interpolymer complexes stabilized by hydrogen bonds. By contrast, relatively less attention has been given to polymer–polymer complex formation with synthetic polyampholytes (PA). In this review the complexation of polyampholytes with polyelectrolytes (PE) is considered from theoretical and application points of view. Formation of intra- and interpolyelectrolyte complexes of random, regular, block, dendritic polyampholytes are outlined. A separate subsection is devoted to amphoteric behavior of interpolyelectrolyte complexes. The realization of the so-called "isoelectric effect" for interpolyelectrolyte complexes of water-soluble polyampholytes, amphoteric hydrogels and cryogels with respect to surfactants, dye molecules, polyelectrolytes and proteins is demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]