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Alginate based comb copolymers were synthesized by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT). Alginate was used both in its supplied (213 kDa) and depolymerized (73 kDa) forms and prepared into a macroRAFT agent by solubility modification with tetrabutyl ammonium ions and functionalization with a RAFT agent on its hydroxyl moieties. Poly(oligo ethylene glycol methacrylate) (POEGMA) was then polymerized from the macroRAFT agents in organic solvent demonstrating pseudo first-order kinetics. The copolymers dissolved well in a range of organic solvents and demonstrated self-assembly into nanoparticles upon the introduction of calcium chloride in both aqueous and methanolic solutions with particle sizes ranging between 100 and 500 nm. Remarkable encapsulation efficiencies of 4-n-butylresorcinol, a lipophillic active pharmaceutical ingredient, were demonstrated in methanol, and a sustained release profile was observed over 6 hours in aqueous acidic media. These new materials complement a growing library of biodegradable and sustainable polymers that show notable potential for the use in encapsulation and drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer-grafted porous hollow silica nanoparticles prepared by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerisation have an upper critical solution temperature of 45 °C. Conjugation of 5 nm gold nanoparticles onto polymer-grafted porous hollow silica nanoparticles enables remarkable specific photothermally-induced controlled release of encapsulated Rhodamine B by laser-stimulation at physiological temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A combination of thiol-yne chemistry and esterification reactions were successfully applied for the preparation of dendrimers with an array of terminal functionalities via the divergent growth strategy; maximizing the number of reactive chain ends whilst minimizing the number of reaction steps required in the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A combination of thiol–yne chemistry and esterification reactions were successfully applied for the preparation of dendrimers with an array of terminal functionalities viathe divergent growth strategy; maximizing the number of reactive chain ends whilst minimizing the number of reaction steps required in the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]