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Amphiphilic block copolymers comprise a fascinating class of smart materials due to their unique ability to self-organize, making them attractive candidates for a wide range of applications in materials engineering and medical sciences. The synthesis of these copolymers commonly involves harmful solvents, especially in classical living anionic polymerization. With the development of reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) and polymerization–induced self-assembly (PISA), an environmentally more friendly and versatile method has been established for the synthesis of such amphiphilic block copolymers. Through the utilization of visible light to initiate polymerization through the so-called photoiniferter process, we emphasize the adaptability of this photopolymerization in different scales although the incident light illuminates only the surface area of the reaction vessels. We describe an easily adjustable, blue-light-initiated RAFT PISA approach to synthesize a series of amphiphilic poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide)–block–polystyrene (PDMA–b–PS) and poly(4-vinylpyridine)–block–polystyrene (P4VP–b–PS) diblock copolymers with low molecular weight dispersities. The polymerizations were conducted as both two-step and semibatch processes. Furthermore, the effect of scalability on the polymerization kinetics was investigated, proving the light-induced RAFT polymerization as a scalable polymerization method in a batch process with a reaction volume of up to 500 mL. The bulk morphology of both resulting diblock copolymers having different weight fractions of the minor and major blocks was analyzed. While a cylindrical PDMA microdomain in a PS matrix can be observed at 20–25% by weight of PDMA, the equivalent composition reveals a spherical morphology of P4VP domains in a PS matrix. In essence, the scalable, rather eco-friendly photoinduced synthesis of tailored, nanostructured block copolymers without harmful solvents significantly increases their suitability for applications.

The proliferation of microplastics (MPs) represents a burgeoning environmental and health crisis. Measuring less than 5 mm in diameter, MPs have infiltrated atmospheric, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems, penetrating commonplace consumables like seafood, sea salt, and bottled beverages. Their size and surface area render them susceptible to chemical interactions with physiological fluids and tissues, raising bioaccumulation and toxicity concerns. Human exposure to MPs occurs through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. To date, there is no direct evidence identifying MPs in penile tissue. The objective of this study was to assess for potential aggregation of MPs in penile tissue. Tissue samples were extracted from six individuals who underwent surgery for a multi-component inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP). Samples were obtained from the corpora using Adson forceps before corporotomy dilation and device implantation and placed into cleaned glassware. A control sample was collected and stored in a McKesson specimen plastic container. The tissue fractions were analyzed using the Agilent 8700 Laser Direct Infrared (LDIR) Chemical Imaging System (Agilent Technologies. Moreover, the morphology of the particles was investigated by a Zeiss Merlin Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), complementing the detection range of LDIR to below 20 µm. MPs via LDIR were identified in 80% of the samples, ranging in size from 20–500 µm. Smaller particles down to 2 µm were detected via SEM. Seven types of MPs were found in the penile tissue, with polyethylene terephthalate (47.8%) and polypropylene (34.7%) being the most prevalent. The detection of MPs in penile tissue raises inquiries on the ramifications of environmental pollutants on sexual health. Our research adds a key dimension to the discussion on man-made pollutants, focusing on MPs in the male reproductive system.