Thermally induced coupling of poly(thiophene)-based block copolymers prepared by Grignard metathesis polymerization: a straightforward route toward highly regioregular multiblock conjugated copolymers

in Macromolecules (2012), 45(17), 6796-6806

We report on a convenient and simple process to prepare highly regioregular poly(thiophene)-based multiblock copolymers by a novel thermally induced coupling reaction. Diblock copolymers of 3 ... [more ▼]

We report on a convenient and simple process to prepare highly regioregular poly(thiophene)-based multiblock copolymers by a novel thermally induced coupling reaction. Diblock copolymers of 3-hexylthiophene (3HT) and 2,5-dibromo-3-(2-(2-tetrahydropyranyl-2-oxy)ethyl)thiophene (THPET) end-capped by a nickel complex (Br-P3HT-b-PTHPET-Ni(dppp)Br) are first prepared using Ni(dppp)Cl2 as catalyst at 30 °C by Grignard metathesis polymerization (GRIM process). The coupling of these α-bromo, ω-Ni(dppp)Br telechelic diblock copolymers then occurs by heating the solution of the copolymer at 80 °C for a few hours without adding any additional reagent. Reactions are complete in only 10 min when heating the copolymer at 120 °C using microwaves. The deprotection of the alcohol groups of PTHPET blocks allows further modifications such as the incorporation of acrylates by esterification. AFM analysis on thin films shows the influence of the nature of side chains (protected alcohol or acrylate), the molecular weight, and the architecture (diblock or multiblock) of the copolymer on the supramolecular organization of the polythiophene chains. [less ▲]

Synthesis and electrografting of new functional polythiophenes onto transparent electrodes for organic solar cells

Poster (2010, November 29)

Improved performances of intraocular lenses by poly(ethylene glycol) chemical coatings

in Biomacromolecules (2007), 8(8), 2379-2387

Cataract surgery is a routine ophthalmologic intervention resulting in replacement of the opacified natural lens by a polymeric intraocular lens (IOL). A main postoperative complication, as a result of ... [more ▼]

Cataract surgery is a routine ophthalmologic intervention resulting in replacement of the opacified natural lens by a polymeric intraocular lens (IOL). A main postoperative complication, as a result of protein adsorption and lens epithelial cell (LEC) adhesion, growth, and proliferation, is the secondary cataract, referred to as posterior capsular opacification (PCO). To avoid PCO formation, a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chemical coating was created on the surface of hydrogel IOLs. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, “captive bubble” and “water droplet” contact angle measurements, and atomic force microscopy analyses proved the covalent grafting of the PEG chains on the IOL surface while keeping unchanged the optical properties of the initial material. A strong decrease of protein adsorption and cell adhesion depending on the molar mass of the grafted PEG (1100, 2000, and 5000 g/mol) was observed by performing the relevant in vitro tests with green fluorescent protein and LECs, respectively. Thus, the study provides a facile method for developing materials with nonfouling properties, particularly IOLs. [less ▲]