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New synthetic self-assembling macromolecules mimic nature
March 20, 2007Blacksburg, Va. - We take "self-assembly" for granted when it is carried out by the biopolymers which are our hair, teeth, or skin. But when scientists devise new ways for molecules to self assemble into new materials, it is an important achievement.
Researchers with the Macromolecules and Interfaces Institute (MII www.mii.vt.edu) at Virginia Tech report such a development in the online issue for the Journal of the American Chemical Society, in the article, "Aggregation of Rod-Coil Block Copolymers Containing Rigid Polyampholyte Blocks in Aqueous Solution" (10.1021/ja070422+) and at the 233rd National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) in Chicago, March 25-29.
S. Richard Turner, MII director and research professor of chemistry at Virginia Tech, and Min Mao, a Ph.D. candidate in polymer chemistry, report the synthesis of a new family of charged, rod-like block copolymers. Only as long as a fraction of the diameter of human hair, the tiny rods can be either positive or negative, or can have alternating positive and negative charges along the backbone. The rods self-assemble and the aggregated structures are remarkable stable in saline solution, Turner said.
"The early results of this study suggest that these charged polymers self-assemble by like-charge interactions similar to such natural polymers as DNA," said Turner. "The stable self-assembled structures could have potential applications in drug delivery and gene delivery systems."
But more immediate, "These unique block copolymers can be instructive models in understanding the forces that lead to the dense packing of DNA when complexed with viruses and other polymers," he said.
Virginia Tech
"The early results of this study suggest that these charged polymers self-assemble by like-charge interactions similar to such natural polymers as DNA," said Turner. "The stable self-assembled structures could have potential applications in drug delivery and gene delivery systems."
But more immediate, "These unique block copolymers can be instructive models in understanding the forces that lead to the dense packing of DNA when complexed with viruses and other polymers," he said.
Virginia Tech
Copolymers Current Events and Copolymers News RSSBerkeley Researchers Find New Route to Nano Self-Assembly
If the promise of nanotechnology is to be fulfilled, nanoparticles will have to be able to make something of themselves. An important advance towards this goal has been achieved by researchers with the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) who have found a simple and yet powerfully robust way to induce nanoparticles to assemble themselves into complex arrays.
Pluronic L-81 is a potential anti-diabetic drug?
Pluronic surfactants are synthetic copolymers based on ethylene oxide and propylene oxide.
Self-assembling polymer arrays improve data storage potential
A new manufacturing approach holds the potential to overcome the technological limitations currently facing the microelectronics and data-storage industries, paving the way to smaller electronic devices and higher-capacity hard drives.
New Chlorine-Tolerant, Desalination Membrane Hopes to Boost Access to Clean Water
A chemical engineering professor at The University of Texas at Austin is part of a team that has developed a chlorine-tolerant membrane that should simplify the water desalination process, increasing access to fresh water and possibly reducing greenhouse gases.
NIST team develops novel method for nanostructured polymer thin films
All researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) wanted was a simple, quick method for making thin films of block copolymers or BCPs (chemically distinct polymers linked together) in order to have decent samples for taking measurements important to the microelectronics industry.
Carnegie Mellon U. chemists advance organic semiconductor processing
Any machinist will tell you that a little grease goes a long way toward making a tool work better. And that may soon hold true for plastic electronics as well.
Virginia Tech chemists create new polymers by adding DNA base pairs
Chemists at Virginia Tech are creating new polymers by adding DNA base pairs. Attributes include improved stretchable behavior and self-healing polymer films and coatings.
Sandia experimental package of piezoelectric films to be part of NASA space station experiment
For the past three years a Sandia research team headed by Mat Celina has been investigating the performance of various piezoelectric polymer films that might one day serve as ultra-light mirrors in space telescopes.
From 2-D blueprint, material assembles into novel 3-D nanostructures
An international team of scientists affiliated with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center has coaxed a self-assembling material into forming never-before-seen, three-dimensional nanoscale structures, with potential applications ranging from catalysis and chemical separation to semiconductor manufacturing.
New polymers for applications in nanopatterning and nanolithography
The Cidetec Technological Centre continues to invest in nanotechnology development with its participation in the European NAPA (Emerging Nanopatterning Methods) project. The research institution is directing a working subgroup to develop new thermoplastic polymers for applications in nanopatterning and nanolithography.
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Block Copolymers: Synthetic Strategies, Physical Properties, and Applications by Nikos Hadjichristidis (Author), Stergios Pispas (Author), George Floudas (Author) Polymers may be classified as either homopolymers, consisting of one single repeating unit, or copolymers, consisting of two or more distinct repeating units. Block copolymers contain long contiguous blocks of two or more repeating units in the same polymer chain. Covering one of the hottest topics in polymer chemistry, Block Copolymers provides a coherent overview of the synthetic routes, physical properties, and applications of block copolymers. This pioneering text provides not only a guideline for developing synthetic strategies for creating block copolymers with defined characteristics, but also a key to the relationship between the physical properties of block copolymers and the structure and dynamics of materials. Covering features of the chemistry and physics of block... |
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Celcon Acetal Copolymer "Push to Connect" - Reducing Union, 5/16" x 1/4" by Small Parts These innovative Push to Connect O.D. fittings are easy to install. Simply push the tubing into the fitting and installation is complete. These fittings are made for semi-rigid tubingand hard wall tubing. Connections are leak proof and have no flow restrictions. Fittings have a working pressure up to 150 psi and a full vacuum rating. The body is made of Celcon Acetal Copolymer. O-rings are made from and F.D.A. sanctioned formulation of Nitrile Rubber. Each fitting comes with collet covers to prevent accidental disconnection. |
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Kershaw Pink DWO Knife with AUS6A Stainless-Steel Blade and Pink Injection-Molded Co-Polymer Handle by Kershaw Get a grip on one of Kershaw's hardest working pocketknives. It's the D.W.O. Classic, a small but mighty clip-blade knife that weighs in at less than 2 ounces and takes up just over 3 inches of space when closed. Our newest D.W.O. is the D.W.O. Pink. And while the pink color is just plain fun, the durable co-polymer handle serves a very practical purpose. It provides a comfortable grip and non-slip control in most any outdoor condition, from desert hot and dry to monsoon wet. The lock back design makes it safe to use and is easy to release when you want to close the knife. The D.W.O. even has a built-in slot to hold a lanyard. The work-tough D.W.O. is the ideal companion for pocket, glove compartment, toolbox, or truck box. All feature the Kershaw comfortable co-polymer handle for a... |
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Pelican Protector Case 1600 with Padded Dividers - Case - copolymer - orange by Pelican Unbreakable, watertight, dustproof, chemical resistant and corrosion proof. These are some of the features of this Pelican Protector Case that offers total protection for your equipment. It is made of Ultra High Impact structural copolymer that makes it extremely strong and durable. Its exclusive 1/4" (6.4 mm) neoprene o-ring and ABS latches seal perfectly and includes an automatic purge valve for quick equalization after changes in atmospheric pressure. Your equipment can fit into the high density foam or padded dividers for total protection against impact, vibration or shock. |
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6 Compartment Cafeteria Tray Co-Polymer, 2x2, All Rectangular Compartments by Cambro Cambro 1596CP Unique design lets you fit two trays side by side in a standard dishwasher tray rack. Saves water and cuts dishwashing time in half. Gradual slope compartment walls promote faster drying. Easy grip handles provide a secure grip for child |
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Boston Acoustics S35 3-1/2" 2-way car speakers by Boston Acoustics 2-way 3-1/2" speakers (pair) * copolymer woofer cone with rubber surround * 3/4" Type-S3 soft dome tweeter * power range: 2-30 watts RMS (60 watts peak power) * |
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ProFlex 200 Short Light Duty Copolymer Knee Pad , Black by Proflex |
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Builders Edge Round Vent (120032222-117) by Builders Edge,, Inc. Sold as each. 22"H x 22"W x 2"D. 16" x 16" rough opening. 50 sq. in. venting area. Fully screened. Copolymer. 40 year limited warranty. White. Boxed. Manufacturer number: 120032222-117. SKU #: 5112008. Country of origin: (TBA). Distributed by Builders Edge,, Inc. |
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